NFL Network 2026: Schedule, Channel, Price, Features, Free Trial & How to Stream
NFL Network is the official TV channel of the National Football League, and it enters the 2026 season with big changes. ESPN now owns the channel and has added it to the ESPN app, so fans have more ways to watch than ever.
You still get live games, highlights, breaking news and daily studio shows all year, from the NFL Draft to training camp and the playoffs.
This guide covers the full 2026 NFL Network schedule, channel numbers, current prices, free trial options and how to stream the channel inside or outside the United States.
What is NFL Network?
NFL Network is a 24/7 football channel that covers the league all year. In February 2026, ESPN completed its acquisition of NFL Network, and since July 30, 2026 the channel also streams live inside the ESPN app for ESPN Unlimited subscribers.
The channel airs live preseason games, international games and a late season Saturday doubleheader. It also delivers more than 1,500 hours of live studio coverage every year, with player interviews, trade news, injury updates and game analysis.
Popular shows include:
- Good Morning Football
- The Insiders
- NFL GameDay
- A Football Life
You can watch NFL Network through cable, satellite, live TV streaming services, the NFL+ app or the ESPN app.
Full NFL Network Schedule 2026
NFL Network will televise 19 live preseason games in August 2026, running from Thursday, August 13 through Saturday, August 29. The ESPN app will stream 12 additional out of market preseason games.
During the regular season, NFL Network carries 7 exclusive games: five international matchups from London, Paris and Madrid, plus a Saturday doubleheader in Week 16. That makes 26 live games on NFL Network for the 2026 season. Every game also streams on NFL+.
International Regular Season Games Shown on NFL Network
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | Location & Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Sun, Oct 4 | Colts vs Commanders | 9:30 a.m. | Tottenham Hotspur, London, UK |
| 5 | Sun, Oct 11 | Eagles vs Jaguars | 9:30 a.m. | Tottenham Hotspur, London, UK |
| 6 | Sun, Oct 18 | Texans vs Jaguars | 9:30 a.m. | Wembley Stadium, London, UK |
| 7 | Sun, Oct 25 | Steelers vs Saints | 9:30 a.m. | Stade de France, Paris, France |
| 9 | Sun, Nov 8 | Bengals vs Falcons | 9:30 a.m. | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain |
The other 2026 international games air on Netflix (Melbourne), CBS (Rio de Janeiro), Fox (Munich) and NBC (Mexico City).
Week 16 Saturday Doubleheader
| Week | Date | Matchups | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Sat, Dec 26 | Two flex games (TBD) | 4:30 PM & 8:00 PM |
The league will pick the two Saturday games from this pool: Buccaneers vs Falcons, Bengals vs Colts, Commanders vs Vikings and Panthers vs Steelers.
2026 NFL Preseason on NFL Network
| Week | Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thu, Aug 13 | Packers vs Steelers | 7:00 PM |
| 1 | Thu, Aug 13 | Titans vs 49ers | 9:00 PM |
| 1 | Fri, Aug 14 | Buccaneers vs Jets | 7:00 PM |
| 1 | Sat, Aug 15 | Browns vs Bears | 1:00 PM |
| 1 | Sat, Aug 15 | Rams vs Chiefs | 4:00 PM |
| 1 | Sat, Aug 15 | Cowboys vs Seahawks | 8:00 PM |
| 2 | Thu, Aug 20 | 49ers vs Chargers | 10:00 PM |
| 2 | Fri, Aug 21 | Jets vs Steelers | 7:00 PM |
| 2 | Fri, Aug 21 | Packers vs Broncos | 9:00 PM |
| 2 | Sat, Aug 22 | Bills vs Browns | 1:00 PM |
| 2 | Sat, Aug 22 | Giants vs Dolphins | 4:00 PM |
| 2 | Sat, Aug 22 | Eagles vs Patriots | 7:00 PM |
| 2 | Sat, Aug 22 | Cowboys vs Cardinals | 10:00 PM |
| 3 | Thu, Aug 27 | Steelers vs Bills | 7:00 PM |
| 3 | Thu, Aug 27 | Rams vs Chargers | 10:00 PM |
| 3 | Fri, Aug 28 | Commanders vs Ravens | 6:00 PM |
| 3 | Fri, Aug 28 | Vikings vs Broncos | 9:00 PM |
| 3 | Sat, Aug 29 | Lions vs Colts | 1:00 PM |
| 3 | Sat, Aug 29 | Bears vs Titans | 6:00 PM |
All games are subject to local blackouts.
What Channel is NFL Network on?
NFL Network is included with most cable and satellite TV services in the United States. The channel number depends on your provider and location.
| Provider | Channel Number |
|---|---|
| DirecTV | 212 |
| Dish Network | 154 |
| Xfinity | 180 or 275 (HD) |
| Spectrum | Varies by city (often 310) |
| Verizon Fios | 88 (SD), 588 (HD) |
| AT&T U-verse | 701 (HD), 1701 (SD) |
| Cox | 132 (SD), 1132 (HD) |
| Optimum | 150 |
Channel numbers may vary by city, so confirm the exact number with your on screen guide or your provider’s website.
You do not need cable to watch NFL Network. Live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Blue plan), Fubo and DirecTV also carry the channel. It is also available in the NFL+ app and, new for 2026, in the ESPN app with an ESPN Unlimited plan.
2026 NFL Network Cost and Plans
There are three main ways to get NFL Network in 2026: the NFL+ app, the ESPN app (Unlimited plan) or a live TV streaming service.
NFL+ Plans
| Plan | Monthly Price | Yearly Price |
|---|---|---|
| NFL+ | $6.99 | $49.99 |
| NFL+ Premium | $14.99 | $99.99 |
NFL+ includes NFL Network, live local and primetime games on mobile, and live game audio. The Premium plan adds NFL RedZone and full game replays.
ESPN Unlimited
The ESPN Unlimited plan costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year. Since July 30, 2026 it includes a 24/7 NFL Network live stream plus ESPN, ESPN2 and the rest of the ESPN networks. A bundle with Disney+ and Hulu is available for $29.99 per month for the first 12 months.
Live TV Streaming Services with NFL Network
| Service | Monthly Price |
|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $82.99 ($67.99 for first 3 months) |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 with ads, $99.99 without ads |
| Fubo | $88.99 (Pro), $98.99 (Elite) |
| Sling TV (Blue) | From $45.99 |
| DirecTV MySports | $64.99 ($49.99 for first 2 months) |
Prices may change, and most services run discounts for new users. Cloud DVR and multiple streams are standard on most platforms, while NFL RedZone usually requires a sports add on.
How to Watch NFL Network Live Stream Online
You can stream NFL Network without cable on phones, tablets, smart TVs and computers.
NFL+ App
NFL+ is the cheapest way to get NFL Network. It works on Android, iOS, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and web browsers, and it streams every NFL Network game live.
ESPN App
With an ESPN Unlimited subscription you can watch the NFL Network live channel inside the ESPN app, along with studio shows, NFL Films titles and the network’s 2026 game slate (out of market rules apply to preseason games).
Live TV Streaming Services
- YouTube TV: works on almost all devices with unlimited DVR
- Hulu + Live TV: includes Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited content
- Sling TV (Blue plan): budget friendly and flexible
- Fubo: sports focused with a large channel lineup
- DirecTV MySports: sports only pack that includes ESPN Unlimited
Sign up on the service website, pick your plan and start watching in minutes.
NFL Network Free Trial Options
Several streaming services offer free trials that include NFL Network:
- NFL+: 7 day free trial
- YouTube TV: 21 day free trial for new users, plus an intro price of $67.99 per month for the first 3 months
- Fubo: 7 day free trial
- DirecTV: 5 day free trial
- Hulu + Live TV: 3 day free trial
Sling TV does not offer a standard free trial, but new users often get half off their first month. Free trials are a good way to test a service, and you can cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
NFL Network App and Login Guide
The NFL app is an easy way to watch NFL Network on your phone, tablet, smart TV or streaming device. It works on iPhone, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Xbox, PlayStation and web browsers.
If you have an NFL+ subscription, open the app, tap Sign In and enter your NFL.com email and password. If your cable or streaming service includes NFL Network, choose the TV Provider Login option instead, pick your provider and enter your login details.
ESPN Unlimited subscribers can simply open the ESPN app, sign in with their ESPN account and find NFL Network in the live channel listings.
How to Stream NFL Network Outside of the USA
NFL fans outside the USA can watch NFL Network with NFL Game Pass on DAZN. It works in most countries and includes live games, replays, RedZone and the 24/7 NFL Network channel.
Go to your country’s DAZN site, pick the NFL Game Pass plan, sign up and start watching on your phone, tablet, smart TV or computer.
FAQ About NFL Network 2026
What channel is NFL Network on?
NFL Network is on channel 212 on DirecTV, 154 on Dish Network, 180 or 275 on Xfinity and 88 or 588 on Verizon Fios. Channel numbers vary by city, so check your provider’s on screen guide.
How can I watch NFL Network without cable?
You can stream NFL Network with NFL+ ($6.99 per month), the ESPN app with an ESPN Unlimited plan ($29.99 per month), or live TV services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV Blue, Fubo and DirecTV MySports.
How many games are on NFL Network in 2026?
NFL Network airs 26 live games in 2026: 19 preseason games from August 13 to 29, five international games from London, Paris and Madrid, and a Week 16 Saturday doubleheader on December 26.
Is NFL Network on the ESPN app?
Yes. Since July 30, 2026, ESPN Unlimited subscribers can watch a 24/7 live stream of NFL Network in the ESPN app, following ESPN’s acquisition of the channel.
Does NFL+ include NFL Network?
Yes. Both NFL+ ($6.99 per month) and NFL+ Premium ($14.99 per month) include a live stream of NFL Network, and both come with a 7 day free trial.
Is there an NFL Network free trial?
Yes. YouTube TV offers a 21 day free trial, NFL+ and Fubo offer 7 days, DirecTV offers 5 days and Hulu + Live TV offers 3 days. All of them include NFL Network.
Can I watch NFL Network outside the United States?
Yes. NFL Game Pass on DAZN includes the 24/7 NFL Network channel along with live games, replays and NFL RedZone in most countries.
NFL Network remains the best single channel for year round football coverage, and 2026 makes it easier to watch than ever.
With 26 live games, five international matchups and new access through the ESPN app, you can pick the option that fits your budget: NFL+ for the lowest price, ESPN Unlimited for the full ESPN lineup, or a live TV service for a complete cable replacement.
Check the free trials above and you can start streaming NFL Network today.
