by So, are NFL games on ESPN+? The short answer is yes, but not all of them. The streaming platform primarily serves as a complement to the main ESPN and ABC broadcasts, giving subscribers access to a limited but exclusive slate of games and a huge library of on-demand content. The partnership between the NFL and ESPN is a multi-billion dollar agreement that extends through 2033, and it outlines exactly which games you’ll find on which platform.
Live NFL Games on ESPN+
For the 2025-2026 season, live NFL games on ESPN+ are limited to a few specific types of matchups:
- Monday Night Football (MNF) Simulcasts: Most MNF games that air on ESPN are also simulcast on ESPN+, though a TV provider login is required to access the ESPN channel simulcast. The key question, are NFL games on ESPN+, often comes down to this specific event. In 2025, a few Monday Night Football games will be simulcast on both ABC and ESPN.
- Exclusive ESPN+ Games: As part of its new broadcast deal, ESPN+ will have exclusive streaming rights to a small number of Monday Night Football games. This is a big deal for cord-cutters who’ve been asking, are NFL games on ESPN+? These games won’t be available on regular ESPN, making an ESPN+ subscription a must-have for fans who don’t want to miss a single play. For instance, in Week 7 of the 2025 season, the Houston Texans at Seattle Seahawks game will be an ESPN+ exclusive.
- International Games: Historically, ESPN+ has been the home for exclusive international NFL games, particularly those played in London or Mexico. This practice continues, so when you wonder, are NFL games on ESPN+?, you should always check the schedule for those matchups.
- Select Preseason Games: The ESPN+ and NFL deal also includes rights to stream select out-of-market NFL preseason games. So, if you’re asking are NFL games on ESPN+ during the preseason, the answer is often yes.
What Else You Get: More Than Just Live Games
Beyond the live games, the value of an ESPN+ subscription for an NFL fan is in its robust selection of on-demand content. If you’re asking, are NFL games on ESPN+ for full replays and historical shows, you’re in luck. The service is a goldmine for NFL fanatics.
- Game Replays: You get access to full game replays of every Monday Night Football game. This is a fantastic feature for fans who missed the live broadcast and want to catch up. For many, this alone answers the question, are NFL games on ESPN+ in a way that makes the subscription worth it.
- Originals and Studio Shows: ESPN+ is the home of exclusive original programming, including the complete library of the critically acclaimed “30 for 30” series. You’ll also find exclusive shows like “Peyton’s Places” and “NFL Primetime,” which feature in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes stories. These shows answer the question, are NFL games on ESPN+ in a different way, providing rich context and entertainment beyond the live games.
- The NFL Draft: ESPN has a long history with the NFL Draft, and its streaming service extends that coverage. If you’re wondering, are NFL games on ESPN+ during draft season, the answer is a resounding yes, as you’ll get exclusive content and analysis that you can’t find anywhere else.
- Fantasy Football: If you’re a fantasy football player, ESPN+ has integrated tools and a daily show dedicated to helping you manage your team. For many, the value is in these tools as much as it is in the games.
How to Get ESPN+ and Watch NFL Content
If you’ve decided that the answer to “Are NFL games on ESPN+?” is a definite “yes” for your needs, you have a few options for subscribing. ESPN has recently updated its subscription model to give consumers more choice.
- ESPN Select (formerly ESPN+): This is the standalone ESPN+ plan, which costs $11.99 per month or $119.99 per year. This plan gives you access to the ESPN+ library, which includes exclusive live games, on-demand content, and a selection of live sports. If you’re only asking are NFL games on ESPN+ and not looking for other ESPN networks, this is the plan for you.
- ESPN Unlimited: This is ESPN’s new direct-to-consumer service. For $29.99 per month, you get access to all the ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, etc.), as well as all the content from the ESPN Select plan. This is the best option if you’re asking, are NFL games on ESPN and want to be sure you can watch every game broadcast on the network.
- The Disney Bundle: This is often the most cost-effective option. For $16.99 per month, you get ESPN Select, Hulu (with ads), and Disney+. This bundle is a great value, as it gives you a lot of entertainment for a very low price. For someone who is also interested in movies and shows, this answers the question, are NFL games on ESPN+ with a bonus of a lot more content.
Comparing ESPN+ to Other NFL Streaming Options
While ESPN+ offers a good amount of content, it’s not the only way to stream NFL games. The question, are NFL games on ESPN+, is a good start, but a full picture requires looking at the competition.
- NFL+: The NFL’s own streaming service, NFL+, offers live local and primetime games on your mobile device. For an additional fee, you can get NFL+ Premium, which includes NFL Network and NFL RedZone. While NFL+ gives you more live games on a mobile device, it doesn’t offer the rich on-demand library that ESPN+ does.
- Amazon Prime Video: Thursday Night Football games are exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video. So, if you’re asking are NFL games on ESPN+ on Thursdays, the answer is no, you’ll need a Prime membership.
- Peacock: NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, is the exclusive home for some NFL games, including the Sunday Night Football package. This is another example of a different streaming service being the answer to the question, are NFL games on ESPN+ for a specific night.
- YouTube TV & NFL Sunday Ticket: This is the ultimate option for out-of-market games on Sundays. If you want to watch every Sunday afternoon game, you’ll need an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription through YouTube TV. This is the most comprehensive way to watch, but it’s also the most expensive. The question, are NFL games on ESPN+, becomes less relevant if you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all games.
Conclusion: Are NFL Games on ESPN+?
So, are NFL games on ESPN+? Yes, but with some very important caveats. You’ll find a few exclusive live games, but the main value of an ESPN+ subscription for NFL fans is in the on-demand content and the occasional simulcast. It’s not a replacement for a full cable package or a service like NFL Sunday Ticket, but it’s an excellent addition for die-hard fans who want to dive deeper into the world of the NFL.
So when someone asks you, are NFL games on ESPN+?, you can now give them the complete picture. The question, are NFL games on ESPN+, is best answered by understanding that it’s a valuable, but not comprehensive, part of the modern NFL viewing experience. Are NFL games on ESPN+? Yes, and it’s getting better every year.
