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Who wants the NFL? YouTube could make a compelling case

Who wants the NFL? YouTube could make a compelling case

The creator-driven video service has already hosted one NFL game, and could be in the mix for the league’s new international package.

David Satin
David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.
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David Satin
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Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.
Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.
2025 could see a wide range of NFL games stream when the schedule is released.

The NFL is making the rounds to its current media partners with a deal that will be expensive, but they might not have any choice but to accept. If they increase the rights fees they pay for their existing packages now, they’ll be able to dodge an opt-out clause that’s looming in 2029, which, if triggered, would send their rights to the open market instead, meaning that they could end up losing out on the only reliable ratings driver in the industry.

That puts bigger NFL partners like CBS and Fox in a bit of a financially captive position, but there are also opportunities for new buyers to get in on the action thanks to the increase in international games. At least four to five such contests could be available to media companies, depending on existing contractual commitments, and YouTube is expected to heavily pursue a bundle of games. What are its chances, and would that be a good move for customers? We’ll give a preview below.

Everything you need to know about YouTube pursuing the NFL

Does YouTube have a package of NFL games now?

YouTube doesn’t have a yearly NFL package as of now, but in 2025, it streamed its first live game in history. It hosted a game in Brazil on Friday, Sept. 5, and its live TV streaming service counterpart YouTube TV is the distributor of the out-of-market games platform NFL Sunday Ticket, as well.

Which NFL games could YouTube pursue in 2026?

The Brazil game was not part of a larger rights package, but YouTube’s international availability suits it well to stream a larger selection of such games. The NFL has games to sell in Brazil, Germany, Spain, London, and more, and NBC has already locked up the league’s debut game in Australia.

YouTube is a prime candidate to stream at least one of these games in 2026, and possibly more. Its first NFL game was a success from a technical and rating standpoint, and the league will likely have no trepidation about offering games there in the future.

Will YouTube becoming an NFL partner be good for fans?

The move to YouTube for a selection of NFL games could be a big win for fans, especially if those games were formerly only available on NFL Network. Taking them out from behind the cable paywall and making them available free to a global audience would obviously be a positive for fans who are continuously being asked to pay more for access to their favorite sports.

On the other hand, there will no doubt be a layer of fan confusion for the NFL and YouTube to fight through if it gets a more substantial or longer-running NFL package. Even older audiences are frequently using platforms like YouTube to watch videos, so the issue will be mitigated somewhat, and I think offering the games on a free service will help tech-wary fans grow more comfortable with watching.

How much will YouTube have to pay for NFL games?

Reports indicate that YouTube TV paid around $100 million or so for the rights to stream last year’s game in Brazil. If it were to secure a package of two or three games per season, factoring in a rights fee increase of 50% (as CBS will most likely have to pay for its Sunday package), and I can see the league asking for $500 million per year or so. That price can, of course, vary depending on several factors, including the number of games YouTube TV wants and the length of the deal it asks for.

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YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 60 channels for $82.99/month. This plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets. The base plan includes more than 100 live channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, FX, USA Network, and TNT. Local channels are included in most markets, making YouTube TV a full replacement for traditional cable for many viewers.

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Sports are a major focus for YouTube TV, with access to national and regional coverage, league networks, and marquee events. The service also serves as the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, available as an add-on, giving fans access to out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. YouTube TV also offers a smaller sports plan, allowing subscribers access to 30+ sports-oriented channels, including local networks in select markets.

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost, allowing subscribers to record as many shows as they want and keep recordings for up to nine months. The service is available across a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming players, mobile devices, and web browsers. New subscribers can typically start with a free trial, though the trial length may vary by promotion.

With its broad channel lineup, strong sports offerings, unlimited DVR, and wide device support, YouTube TV remains one of the most comprehensive live TV streaming services for viewers who want a traditional TV experience without a cable contract.

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New customers can save $15 per month for 5 months.

David Satin
David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.
Read full bio ›
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