Does YouTube TV Have Thursday Night Football? Your Definitive Guide

Yes, absolutely! YouTube TV is the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football (TNF) from 2023 onward. This marks a significant shift in how fans access this popular weekly NFL fixture, moving it entirely behind a streaming paywall. Let’s dive into the details of this game-changing partnership and answer all your burning questions about watching TNF on YouTube TV.

Everything You Need to Know About Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV

The National Football League (NFL) and Google (YouTube’s parent company) struck a deal that made YouTube TV the exclusive carrier of Thursday Night Football, starting with the 2023 season. This means that if you want to catch every Thursday night matchup, you’ll need a YouTube TV subscription. This move signified the NFL’s increasing embrace of streaming platforms and the growing dominance of cord-cutting in the media landscape. For NFL fans, it represents a new era of how they consume their favorite sport.

Why This Matters

Before this deal, Thursday Night Football was typically broadcast on a combination of traditional television networks (like Fox or CBS) and Amazon Prime Video. Now, Amazon Prime Video still produces the games, but YouTube TV is the only place to watch them live. The decision to partner with YouTube TV reflects the NFL’s desire to reach a wider audience, particularly younger viewers who are more accustomed to streaming content. It also aligns with the broader trend of live sports migrating to streaming services.

What It Means for You

For viewers, this means that if you want to watch Thursday Night Football, you must subscribe to YouTube TV. There is no alternative broadcast on traditional cable or satellite providers. The experience of watching remains very similar to previous years, with pre-game shows, halftime analysis, and post-game coverage all available. The key difference is that you are now accessing all of this content through a streaming platform that provides flexibility and accessibility beyond traditional television.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 of the most frequently asked questions about watching Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV, along with comprehensive answers to guide you through the process:

1. How Much Does YouTube TV Cost to Watch Thursday Night Football?

YouTube TV has a base subscription price, and Thursday Night Football is included in that standard package. You don’t need to purchase any add-ons or premium subscriptions to access TNF. The exact price of YouTube TV varies depending on location and promotional offers, but it’s typically priced competitively with other live TV streaming services. It is important to check YouTube TV’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information. Remember to factor in the overall value proposition of YouTube TV, which includes access to dozens of other live channels and on-demand content.

2. Can I Watch Thursday Night Football on Regular YouTube?

No, you cannot watch live Thursday Night Football games on the regular YouTube platform. The deal specifically designates YouTube TV as the exclusive broadcaster. While YouTube might host highlight clips or condensed game recaps, the full live games are only available with a YouTube TV subscription. This distinction is crucial, as many casual viewers may assume the content is freely available on the main YouTube platform, which it is not.

3. What Devices Can I Use to Watch Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV?

One of the great advantages of YouTube TV is its broad device compatibility. You can watch Thursday Night Football on virtually any device that supports the YouTube TV app, including:

• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony, etc.)
• Streaming devices (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast)
• Mobile devices (iOS and Android smartphones and tablets)
• Gaming consoles (PlayStation and Xbox)
• Web browsers (on your computer)

This flexibility ensures you can catch the games on your preferred screen, whether you’re at home or on the go.

4. Does YouTube TV Offer a Free Trial for Thursday Night Football?

YouTube TV often offers free trials to new subscribers. Checking their website is important to see if a free trial is available. If a free trial is available, this provides an excellent opportunity to test the service and watch Thursday Night Football games without initially paying for a subscription. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of the free trial, including the duration and any limitations.

5. Can I Record Thursday Night Football Games on YouTube TV?

Yes, YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage. This means you can record every Thursday Night Football game and watch it later at your convenience. The recordings are stored in the cloud, and you can access them from any device where you’re logged into your YouTube TV account. This is a significant advantage over traditional cable or satellite DVRs, which often have limited storage capacity.

6. Is Thursday Night Football Available in 4K on YouTube TV?

Select TNF games are available in 4K on YouTube TV, but it typically requires the 4K Plus add-on. This enhancement provides a noticeably sharper and more detailed viewing experience, provided you have a 4K-compatible TV and sufficient internet bandwidth. Check the specific game listings on YouTube TV to see if a particular Thursday Night Football broadcast is available in 4K.

7. Can I Watch Thursday Night Football Games Outside of the United States with YouTube TV?

Unfortunately, YouTube TV is currently only available in the United States. This means you cannot access Thursday Night Football games through YouTube TV if you are located outside of the US. To watch outside the US, you might have to explore options like NFL Game Pass International or other regional broadcasting agreements, depending on your location.

8. What Channel Number is Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV?

This is a trick question! YouTube TV doesn’t use traditional channel numbers like cable. You access Thursday Night Football by searching for it within the YouTube TV app or on the YouTube TV website. The games are prominently featured on the home screen when they are live, making them easy to find. You can also set reminders for upcoming games to ensure you don’t miss any action.

9. What if I Already Have YouTube Premium? Does That Include Thursday Night Football?

Having YouTube Premium does not automatically grant you access to Thursday Night Football. YouTube Premium removes ads from regular YouTube videos and includes YouTube Music Premium, but it is separate from YouTube TV, which is the exclusive home for live TNF games. You will need a separate YouTube TV subscription to watch Thursday Night Football.

10. Can I Watch Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV at a Bar or Restaurant?

Yes, as long as the bar or restaurant has a YouTube TV subscription and a compatible device. Many establishments that show sports are likely to subscribe to YouTube TV to offer their patrons access to Thursday Night Football. Ask your local bar or restaurant if they plan on showing the games, and encourage them to subscribe to YouTube TV if they don’t already.

11. What Happens if My Internet Connection Is Unstable While Watching Thursday Night Football?

An unstable internet connection can lead to buffering or interruptions while streaming Thursday Night Football on YouTube TV. YouTube TV automatically adjusts the video quality based on your internet speed to minimize buffering, but you can also manually adjust the quality settings within the app. For the best viewing experience, it is recommended that you have a stable and high-speed internet connection with sufficient bandwidth. Ethernet connections are generally more reliable than Wi-Fi.

12. Are There Any Alternative Ways to Watch Thursday Night Football Besides YouTube TV?

For the 2023 season onwards, YouTube TV is the exclusive home for live Thursday Night Football broadcasts in the United States. While Amazon Prime Video produces the games, they stream exclusively on YouTube TV. There are no other legitimate streaming or traditional television options for watching TNF games. Keep in mind that highlights and analysis will be available on other platforms.

In conclusion, if you want to watch Thursday Night Football, YouTube TV is your only port of call. With its wide device compatibility, DVR capabilities, and the possibility of 4K broadcasts, it offers a comprehensive and convenient way to enjoy this popular NFL event.