Watching the NFL no longer means simply turning on the same television package every Sunday.
As more games move to streaming platforms, football fans may need several subscriptions to keep up with the full 2026 season. Local broadcasts remain important, but exclusive games on Prime Video, Netflix and other services have made following every matchup more complicated and potentially more expensive.
For fans who want the widest possible access, the combination of a live TV service, NFL Sunday Ticket, Prime Video and Netflix provides one of the clearest paths to following nearly the entire season.
Depending on the services and promotions selected, however, the total can climb above $600 over several months.
Here is what NFL fans should know before choosing a streaming setup.
Live TV services cover many NFL games
A live-TV streaming service can provide access to many of the networks that carry NFL games, including CBS, FOX, NBC and ESPN.
Fubo offers more than 200 channels and includes several major sports networks. Plans start at $54.99 per month, with promotional offers and a trial available at the time of the source’s publication. NFL RedZone is also available through an additional sports package.
Sling TV offers a lower cost alternative, with Sling Orange starting with a selection of sports focused channels and Sling Blue offering more than 40 channels. Depending on the market and package, fans can also add sports programming.
YouTube TV provides local and national broadcasts along with a range of sports channels. Its Sports plan was listed at $44.99 per month for the first six months before increasing to $64.99. The service also serves as the home for NFL Sunday Ticket.
Hulu + Live TV is another option, offering more than 100 channels, although local channel availability can vary by market. Plans listed in the source start at $89.99 per month.
NFL Sunday Ticket is key for out of market games
For fans who want to follow games that are not available in their local market, NFL Sunday Ticket is an important addition.
The package is available through YouTube TV and requires a YouTube TV subscription. At the time of publication, the YouTube TV base plan was listed at $82.99 per month, with a promotional rate of $67.99 for five months.
A separate Sports plan was listed at $44.99 per month for the first six months and $64.99 afterward.
For new customers, NFL Sunday Ticket was priced at $240, or eight monthly payments of $30. Returning customers faced a higher price of $378, or eight payments of $47.25.
The exact combination that makes sense depends heavily on whether a fan primarily watches local games or follows a team that frequently plays outside their local market.
Thursday Night Football moves to Prime Video
Prime Video remains the primary destination for Thursday Night Football.
Amazon has held exclusive streaming rights for the regular Thursday night schedule since 2022 under a long-term agreement with the NFL.
Prime Video costs $8.99 per month on its own, while an Amazon Prime membership costs $14.99 per month and includes Prime Video along with other benefits.
The 2026 Thursday night schedule includes matchups featuring teams such as the Detroit Lions, Buffalo Bills, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs.
The first Thursday night game of the season, however, was scheduled as a Netflix exclusive, meaning Prime Video’s Thursday night coverage begins in Week 2.
Netflix now has its own NFL games
Netflix is expanding its role in NFL coverage, with five games scheduled for the 2026 season.
The lineup includes the San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia, a Green Bay Packers matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, two Christmas Day games and a January matchup that was still to be determined at the time of publication.
Netflix’s plans begin at $8.99 per month for its ad-supported option. Higher priced plans are available for viewers who want fewer or no ads and additional simultaneous viewing options.
Sunday Night Football remains on NBC and Peacock
Sunday Night Football continues to air on NBC, while Peacock provides a streaming option.
Peacock Premium was listed at $12.99 per month, while Premium Plus was priced at $19.99 per month.
Fans who already have access to NBC through a live-TV streaming service may not need a separate Peacock subscription for games available through their existing package.
Monday Night Football is available through ESPN
Monday Night Football remains connected to ESPN, with several streaming options available.
ESPN Unlimited was listed at $31.99 per month on its own. A bundle combining Disney+, Hulu and ESPN Unlimited was listed at $34.99 per month.
Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and certain Sling packages can also provide access to ESPN programming, depending on the plan and market.
CBS and FOX games require the right local access
CBS carries a significant portion of the NFL schedule, while FOX broadcasts another large group of Sunday games.
Paramount+ provides a streaming option for NFL games airing on CBS. Its Essential plan was listed at $8.99 per month, while Premium was $13.99.
FOX games can be accessed through services such as Fubo and YouTube TV. Sling can also provide FOX in select markets, while FOX One offers direct streaming access to local FOX affiliates and other FOX sports programming.
NFL RedZone is an extra option for serious fans
For viewers who want to follow multiple games simultaneously, NFL RedZone offers live coverage focused on scoring opportunities across the league.
Fubo offers RedZone through its Sports Plus package, while Sling and Hulu + Live TV also provide access through sports add ons.
The cost varies depending on the base service and package selected.
Ultimately, there is no single subscription that provides every NFL game. Fans who want comprehensive coverage should compare their team’s schedule, local channels and streaming exclusives before subscribing.
For many viewers, choosing the services that cover their favorite team’s games may be far more affordable than trying to access every matchup throughout the entire season.
