NFL Planning Another Big YouTube Move That Stinks For Fans

NFL and YouTube (Photo Via Imagn Images and X)

NFL Planning Another Big YouTube Move That Stinks For Fans

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Arnab Mondal | Last updated Apr 16, 2026 2:13 PM ET

The NFL is moving more into streaming, and YouTube could soon have a bigger role. Reports say the league is in advanced talks with YouTube for a new package of games. The deal may include five games, but details like the price and schedule are still not clear.

Traditional networks like FOX, NBC, CBS, and ESPN still show most NFL games. But streaming platforms are growing fast. Services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Peacock already stream some games, and now YouTube wants a bigger share.

YouTube TV already has an important NFL deal. It got NFL Sunday Ticket in 2023 with a seven-year, $2 billion agreement. That changed how fans watch games outside their local area. This new deal would build on that partnership.

Streaming Push Gains Speed

The NFL continues to spread its content across multiple platforms. That strategy brings in more money and expands reach. Streaming companies see live sports as a key way to attract and keep subscribers.

Front Office Sports reporter Ryan Glasspiegel said the NFL and YouTube remain in “advanced talks” over the deal. He noted that “Price and duration of the YouTube package were not immediately known, nor was when the games would air. NFL Network’s previous package of games primarily consisted of international games that kicked off at 9:30 a.m. ET.”

Interest in these games runs high. Sports Business Journal reporters Austin Karp and Ben Fischer reported earlier that YouTube leads the race for a separate four-game package. “YouTube is negotiating with the NFL to acquire rights to the four games the league kept as part of its ESPN equity deal,” they wrote. They added that several companies still show interest.

The NFL already tests different streaming options. Amazon Prime Video airs Thursday Night Football. Netflix streams Christmas Day games. Peacock has even carried a playoff matchup. Each move signals a clear direction.

YouTube has shown it can draw a large audience. Last season, it streamed the opener between the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers. That game pulled nearly 20 million viewers. That number is likely to strengthen YouTube’s position in current talks.

Fans should expect even more changes in how they watch the NFL in the near future, and YouTube is quite determined about it.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: