Look, I get it. You just want to sit down, crack a drink, and watch some 24/7 football without having to solve a math equation to find the right channel. But between the streaming wars and the NFL moving games like a shell game at a carnival, finding exactly where to watch NFL Network has become a bit of a headache in 2026.
Honestly, it’s not as simple as it was five years ago.
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You can't just assume every cable package or streaming site has it. Some "sports" bundles skip it to save a buck, and others bury it behind three different paywalls. If you're trying to catch the latest Good Morning Football episodes or those exclusive late-season Saturday games, you need a specific roadmap.
The Absolute Easiest Way to Get NFL Network Right Now
If you want the most direct route without signing a two-year blood oath with a cable company, you’re looking at NFL+. This is the league's own baby.
In 2026, the pricing has stabilized a bit, but it’s still tiered. The NFL+ Basic plan, which is roughly $6.99 a month (or $49.99 for the whole year if you’re smart about it), includes the live 24/7 feed of NFL Network.
There’s a catch, though.
If you want to watch live games on your big-screen TV through the app, NFL+ can be a bit finicky depending on the broadcast rights of that specific game. But for the actual NFL Network channel feed—the analysis, the news, the talk shows—the app works on your phone, tablet, and most smart TV devices like Roku or Apple TV. If you’re a die-hard who needs NFL RedZone too, you’ll have to pony up for the Premium tier at $14.99 a month.
Ditching Cable? These Streaming Services Are Your Best Bet
Maybe you’re over the whole "app-only" vibe and want a traditional channel flipper experience. You've got options, but they aren't cheap.
YouTube TV is basically the heavyweight champ here. It’s sitting at about $72.99 to $82.99 a month depending on whatever promo they're running this week, and it includes NFL Network in the base lineup. No extra "sports pack" required just to see Rich Eisen's face.
Then there’s Fubo. They market themselves as the "sports-first" streamer. They definitely have NFL Network, but be careful—they often tack on a "regional sports fee" if you live in an area with local sports networks. It can make that advertised price jump $10-$15 real quick.
- Hulu + Live TV: Included in the base plan. Plus you get Disney+ and ESPN+ bundled in, which is actually a decent value if you have kids or a soul.
- Sling TV: This is the "budget" pick, but it’s tricky. You must pick the Sling Blue package (or the Orange + Blue combo). Sling Orange alone does not have NFL Network. It has ESPN. Don't make that mistake.
- DirectV Stream: It’s there, but usually only in the higher-tier "Choice" or "Ultimate" packages.
The Cable Reality Check
Surprisingly, cable isn't dead. If you’re still rocking a box from Xfinity, Spectrum, or Cox, you likely already have access. The big win here is the "TV Provider" login.
If you pay for NFL Network at home, you can download the NFL app on your phone and use your cable credentials to watch for free. I do this all the time when I'm stuck at a wedding or a grocery store during a draft update. Just go to the settings in the NFL app, hit "Link Provider," and you're golden.
International Fans: The DAZN Factor
If you’re reading this from London, Mexico City, or anywhere outside the US and Canada, the game is totally different. The NFL shifted almost all its international heavy lifting to DAZN.
Basically, the "NFL Game Pass" as we knew it is now an add-on or a standalone subscription within the DAZN app. It carries the full NFL Network feed 24/7, plus every single live game. It's actually a much better deal than what we get in the States, which is kinda frustrating, but hey, that's the market.
What Most People Get Wrong About "Free" Streams
You’ll see a lot of "Watch NFL Network Free" links floating around Reddit or shady Twitter accounts. Just... don't.
Half the time they’re just phishing for your data, and the other half they lag so badly you’ll see the touchdown three minutes after your phone alerts go off. If you’re desperate for a free legal option, keep an eye on Pluto TV or The Roku Channel. They don't have the "Live" NFL Network channel, but they do have "NFL Channel," which plays older games and some NFL Films stuff for free. It’s not the same thing, but it’s a decent football fix in a pinch.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your current bills: If you have a mid-to-high tier cable package or a live TV streamer like YouTube TV, you probably already have it. Search your channel guide for "NFL."
- The "Mobile Only" Hack: If you just want to watch on your phone, get the NFL+ basic monthly plan. It’s the cheapest way to get the network legally.
- Audit your Sling: If you're a Sling subscriber, check your account. If it says "Orange," switch to "Blue" before the season starts so you don't miss the Thursday night build-ups.
- Use your login: Download the NFL app on every device you own and try logging in with your internet or cable provider credentials first—you might be surprised what’s already unlocked.