Lower than two years in the past, the thought of an NFL recreation being aired completely on a streaming system was revolutionary. Now, it’s virtually commonplace, however for some followers, it may possibly nonetheless be a irritating affair.
Recreation two of the 2025-2026 NFL Season takes place tonight, however you received’t discover it aired on tv. As a substitute, YouTube would be the unique residence for the matchup of the Chiefs and Chargers. That’s one other shift in viewing habits for many individuals, however, on the upside, it’s one which received’t require them to join one other service.
Like final yr, this season is off to a rolling begin. The Cowboys and Eagles kicked issues off final night time and on Sunday, there may be the same old tsunami of video games.
Right here’s all you must learn about tonight’s streaming unique.
Which NFL groups are taking part in Friday? And what channels are airing the video games?
There’s no FOMO tonight, because the NFL is internet hosting only one recreation. As all the time, the house crew is listed second.
Friday, Sept. 5
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 8:00 p.m. ET on YouTube
How can I watch the NFL season opener without cost—even when I’m out of market?
In brief, you may’t. Usually, we’d recommend a great HD antenna right here, however that received’t do you any good for tonight’s recreation.
Can I stream 2025-2026 NFL video games stay on-line if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Because it’s a streaming unique, in fact, however you’ll solely have one choice.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you may anticipate month-to-month fees of $83.
Can I watch the NFL’s opening recreation on Amazon?
No. Amazon Prime Video’s first matchup this yr would be the Washington Commanders going through the Inexperienced Bay Packers on Sept. 11.
Why is that this recreation being streamed on YouTube?
YouTube already has a partnership with the NFL as it’s the residence of NFL Sunday Ticket. However this goes a bit additional than that. This would be the first time YouTube broadcasts an NFL recreation stay, however it has streamed different main occasions, together with Coachella earlier this yr.
The NFL is hoping to achieve a broader, youthful viewers, which tunes in additional to streaming companies than conventional broadcast tv. Unique offers are also extra profitable for the league.
Will another video games be streaming exclusives this yr?
Sure, a number of extra in reality.
Amazon will largely be the unique residence of Thursday Evening Soccer as soon as once more, except Thanksgiving (although it can air an unique recreation on Black Friday). On Oct. 20, ESPN+ will completely carry to the Seattle Seahawks vs Houston Texans recreation.
On Christmas Day, each Netflix and Amazon will every host a streaming unique recreation. And Peacock can have an unique of its personal on Dec. 27.
Does the NFL supply any viewing packages to observe the video games I would like?
It does. You’ve got three to select from.
NFL App
The NFL App will allow you to stream video games which might be being broadcast domestically in your market on Sundays. If you wish to watch an “out of market” recreation, you’ve received two decisions.
NFL+
Watch stay native and out of market video games and (with the premium subscription) replays. You’re a $50 cost per season. ($100 for premium.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
YouTube as soon as once more is the house for this channel. Costs this yr begin at $83 per thirty days for Sunday Ticket and YouTubeTV or $480 for simply Sunday Ticket, when you’re a returning consumer (spanning the whole lot of out-of-market video games this season). New customers can get a standalone Sunday Ticket subscription for $276.
Why is that this recreation happening in Brazil?
The NFL desires to turn into often known as greater than an American sport. Brazil may very well be a key a part of that worldwide enlargement, with over 38 million followers, the league says. The primary worldwide recreation was held in Mexico Metropolis in 2005 and since then, the NFL has performed in a number of worldwide cities, together with London and Munich, Germany. That is the second yr in a row the league has opened the season in Brazil.
