The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States, with millions of fans tuning in every week to catch their favorite teams in action. However, with the rise of cord-cutting and streaming services, watching NFL games has become more complicated than ever. One popular option for streaming live TV is Sling TV, but the question remains: can I watch NFL on Sling TV?
Understanding Sling TV’s NFL Coverage
Sling TV is a live TV streaming service that offers a range of channels, including sports networks like ESPN, FOX, and NBC. However, when it comes to NFL coverage, things get a bit more complicated. Sling TV does offer some NFL games, but the availability of these games depends on a few factors.
NFL on Sling TV: What’s Available?
Sling TV offers a limited selection of NFL games, mostly through its broadcast networks like FOX, CBS, and NBC. These games are typically available on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays, and are subject to blackout restrictions. This means that if you’re trying to watch a game that’s not available in your local market, you might not be able to access it on Sling TV.
Here’s a breakdown of the NFL games you can expect to find on Sling TV:
- Sunday afternoon games on FOX and CBS (select markets only)
- Monday Night Football on ESPN
- Thursday Night Football on FOX and NFL Network (select markets only)
NFL on Sling TV: What’s Not Available?
Unfortunately, Sling TV does not offer all NFL games, and some games are only available through other streaming services or traditional cable providers. Here are some NFL games and programming that you won’t find on Sling TV:
- Primetime games on NBC, including Sunday Night Football
- Monday Night Football games on ABC
- Thursday Night Football games on NFL Network (outside of select markets)
- NFL RedZone
- NFL Network programming, including NFL Total Access and Good Morning Football
- Out-of-market games, unless you have a subscription to NFL Sunday Ticket
How to Watch NFL on Sling TV
If you’re interested in watching NFL games on Sling TV, here’s what you need to know:
Sling TV Packages
Sling TV offers three main packages: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue. Only Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue offer NFL games, so you’ll need to choose one of these options to access NFL coverage.
Sling TV Package Comparison:
| Package | Channels | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Sling Orange | 30+ channels, including ESPN | $25/month |
| Sling Blue | 45+ channels, including FOX and NBC | $25/month |
| Sling Orange + Blue | 50+ channels, including ESPN, FOX, and NBC | $40/month |
Availability and Blackout Restrictions
As mentioned earlier, NFL games on Sling TV are subject to blackout restrictions. This means that if you’re trying to watch a game that’s not available in your local market, you might not be able to access it on Sling TV. To check availability in your area, you can use Sling TV’s channel finder tool.
Devices and Streaming
Sling TV is available on a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast. You can stream Sling TV on up to three devices at once, making it easy to watch NFL games with friends and family.
Alternatives to Sling TV for NFL Coverage
If you’re not satisfied with Sling TV’s NFL coverage, there are several alternatives to consider:
NFL Sunday Ticket
NFL Sunday Ticket is a subscription-based service that offers out-of-market games, allowing you to watch games that aren’t available in your local market. This service is available through DirecTV, but it’s a separate subscription from your regular TV package.
Other Streaming Services
Other streaming services, like Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and fuboTV, offer more comprehensive NFL coverage than Sling TV. These services often include local channels like CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as sports networks like ESPN and NFL Network.
Antenna
If you’re looking for a free option, you can consider using an antenna to receive over-the-air broadcasts of local channels like CBS, FOX, and NBC. This will give you access to some NFL games, but you’ll need to check your local broadcast schedule to see what games are available.
Conclusion
While Sling TV does offer some NFL games, its coverage is limited compared to other streaming services. If you’re a die-hard NFL fan, you might want to consider alternatives like NFL Sunday Ticket, Hulu with Live TV, or YouTube TV. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with some NFL coverage, Sling TV might be a good choice. Just be sure to check the channel lineup and availability in your area before signing up.
Remember, when it comes to watching NFL on Sling TV, it’s all about understanding what’s available and what’s not. With the right package and a little patience, you can catch your favorite teams in action without breaking the bank.
Can I Watch Live NFL Games on Sling TV?
Sling TV offers live NFL games, but the availability of games depends on the channel lineup of your Sling TV subscription. With the Sling Blue package, you can watch live NFL games on NBC, FOX, and the NFL Network. Additionally, you can also watch games on ESPN with the Sling Orange package. However, keep in mind that not all games are available on these channels, and some may be exclusive to other networks or streaming services.
It’s also important to note that Sling TV’s channel lineup varies by region, so the availability of NFL games may differ depending on your location. You can check Sling TV’s website to see which channels are available in your area and which NFL games you can watch live.
How Many NFL Games Can I Watch on Sling TV?
The number of NFL games you can watch on Sling TV depends on the channels included in your subscription. With the Sling Blue package, you can watch Sunday afternoon games on FOX, Sunday Night Football on NBC, and Monday Night Football on ESPN. You can also watch Thursday Night Football on the NFL Network, but only if you have the Sling Blue package.
In addition to live games, Sling TV also offers sports news and analysis programs, such as NFL Network’s Good Morning Football and NFL Total Access. However, Sling TV does not offer every NFL game, so you may need to supplement your subscription with other streaming services or NFL Sunday Ticket to watch every game.
Can I Watch NFL Playoffs and the Super Bowl on Sling TV?
Yes, you can watch NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl on Sling TV, but the availability of these games depends on the channels included in your subscription. The NFL playoffs are broadcast on various networks, including CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, which are all available on Sling TV. However, not all playoff games are available on Sling TV, as some may be exclusive to other networks or streaming services.
The Super Bowl, on the other hand, is typically broadcast on a single network, which rotates between CBS, FOX, and NBC each year. If you have a Sling TV subscription that includes the network broadcasting the Super Bowl, you can watch the big game live. However, if you don’t have a subscription to that network, you may need to consider alternative streaming options or purchase a one-time pass to watch the Super Bowl.
Do I Need a Cable Subscription to Watch NFL on Sling TV?
No, you do not need a cable subscription to watch NFL on Sling TV. Sling TV is a streaming service that allows you to watch live TV, including sports, without a traditional cable or satellite subscription. You can sign up for a Sling TV subscription and watch NFL games live, without any contracts or commitments.
However, you will need a stable internet connection to stream Sling TV, and the quality of your stream may vary depending on your internet connection speed. Additionally, some channels may require you to authenticate your subscription with a cable provider, but this is not typically the case for NFL games on Sling TV.
Can I Record NFL Games on Sling TV?
Yes, Sling TV offers a Cloud DVR feature that allows you to record NFL games and watch them later. With Cloud DVR, you can record up to 50 hours of content, including NFL games, and store them for up to 30 days. This feature is available on all Sling TV packages, including the Sling Orange and Sling Blue packages.
However, keep in mind that some channels, including the NFL Network, may not allow you to record their content. Additionally, some games may be subject to blackout restrictions, which means you may not be able to record or watch them live. Be sure to check Sling TV’s website for more information on Cloud DVR and any restrictions that may apply.
Can I Watch NFL on Sling TV on Multiple Devices?
Yes, Sling TV allows you to watch NFL games on multiple devices at the same time, but the number of devices you can use simultaneously depends on your subscription package. With the Sling Orange package, you can watch on one device at a time, while the Sling Blue package allows you to watch on up to three devices at the same time.
You can watch Sling TV on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast. Simply download the Sling TV app or access the website on your device, log in to your account, and start watching your favorite NFL games.
Is Sling TV Available Internationally?
Sling TV is currently only available in the United States and Puerto Rico. If you’re trying to access Sling TV from outside these regions, you’ll receive an error message saying that the service is not available in your area.
However, if you’re a U.S. resident living abroad or traveling internationally, you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access Sling TV. A VPN allows you to mask your IP address and appear as if you’re accessing the internet from a different location. This can allow you to access Sling TV from outside the U.S., but be sure to check Sling TV’s terms of service to ensure this is allowed.