NFL media consumption has increased majorly in recent years. Networks are paying record sums to broadcast games— just last year, ESPN/ABC paid an eyewatering $2.7 billion for broadcasting rights to Monday Night Football, arguably the league’s flagship ticket.
However, it is no longer just Networks that want a piece of the pie. As streaming has become more popular, now being one of the main ways we consume media, major services have emptied their pockets for broadcasting rights. This means that football fans can watch essentially any ticket both at home and on the go through their smart device/laptop. You can even stream the Super Bowl, with NFL odds predicting that we may see the San Francisco 49ers lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy this year. Let’s take a look at the best streaming services for fans to watch the NFL.
YouTube TV
In 2023, YouTube penned a six-year deal with the NFL for the right to exclusively stream the Sunday ticket. This means they can cover out-of-market games on Sundays. For an extra $10.99 per month, you can also add the sports package which includes 13 extra sports networks, including the NFL’s very own NFL RedZone. On top of their Sunday ticket, you can also stream live networks such as ABC, FOX, NBC, and CBS. The best thing about YouTube TV is its accessibility, due to the fact you can stream using your phone, TV, laptop/PC, games console, and any other device with streaming capabilities using their app. With unlimited DVR capabilities and up to six profiles for one account, YouTube TV is one of the overall best-streaming services full stop, let alone for the NFL.
Amazon Prime
Another streaming service that paid for exclusive broadcasting rights last year was Amazon Prime, where you can now watch the Thursday ticket. As well as an extensive on-demand catalog, Prime is now the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football, for which they parted ways with $1 billion. With their app, you can also tune in to the NFL Network to keep you up to date between games and on gamedays. With eight sports channels and 4K viewing capabilities, Amazon Prime is a welcome addition to the networks and streaming services with game tickets for the 2023 regular season and beyond.
Peacock
The rush for streaming services to secure exclusive tickets did not end with the seasoned vets already mentioned. The young up-and-comers Peacock showed they meant business when they paid $2 billion for Sunday Night Football. This is on top of a whole host of other sports broadcasts from the Premier League, WWE Network, and French Open to name a few. A subsidiary of NBCUniversal, you also have access to programming from their family networks. Like YouTube TV, Peacock allows up to six profiles per account and also has 4K streaming capabilities. You can stream using your phone, Roku and Fire TV devices, and gaming console with their app becoming available in 2020.
ESPN+
Although ESPN+ has minimal live coverage throughout the year, one thing they boast over other streaming services is full game replays throughout the year. Last season they hosted nine games over the course of the year including playoff games and the London games. They also have excellent tech capabilities allowing viewers to pause and rewind. Unfortunately, it does not offer 4K streaming, though it is considerably more affordable than other services. They also include ESPN’s original programming such as their 30 for 30 catalogs, however, this may not be the best service for those who want to watch live coverage of the NFL. ESPN+ is available to stream on nearly all devices through the ESPN app.
FUBO TV
Fubo TV is similar to YouTube TV in that they offer wide coverage for tons of networks, though they do not boast tickets like YouTube, Amazon, and Peacock. They have nearly 300 live channels to stream meaning you can watch almost all live games. This service is best for cord-cutters who want to cut down on their cable package and switch entirely to online streaming. With 4K viewing, you can also stream simultaneously on up to 10 devices at any one time, making this service perfect for families. The only downside to FUBO is their DVR limitations, which vary based on your paid plan, though the fact they have several plans that vary in price is a definite plus.
These are the best streaming services available to NFL fans. While all have their pros and cons, YouTube TV is likely the number one choice. However, there are plenty of alternatives and we are in a great position as fans with so many great services at our fingertips.
