The True Cost of Watching Every NFL Game This Season: $665
As the NFL season kicks off, fans are preparing for an exciting array of games, but those hoping to stream every single game will face a hefty price tag of $665. This cost reflects the fragmented nature of streaming rights for NFL games, which are distributed across multiple services. Here’s a breakdown of what fans need to budget for to catch all the action.
Streaming Service Breakdown
- Amazon Prime Video: Thursday Night Football
- Cost: $139/year (Prime membership)
- Coverage: Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive rights for Thursday Night Football. To watch these games, fans need an Amazon Prime membership, which includes various benefits beyond just NFL games.
- Peacock: Sunday Night Football
- Cost: $79.99/year (Peacock Premium)
- Coverage: Peacock streams Sunday Night Football games. This service offers a range of additional content, including movies and TV shows, but requires a premium subscription for live sports.
- ESPN+: Monday Night Football
![]()
- Cost: $149.99/year (ESPN+)
- Coverage: ESPN+ provides coverage for Monday Night Football. The subscription also includes other sports coverage and exclusive content from ESPN’s extensive library.
- NFL+:
- Cost: $79.99/year (NFL+)
- Coverage: NFL+ offers access to live local and primetime games on mobile devices, as well as game replays and exclusive content. This service is crucial for catching every game if you’re on the go.
- Paramount+:
- Cost: $79.99/year (Paramount+ Premium)
- Coverage: Paramount+ streams a selection of games, particularly those broadcast on CBS, including some early Sunday games.
- Hulu + Live TV:
- Cost: $84.99/month
- Coverage: Hulu + Live TV includes access to channels like Fox, CBS, and NBC, allowing viewers to watch games broadcast on these networks. This subscription also provides access to a range of other channels and streaming content.
- YouTube TV:
- Cost: $72.99/month
- Coverage: YouTube TV also provides access to major networks broadcasting NFL games, including NBC, CBS, and Fox. This service offers a comprehensive range of channels and is an alternative for cable-free viewing.
Additional Costs and Considerations
- Local Channels: Depending on your location, some games may be available on local channels that are included with basic streaming packages or through over-the-air antennas.
- Bundling Options: Some services offer bundles that may reduce the overall cost. For instance, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer comprehensive packages that include many channels broadcasting NFL games.
- Regional Sports Networks: In certain regions, NFL games might also be available on regional sports networks, which may require additional subscriptions or packages.
The total cost of streaming every NFL game this season amounts to $665, a reflection of the fragmented streaming landscape. With each service offering exclusive coverage for different games, fans need multiple subscriptions to catch all the action. As the NFL continues to expand its streaming partnerships, the cost of watching every game could fluctuate, but the current setup highlights the need for careful planning and budgeting for avid football fans.
