Can I add NFL to Apple TV?
# Can I Add NFL to Apple TV? The Ultimate Guide
Apple TV has become one of the most popular devices for streaming entertainment to your TV. With its sleek interface, access to top apps like Netflix and Hulu, and integration with other Apple devices, it‘s easy to see why Apple TV is a favorite choice for cord-cutters and streamers.
But what about watching live sports, especially NFL games? Many wonder if they can add the NFL Network, NFL Sunday Ticket, or other football viewing options to their Apple TV. Here‘s what you need to know.
## Overview of NFL Viewing Options
There are a few main ways to watch NFL games and content through streaming:
– **NFL App** – The official NFL app offers some live NFL Network streaming, replays of games, and other on-demand NFL content.
– **NFL Network** – This is the NFL‘s 24/7 TV network with NFL news, analysis, and entertainment shows. It also airs some live games.
– **NFL Sunday Ticket** – This premium package from DIRECTV shows out-of-market Sunday afternoon games during the regular NFL season.
– **NFL+** – The new NFL streaming service offers live local and primetime regular season games on phones and tablets. The Premium tier adds full and condensed replays.
– **Live TV streaming services** – Options like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and others let you stream live NFL games from ESPN, NBC, Fox, CBS and more.
So can you get all of this NFL action directly on your Apple TV? Let‘s take a deeper look at each option.
## Accessing the NFL App on Apple TV
The [NFL App](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nfl/id389781154) is available as a free download in the App Store on Apple TV (4th gen and later). This gives you access to:
– Live streaming of NFL Network – Includes shows like Good Morning Football, Total Access, and NFL replays.
– Replays of past games – Full broadcasts and condensed games from 2009 season onwards.
– NFL Films programming – Documentaries, Hard Knocks episodes, and more on-demand.
– NFL News and highlights – Videos, stories, analysis, and press conferences.
This provides a decent amount of NFL content, though most live games require an additional subscription. But the availability of the NFL App and NFL Network makes Apple TV a suitable option for football fans.
## Can You Get NFL Sunday Ticket on Apple TV?
NFL Sunday Ticket shows live out-of-market Sunday afternoon games during the regular season. This premium package has been exclusive to DIRECTV satellite subscribers for many years.
Recently it was announced that Sunday Ticket will move to YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels starting in 2024. But currently it is still only available through DIRECTV.
There are a few ways Apple TV owners can access Sunday Ticket:
– Sign up for DIRECTV satellite + Sunday Ticket, then use credentials to authenticate the NFL App.
– Subscribe to the streaming version Sunday Ticket.TV for students or select areas. You can then stream through the NFL App on Apple TV or via the Sunday Ticket website and app.
– Try a streaming TV provider like fuboTV that may offer occasional Sunday Ticket access when renewing NFL deals.
So while Apple TV itself doesn‘t provide Sunday Ticket, you can leverage the NFL App to view games if you purchase it through various sources.
## Do Any Streaming Services Offer NFL Games on Apple TV?
Virtually every major live TV streaming service supports Apple TV, so you can use them to watch national and local NFL games on your Apple TV device.
Here are some top options that include NFL channels like CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN, and NFL Network:
– **[YouTube TV](https://tv.youtube.com/welcome/)** – $64.99/month. Has all the NFL channels. NFL RedZone channel available for $11/month more.
– **[Hulu + Live TV](https://www.hulu.com/live-tv)** – $69.99/month. Comes with ESPN, NBC, Fox, NFL Network, and RedZone for $10 more per month.
– **[FuboTV](https://www.fubo.tv/welcome)** – $69.99/month. Includes NFL Network, Fox, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and RedZone for $11 extra per month.
– **[Sling TV](https://www.sling.com/)** – Starts at $35/month. Get NFL RedZone as part of the Sports Extra add-on.
– **[DIRECTV Stream](https://www.directv.com/stream/)** – $69.99/month. Has all the NFL channels.
Most streaming services offer free trials so you can test them out. They provide the most comprehensive way to watch national and local NFL matchups each week on your Apple TV.
## Is Apple Getting NFL Sunday Ticket Exclusively?
There have been rumors that Apple could bid for and acquire the rights to NFL Sunday Ticket when DIRECTV‘s deal expires after 2022. This would potentially make Sunday Ticket exclusive to Apple TV+ streaming.
However, as mentioned above, it was recently announced that Sunday Ticket would move to YouTube starting in 2024, not Apple. So while Apple did likely make a strong bid, they ultimately did not secure exclusive rights.
That being said, Apple continues striking sports streaming deals, including a 10-year partnership with Major League Soccer. So it would not be surprising if they look to add exclusive NFL content down the line. But for the near future, Sunday Ticket will be available through YouTube and DIRECTV platforms, not Apple TV+.
## Can I Watch Games With NFL Plus on Apple TV?
The new [NFL+ platform](https://www.nfl.com/plus/learn-more) offers two subscription options to stream live NFL games and content without cable.
The base NFL+ plan at $4.99/month provides live local and primetime regular season games on mobile and tablets devices. There is currently no option to stream these games on TVs through Apple TV or other connected devices.
However, the NFL+ Premium package at $9.99/month does allow you to watch full game replays on TVs. While you can‘t live stream matchups, you can watch condensed or all-22 coaches film replays of every game on demand via Apple TV and other devices.
So NFL Plus does provide an affordable way for Apple TV users to watch NFL game replays on their big screen without a cable package.
## How to Watch ESPN and NFL Network on Apple TV
In addition to live games, many NFL fans want access to 24/7 NFL news and analysis programming on networks like ESPN and NFL Network.
The easiest way to get both on Apple TV is through a [live TV streaming service](https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/watch-espn-without-cable/) like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or Sling TV. Most carry the main ESPN channels and NFL Network for $35 to $65 per month.
Or you can get just NFL Network through:
– The NFL App – Provides some live NFL Network programming.
– NFL Game Pass – Includes NFL Network replays and on-demand shows with a subscription.
– Satellite provider like DIRECTV or DISH – Get NFL Network by subscribing to a base package.
Having a live TV streaming service will provide the most complete and flexible access on Apple TV for tuning into ESPN and NFL Network 24/7.
## Thursday Night Football on Apple TV and Prime Video
Starting in 2022, Amazon Prime Video becomes the exclusive streamer of Thursday Night Football. This provides Apple TV owners a few options for tuning into Thursday night games:
– Download the **Prime Video app on Apple TV** – Stream the games at no extra cost with a Prime membership.
– Use **AirPlay** from an iOS device – Mirror your iPhone or iPad screen to your Apple TV.
– Cast from the Prime Video mobile app – Cast Thursday Night Football to your Apple TV using the cast button in the mobile app.
Additionally, the Prime Video app is coming soon to Mac, so you‘ll be able to stream TNF on your Apple computer and send the video feed to Apple TV using AirPlay.
Between the native app and AirPlay, Apple TV owners have some convenient ways to watch Thursday Night Football through Prime Video this season.
## Will Apple TV Get Its Own NFL Streaming Package?
While Apple does offer some live sports like MLB games via Apple TV+, they have yet to secure a deal for any exclusive NFL content. However, here are some possibilities we could see down the line:
– **Partial Sunday Ticket Deal** – Apple could look to acquire rights to a portion of out-of-market Sunday games. Similar to how Prime Video got exclusive TNF rights.
– **Weekly Spotlight Game** – Apple may try to get exclusive rights to stream 1-2 marquee matchups per week on Apple TV+ as a way to draw subscribers.
– **NFL Plus on TVs** – Apple could negotiate rights to add the current NFL Plus mobile-only games to Apple TV devices in the future.
– **NFL Network 24/7 Stream** – Adding NFL Network as a live 24/7 channel on Apple TV+ would appeal to many football fans.
For now, Apple TV owners can get plenty of NFL action through the NFL App, live TV streaming, and add-ons like NFL Plus and Sunday Ticket. But don‘t be surprised if Apple makes a major push for exclusive NFL streaming rights once again in the coming years.
## The Cheapest Ways to Stream the NFL on Apple TV
Here are some budget-friendly options for watching NFL games and content on Apple TV this season:
– **NFL App** – Free access to NFL Network, replays, news. Just need the device.
– **NFL+** – $4.99/month or $39.99/year for replays and radio.
– **Sling TV** – Starts at $35/month and has ESPN, NFL Network, and RedZone available.
– **Prime Video** – Thursday Night Football is free for Prime members.
– **Locast** – This nonprofit app offers free local CBS, NBC, Fox, ESPN for some areas. Donations requested.
– **HD digital antenna** – Connect an antenna to access free local games in HD, where available.
While streaming services and packages provide more convenience and content, NFL fans on a tight budget can utilize the free and low-cost options above to enjoy football on Apple TV.
## Summary
While Apple TV itself doesn‘t include an all-in-one NFL streaming package yet, you still have plenty of ways to watch football through the device:
– Use the NFL App for NFL Network, replays, analysis.
– Subscribe to NFL Plus for full game replays.
– Get NFL Sunday Ticket through DIRECTV or YouTube TV.
– Utilize a live TV streaming service for national and local games.
– Stream Thursday Night Football through Prime Video.
– Consider free or cheap options like antennas and Locast where available.
The NFL viewing landscape continues to evolve quickly with new rights deals and streaming services. While Apple TV has not landed exclusive NFL content yet, you can still conveniently stream football now through various apps and add-ons. With Apple‘s growing sports presence, exciting NFL announcements could still be on the horizon.
