How to stream football on your TV: A step-by-step guide

Watching football on your TV is a great way to catch the action from the comfort of your home—no cable required. Whether you're tuning in to an NFL game or your favorite college team, streaming is simple once you know what to do. At Asurion, our experts help people get the most out of their tech every day. Here’s how to stream live football on your TV and what you’ll need to get started.

What you need to stream football on TV

To stream football smoothly, you’ll need a few things in place. Here's what our experts recommend.

1. A strong internet connection

Live sports use more data than movies or shows. For football streaming in HD or 4K, we suggest internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps. If your stream keeps freezing, try resetting your router or moving it closer to your TV. You can also use a wired Ethernet connection for a stronger signal.

2. A smart TV or streaming device

Most smart TVs let you download apps like NFL+, Hulu + Live TV™, or Paramount+®. If your TV isn’t smart, don’t worry—you can use a streaming device like Roku®, Amazon Fire TV®, Apple TV®, or Google Chromecast™. Not sure which one to get? Here's how to choose the best streaming device.

3. A football streaming service

To watch live football on TV without cable, you’ll need a subscription to a streaming platform that offers sports coverage. Popular options include:

• NFL+™ – for live local and primetime NFL games
• Paramount+® – for AFC games and CBS coverage
• Peacock® – for Sunday Night Football and NBC games
• Hulu + Live TV™ – includes ESPN, FOX, and more
• YouTube TV™ – offers national and local sports channels
• Sling TV® – includes sports packages with ESPN and NFL Network
• FuboTV® – known for its sports-first streaming service

Check the schedule and channel lineup before choosing a plan. Some services offer free trials, so you can test them first.

4. A compatible app

Once you pick a service, download its app onto your TV or device. You’ll need to log in with your subscription info. Some apps may require activation using your phone or computer.

5. A reliable Wi-Fi signal

Make sure your Wi-Fi reaches the room where your TV is. If the signal is weak, try moving your router, upgrading your internet plan, or using a Wi-Fi extender. For more tips, check out how to increase your Wi-Fi speed.

Tips for a better football streaming experience

• Update your software and apps. This helps prevent bugs and keeps your devices running smoothly.
• Close unused apps and devices. If others in your home are streaming or gaming, it can slow down your connection.
• Use a wired connection. An Ethernet cable can improve the quality of your stream if you plug your TV or streaming device into your router.
• Check your data plan. Football streaming can use several gigabytes per game. Be sure your plan can handle it.

Still having issues? Here’s what to do if your smart TV won’t connect to Wi-Fi.

FAQs

What’s the best streaming service for live football?

It depends on which games you want to watch. NFL+ is great for local NFL games, while Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV offer a wide range of live football channels.

Can I watch live football without cable?

Yes. Services like Sling TV, Paramount+, and Peacock let you stream games live without a cable subscription.

How fast does my internet need to be to stream football?

At least 25 Mbps for HD streaming. For 4K, aim for 50 Mbps or more, especially if others are using the internet at the same time.

Why is my football stream buffering?

A slow or unstable internet connection is often the cause. Try resetting your router, closing background apps, or switching to a wired connection.

Can I stream football for free?

Some services offer free trials or stream select games without a subscription. Check each provider’s website for details.