NFL Fans: How to Stream the 2025-2026 Season Kickoff Live Without Cable
As the 2025-2026 NFL season approaches, football fans are seeking options to watch the opening game and all season long without customary cable subscriptions. While Amazon Prime Video will carry Thursday Night Football matchups throughout the season, it will not broadcast the frist game. The Washington Commanders will face the Green Bay Packers on September 11th,marking the first Amazon Prime Video game of the year.But how can fans catch the kickoff and subsequent games live, online, and perhaps for free?
The NFL offers several viewing packages and leverages partnerships wiht major broadcasters like Fox, CBS, NBC, and ESPN to ensure widespread access. Here’s a breakdown of your options for streaming NFL games this season:
Free Options & Over-the-Air Access:
Games broadcast on Fox, CBS, and NBC can be streamed for free via the networks’ respective apps and websites (with account authentication). Many viewers also utilize digital antennas to access these channels over-the-air, providing a cable-free viewing experiance. ESPN games require a cable or streaming subscription that includes the channel.
NFL Streaming Packages:
NFL App: Stream games broadcast locally in your market on Sundays.
NFL+: Offers live local and out-of-market games, with a premium subscription ($100/season) providing access to replays. The standard subscription costs $50 per season.
* NFL Sunday Ticket (via YouTube): provides access to all out-of-market games. Pricing varies: $83/month with YouTubeTV, $480/season for returning users (standalone), and $276/season for new users.
Other Streaming services:
Several live TV streaming services, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo, carry channels like Fox, CBS, NBC, and ESPN, offering comprehensive NFL coverage. These services typically require a monthly subscription fee.
New Rules Impacting Gameplay:
Beyond viewing options, the NFL has implemented rule changes for the 2025-2026 season. Following a touchback, the ball will be placed on the 35-yard line (previously the 25-yard line). Onside kicks can now be attempted at any point in the game,not just the fourth quarter. Overtime rules have also been adjusted, guaranteeing both teams a possession even if the first team scores, and overtime periods are limited to 10 minutes – mirroring the postseason format.
