Yes, you absolutely can watch NFL football on Apple TV. The way you access NFL games on your Apple TV device has evolved, offering more options than ever before, even for those looking to watch NFL without cable Apple TV. This guide will delve into all the ways you can enjoy America’s favorite sport through your Apple TV, from regular season games to exclusive broadcasts.
Navigating Your NFL Viewing Options on Apple TV
Apple TV has become a central hub for entertainment, and that includes live sports. With evolving Apple TV NFL broadcast rights, the platform offers a dynamic way to catch your favorite teams. Whether you’re a die-hard fan wanting to know how to get NFL on Apple TV for every single game, or a casual viewer looking for specific matchups, we’ve got you covered.
NFL Sunday Ticket on Apple TV: The Big Game Changer
One of the most significant developments in recent NFL viewing is the move of NFL Sunday Ticket on Apple TV. For years, this package was exclusively available through DirecTV, requiring a separate satellite subscription. Now, Apple TV is the exclusive home for NFL Sunday Ticket, bringing all out-of-market Sunday afternoon games directly to your device.
This means that if a game isn’t being broadcast in your local market, you can still watch it on your Apple TV via NFL Sunday Ticket. This is a massive win for fans who previously had to rely on costly cable packages or less-than-ideal streaming alternatives.
What does NFL Sunday Ticket on Apple TV include?
- All Out-of-Market Sunday Afternoon Games: Access to every game played on CBS and FOX during the Sunday afternoon windows that aren’t broadcast in your local area.
- No Cable Required: Stream directly through your Apple TV device, eliminating the need for a traditional cable or satellite subscription.
- Flexible Viewing: Watch games at home or on the go with compatible devices.
How to Get NFL Sunday Ticket on Apple TV:
To access NFL Sunday Ticket on Apple TV, you will need a subscription. This is typically done through the Apple TV app itself or via the MLS Season Pass subscription. Keep an eye on Apple’s announcements for the most up-to-date subscription details and pricing each NFL season.
Apple TV Thursday Night Football: A Dedicated Experience
Apple TV has also secured broadcast rights for Apple TV Thursday Night Football. This means that select Thursday night games are now exclusively streamed through Apple’s platform.
Historically, Thursday Night Football games have had various homes, including NFL Network and FOX. With Apple’s involvement, these games are readily accessible for those who have an Apple TV device.
What to Expect with Apple TV Thursday Night Football:
- Exclusive Broadcasts: Certain Thursday night matchups will be exclusively available on Apple TV.
- High-Quality Streaming: Enjoy games in high definition with the seamless streaming capabilities of Apple TV.
- Integrated Experience: The NFL app on Apple TV often provides a unified gateway to these games.
How to Watch Thursday Night Football on Apple TV:
To stream NFL on Apple TV for Thursday Night Football, you typically need to have the Apple TV app and, depending on the specific deal for the season, potentially a subscription. Often, these games are available through a specific sports package or as part of a broader subscription service offered by Apple or a partner.
Apple TV Monday Night Football: Catching the Prime Time Action
While Monday Night Football has a long-standing home with ESPN and ABC, Apple TV can still be a gateway to these games through various subscription models. You might not always get exclusive rights, but you can certainly watch NFL games on Apple TV that are part of the Monday Night Football schedule.
How Monday Night Football Connects to Apple TV:
- ESPN App Integration: If you subscribe to ESPN or ESPN+, you can often stream Monday Night Football games through the ESPN app, which is available on Apple TV.
- ABC App Access: For games broadcast on ABC, you can often access them through the ABC app on Apple TV, provided you have a participating cable or streaming provider login.
- Potential for Direct Streaming: As broadcast rights evolve, Apple TV could potentially offer direct streaming options for Monday Night Football in the future, either through a dedicated NFL package or an expanded Apple TV+ offering.
NFL Plus on Apple TV: A Complementary Streaming Service
NFL Plus on Apple TV is another avenue to consider for NFL content. NFL+ is the league’s own streaming service, offering live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on mobile devices, plus on-demand replays and original programming.
While NFL+ primarily focuses on mobile viewing, its content can often be accessed on larger screens, including Apple TV, through mirroring or by accessing the NFL+ app where available.
Key Features of NFL Plus:
- Live Local Games: Watch games broadcast in your local market for free on your phone or tablet.
- Nationally Televised Games: Access live national games (Thursday, Sunday, and Monday night games) on your mobile device.
- Ad-Free On-Demand Content: Enjoy replays of games, condensed games, and exclusive original programming.
Accessing NFL Plus on Apple TV:
To stream NFL on Apple TV using NFL Plus, you would typically subscribe to the service directly from the NFL. Then, you would use the NFL app on your Apple TV and sign in with your NFL+ credentials. This allows you to bring the NFL+ content to your living room television.
The Apple TV NFL App: Your Central Hub
The Apple TV NFL app serves as a crucial interface for many NFL fans. This app consolidates NFL-related content, news, scores, and, importantly, links to where you can watch live games.
What the Apple TV NFL App Offers:
- Game Schedules and Scores: Stay up-to-date with live scores, schedules, and standings.
- Highlights and Recaps: Catch up on key moments from games you missed.
- News and Analysis: Get the latest news and expert insights from around the league.
- Links to Live Broadcasts: Crucially, the app often directs you to the platforms where live games are being broadcast, including the Apple TV app for exclusive content like NFL Sunday Ticket.
Using the Apple TV NFL App to Watch Games:
To watch NFL games on Apple TV through the app, you would navigate to the live games section. If a game is available through NFL Sunday Ticket or Thursday Night Football on Apple, you’ll likely find a direct link or prompt within the app to access it via the relevant Apple TV subscription.
Beyond Live Games: Other Ways to Get NFL on Apple TV
Even if you’re not subscribing to a specific NFL package, you can still enjoy NFL content on your Apple TV.
Watching NFL Without Cable Apple TV
This is a significant advantage of Apple TV’s evolving sports offerings. The ability to watch NFL without cable Apple TV is more accessible than ever.
- Live TV Streaming Services: Many popular live TV streaming services are available as apps on Apple TV. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV often include channels that broadcast NFL games (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network). By subscribing to one of these services, you can stream most regular season games directly on your Apple TV.
- Local Channel Apps: If you have an over-the-air antenna and a digital tuner, you can still watch local NFL broadcasts on channels like CBS, FOX, and NBC. While not directly through Apple TV, you can often use companion apps for these broadcasters on your Apple TV for news and highlights.
NFL Network and NFL RedZone on Apple TV
For the ultimate football immersion, many fans rely on NFL Network and NFL RedZone.
- Via Live TV Streaming Services: As mentioned, services like YouTube TV, Sling TV (Sports Extra package), and FuboTV often include NFL Network and NFL RedZone in their channel lineups. This is one of the most common ways to access these channels on Apple TV without cable.
- Potential for Direct Subscriptions: Keep an eye on whether these channels become available as standalone subscriptions directly through the Apple TV app or other streaming platforms in the future.
Understanding Apple TV NFL Broadcast Rights
The landscape of Apple TV NFL broadcast rights is dynamic. Apple’s increasing presence in sports broadcasting signifies a shift in how fans can access live games.
- Exclusive Rights: For packages like NFL Sunday Ticket and select Thursday Night Football games, Apple holds exclusive broadcast rights. This means these specific games are only available through Apple’s platforms.
- Partnerships: For other games, such as Monday Night Football, Apple TV acts as a platform where you can access these games through partnerships with existing broadcasters like ESPN or ABC, usually requiring a subscription to those services.
Summarizing How to Get NFL on Apple TV
Here’s a quick overview of the primary methods to get NFL on Apple TV:
| Method | What it Offers | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| NFL Sunday Ticket | All out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. | Subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket via Apple TV. |
| Apple TV Thursday Night Football | Exclusive Thursday night games streamed directly. | Varies by season; potentially a subscription or included with other Apple sports offerings. |
| Live TV Streaming Apps | Most regular season games (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network) via these channels. | Subscription to services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV. |
| NFL App/NFL+ | Live local/primetime games on mobile, on-demand content. Can often be viewed on Apple TV. | Subscription to NFL Plus. |
| ESPN/ABC Apps | Monday Night Football games when broadcast on these networks. | Subscription to ESPN/ESPN+ or a participating cable/streaming provider. |
| NFL Network/RedZone | Dedicated NFL channels for extensive coverage and whip-around action. | Subscription to a live TV streaming service that includes these channels. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need an Apple TV device to watch NFL games?
No, you do not necessarily need a physical Apple TV device. You can access NFL content on other devices that support the Apple TV app or the streaming services mentioned above (e.g., smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, mobile phones, computers). However, having an Apple TV device offers a streamlined experience for accessing Apple’s exclusive content.
Q2: Is NFL Sunday Ticket free with Apple TV+?
No, NFL Sunday Ticket is a separate subscription and is not included with a standard Apple TV+ subscription. You will need to purchase a dedicated NFL Sunday Ticket subscription.
Q3: Can I watch preseason NFL games on Apple TV?
Preseason game availability can vary. Some preseason games might be available through local broadcasts accessible via live TV streaming services or through NFL+. The NFL+ service, in particular, often carries preseason games.
Q4: Will all NFL games be available on Apple TV?
Not all games will be exclusively on Apple TV. Local games will still be broadcast on local channels. NFL Sunday Ticket covers out-of-market games, and specific prime-time games might be shared across different platforms or have exclusive homes. It’s best to check the weekly NFL schedule to see where specific games are being broadcast.
Q5: How can I stream NFL games if I don’t subscribe to a specific NFL package?
You can watch NFL without cable Apple TV by subscribing to a live TV streaming service that includes channels like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. These services allow you to stream NFL on Apple TV by downloading their respective apps.
Q6: What is the best way to watch NFL games on Apple TV?
The “best” way depends on your viewing habits.
* For all out-of-market Sunday games, NFL Sunday Ticket on Apple TV is the definitive option.
* For a broad selection of NFL games across various networks without cable, a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV is excellent.
* If you primarily want to follow specific teams or catch prime-time games, checking which channels they are on and ensuring your streaming service or subscription covers those channels is key.
By leveraging the capabilities of your Apple TV device and the evolving Apple TV NFL broadcast rights, you have more flexibility than ever to enjoy every touchdown, every interception, and every thrilling moment of the NFL season.