The NFL revealed this week its new partnership with a streaming service. This move seems aimed at maximizing their audience and, consequently, boosting profits for team owners.
Fans will need to join a list to watch NFL games in 2025. For now, it’s a free service. YouTube and YouTube TV will stream the NFL Opening Weekend game on Friday night, showcasing a nod to their international fanbase.
Which streaming service should you use for NFL games this year?
If you want to catch all NFL games this season, you’ll need subscriptions to Amazon Prime, Netflix, Peacock, and YouTube—along with access to ESPN via streaming or cable. YouTube TV or NFL+ are options for NFL Sunday Tickets, while Paramount+ and the new Fox One service will host Sunday afternoon matches if you don’t have cable or an antenna. It can add up rather quickly.
All games for a team’s home market remain available for free on local TV, which means, as League Commissioner Roger Goodell noted, most fans still have access to a similar number of free games as they have had for years. The only exception is in markets closely tied to the home team, where games might not air if they are behind a paywall.
Goodell pointed out that these streaming platforms are crucial for fans across the country and internationally, tapping into markets that previously had no access.
Additionally, he stressed that this strategy represents the NFL’s commitment to engaging the next generation of fans, which is particularly significant in today’s complex media landscape.
Why is the NFL distributing broadcast rights among various streamers?
The NFL is broadening its partnerships as part of its competitive strategy.
In 2021, the league secured unprecedented deals with Amazon, CBS, ESPN/ABC, FOX, and NBC, ensuring game broadcasts through the 2033 season. However, Peacock, Netflix, and YouTube were excluded. These three platforms will feature select games, including playoff matchups and notable Christmas games, likely to boost viewer numbers for future bidding opportunities.
As part of its TV agreements, the NFL includes opt-out clauses, meaning there are no immediate plans to extend rights beyond 2033. However, with the ongoing popularity of Thursday, Sunday, and Monday games, the NFL anticipates a significant increase in regular season games by 2029, as well as new international broadcasting opportunities. This positions the NFL to cash in on multiple offers, especially as prices rise among potential bidders.
What are the potential downsides of distributing NFL games to various partners?
The drawbacks of this approach seem limited. With the rise of digital media, more fans can access games during new viewing times—like Black Friday and Christmas, and other primetime slots. The more viewers, the better the payouts from networks and streaming services.
However, most fans must navigate multiple platforms to catch their desired games. Some technically challenged viewers might find it frustrating if a game isn’t easily accessible.
If you’re aiming to watch all NFL games, though, be prepared to spend roughly $40 more a month than traditional cable. It adds up to quite the investment—over $600 collectively for the NFL regular season.
How are NFL games performing in ratings?
NFL television ratings dipped 2% during the 2024 regular season, but the league remains one of the top-rated entities on TV. In 2024, 70 of the top 100 live shows were NFL related, competing with last year’s elections and the Summer Olympics. That number could potentially rebound now that those events have passed.
While TV ratings have seen a decline, Amazon Prime noted an 11% increase in internal ratings from 2023 to 2024. Netflix also found success, attracting an average of 24 million viewers during Christmas doubleheaders.
