The thrill of watching live NFL action, the suspense of draft day, and the excitement of trade negotiations - all available on the NFL Network. For fans who can’t get enough of the National Football League, accessing the NFL Network without breaking the bank is a top priority. While there are official ways to watch the NFL Network through various streaming services and cable providers, there are also several strategies to catch NFL Network live for free, at least for a trial period or through specific promotions. Here’s a comprehensive guide to explore these options:
1. NFL Network Official Website and App
- Free Trial: Sometimes, the NFL Network offers free trials for its streaming services. This can be a great way to watch specific events or programming for free.
- App: Downloading the NFL Network app might provide limited free content, including live streams of certain events.
2. YouTube TV
- Free Trial: YouTube TV offers a free trial period, during which you can watch the NFL Network live. It’s a great platform with a variety of channels, including sports networks.
- Cost: After the trial, it’s a paid service, but you can cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
3. Hulu with Live TV
- Free Trial: Similar to YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV offers a free trial. You can sign up, watch the NFL Network, and then cancel your subscription before the trial period ends.
- Cost: It transitions into a paid service after the trial, offering a wide range of TV shows, movies, and live sports.
4. FuboTV
- Free Trial: FuboTV is known for its sports coverage, including the NFL Network. It offers a free trial period that you can utilize to watch live NFL content.
- Cost: After the trial, it becomes a paid service, focusing heavily on sports and live TV.
5. Sling TV
- Free Trial/Option: Sling TV offers a free trial and also has a unique feature where you can watch some content for free without needing a subscription by using their “Free” section.
- Cost: For full access, including the NFL Network, you’ll need a paid subscription.
6. AT&T TV Now
- Free Trial: AT&T TV Now (formerly DirecTV Now) offers a free trial. It’s another platform where you can watch the NFL Network live during the trial period.
- Cost: It transitions to a paid service afterward, with various packages available.
7. Amazon Prime Video
- NFL Thursday Night Football: Amazon Prime members can watch Thursday Night Football live. While not the full NFL Network, it’s a significant offering for Prime members.
- Cost: Requires an Amazon Prime membership, which comes with a free trial period for new members.
8. Twitch
- NFL Streaming: Occasionally, Twitch streams NFL content, including Thursday Night Football games. It’s free, but the availability might be limited.
- Donations and Subscriptions: Viewers can support streamers through donations or channel subscriptions, but watching is free.
9. NFL Game Pass
- Free Trial: The NFL Game Pass offers a free trial. While it doesn’t include live regular season games, it provides access to preseason games, NFL Network content, and more.
- Cost: Turns into a paid service after the trial, ideal for international fans and those who want comprehensive NFL coverage.
10. Local Libraries and Free Trials
- Free Access: Some public libraries offer free access to streaming services, including those that carry the NFL Network, through their digital collections.
- Free Trials: Always look for services offering free trials. You can time these trials with specific NFL Network events you wish to watch.
11. Friend or Family Subscription
- Shared Accounts: If a friend or family member has a subscription to a service that includes the NFL Network, you might be able to watch for free as a guest or by sharing the account (if permitted by the service’s terms).
12. Public Viewing Events
- Sports Bars and Restaurants: Watching the NFL Network at a sports bar or restaurant can be a free way to enjoy live games and programming. Just be prepared to purchase food or drinks.
- Community Events: Sometimes, communities or cities host public viewing events for major sports events. These can be free and offer a unique experience.
Additional Tips
- Antenna: For local games, using an antenna to watch over-the-air broadcasts can be a completely free option, though it doesn’t apply to the NFL Network directly.
- Regularly Check for Promotions: Services often run promotions or special deals for new subscribers. Keeping an eye on these can provide temporary free access to the NFL Network.
While these methods provide ways to watch the NFL Network live for free, either permanently or for a limited time, always ensure you’re complying with the terms of service of the platforms you’re using. Free trials are meant to introduce users to a service, with the expectation that some will continue as paid subscribers. For the die-hard NFL fan, exploring these options can be a great way to enjoy more NFL content without incurring additional costs.
