Users rejoiced to learn that DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM were filling in one of the last remaining gaps in their channel lineups this summer, as the announcement rang out that the company was adding both NFL Network and NFL RedZone for users on various subscription plans.

The NFL Network joined the channel lineup on July 17, and is available to all subscribers. Customers on the Entertainment channel package — which runs $74.99 per month — can add the Sports Pack of channels to get NFL Network, but customers who subscribe to the Choice Package ($99.99 monthly) or above will see the channel included in their base channel lineup.

But if NFL Network is available so far ahead of the NFL regular season — which does not kick off until Thursday, Sep. 7 when the Kansas City Chiefs host the Detroit Lions — why isn’t NFL RedZone also available now? We’ve got your answer below, and we’ll fill you in on all of the NFL games and programming you can watch with a DIRECTV STREAM subscription.

Why Isn’t NFL RedZone Available on DIRECTV, DIRECTV STREAM Yet?

NFL RedZone offers users the ability to watch up to eight games at once, crossing time zones and broadcasting barriers to show audiences the top moments from every NFL game being played. Hosted by Scott Hansen, the channel offers seven straight hours of non-stop football every Sunday afternoon.

The reason the channel isn’t available yet is that it exclusively broadcasts the best of live games while they are in action. That means there won’t be much to show on NFL RedZone until the first Sunday of the regular season (Sept. 10), so fans shouldn’t expect to see it on DIRECTV or DIRECTV STREAM before then. Generally, when the channel is not broadcasting, it will just have a graphic indicating that Hansen and company will be back on Sunday with some dramatic music playing underneath.

It is likely that DIRECTV will add the channel in the week or weeks leading up to the season, but until games begin in earnest on Sunday, Sept. 10, there won’t be anything there worth seeing.

What Channel Will NFL RedZone Be on When it Does Launch on DIRECTV STREAM?

DIRECTV has confirmed to The Streamable that NFL RedZone will be on Channel 211 when it becomes available.

How Much Will it Cost to Get NFL RedZone on DIRECTV STREAM?

Unlike the NFL Network, NFL RedZone will not be available in the base channel lineup of any DIRECTV or DIRECTV STREAM package. To get it, users must be subscribed to an Entertainment Package or above, and purchase the Sports Pack add-on for an additional $14.99 per month.

What Channels Are Available in DIRECTV’s Sports Pack?

The Sports Pack add-on gives users access to a wide variety of different channels, covering college and professional sports. Users who subscribe to the Choice plan and above who decide to snag the Sports Pack also get access to more than 30 out-of-market regional sports networks (RSNs), so watching the end of the MLB season and the start of the NHL and NBA seasons will be a snap.

What Other NFL Content Will Be Available on DIRECTV STREAM This Season?

NFL fans considering a DIRECTV STREAM subscription this season will be thrilled to learn that the service will carry each of the channels necessary to watch their local team this season. NFL games will be broadcast on Fox, CBS, and NBC every Sunday, with “Monday Night Football” airing on ESPN and occasionally ABC each Monday.

NFL Network will be the exclusive home of five games in 2023, but its recent addition to DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM means users are covered. There are only a handful of NFL games that won’t be available this season with a DIRECTV STREAM account, including national broadcasts of “Thursday Night Football” contests, which are Prime Video exclusives. If you live in the local market of one of the teams playing in a “TNF” game though, you’ll still get a local broadcast of the game through DIRECTV STREAM. Other streaming-exclusive regular-season NFL contests in 2023 will appear on Peacock and ESPN+.

A current carriage dispute between DIRECTV and Nexstar has knocked local affiliates of ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC off the air in many markets for DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM customers. Hopefully, the dispute will be resolved before the start of the regular season, but users can also purchase a digital antenna in order to watch any NFL games shown in their local market if it continues to drag out.

Does DIRECTV STREAM Have Any Special Deals Available?

It does indeed! For a limited time, new DIRECTV STREAM customers can get $10 off per month for their first three months of service, for a total value of $30. That’s after the standard five-day free trial that all new customers get to make sure the service is right for them.

Not enough value, you say? Try this on for size: DIRECTV STREAM offers new users three months of access to premium streaming services such as Max, SHOWTIME, MGM+, STARZ, and Cinemax completely free. You can pick one or all of these services, and watch free with your DIRECTV STREAM subscription for 90 days.

5-Day Trial

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DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

$59.99+ / month

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