Will Disney offer a new way to stream NFL Sunday Ticket? Sports fans might finally be able to cut the cord

(Editor’s note: As of February 2023, YouTube TV is the only way to watch the NFL SUNDAY TICKET.)

Most recently, as of June 2022 Disney has reportedly been in talks with NFL about obtaining the rights for the digital package to be put on ESPN+ streaming. In doing so this could change the whole outlook on how viewers can watch their favorite teams on Sundays. While most bars, restaurants, and other business establishments might not be suited for streaming first capabilities and would prefer to keep NFLST on satellite, the ability to stream the Sunday ticket opens up the possibility for more viewers to stream from a platform that they may already own.

It will also make Disney an even bigger destination for sports fans who are looking to cut the cord with traditional cable companies as they already own Hulu and their live addition as well as air live NBA games and Soccer matched on ESPN+.

At the moment however, football fans everywhere know the best, and sometimes only, way to see their favorite teams on Sunday is with DIRECTV’s NFL SUNDAY TICKET (NFLST). It’s the only NFL package of its kind, promising “every live, out-of-market game, every Sunday.”

Though there has been some speculation that the satellite TV giant may lose the rights to NFLST- especially with Disney in talks, DIRECTV is still the exclusive provider and will likely remain so through at least 2022. That means in order to get NFLST, you need to be a DIRECTV customer…or do you? We look at the ways — which we’ll admit are few — you can get NFLST without DIRECTV and what to expect from the non-DIRECTV version.

How to get NFL SUNDAY TICKET without DIRECTV

Getting NFLST without DIRECTV is not for everyone, so we’ll start with this: If your address is eligible for DIRECTV, you must have DIRECTV to order NFL SUNDAY TICKET. 

The one caveat is if you or a member of your household is enrolled in a two or four year university. Qualifying students can sign up for NFL SUNDAY TICKET U, a discounted, streaming-only package. Check your eligibility here.

For those of you who are not eligible for DIRECTV service, either because your property has no clear view for a signal or you aren’t permitted to install a satellite dish at your residence, NFL SUNDAY TICKET TO GO is your best option. If you think you fall into this category, you can check your eligibility here. 

Like NFLST U, NFLST TO GO is a streaming-only subscription, but it unfortunately doesn’t come at the same discounted rate. NFLST TO GO will cost you around the same price as the standard TV package. There’s also a “MAX” version, which includes access to the extra channels Red Zone and Fantasy Zone for an added cost.

NFL SUNDAY TICKET TO GO and NFL SUNDAY TICKET U pricing 2020

Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. As of 07/20/20.

Stream at NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV or on the NFLST app

The only way to watch NFLST without DIRECTV is to stream it, either at NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV on your browser, or via the NFLST app. 

Your NFLST TO GO or NFLST U gives you streaming access, but only on one device at a time and only for live games. If you want to switch devices, you’ll have to log out of the first one before being able to log in on the next.

NFLST U and NFLST TO GO compatible devices

Most iOS and Android smartphones and tablets are compatible with NFLST. Additionally, newer-generation gaming consoles, smart TVs and streaming devices including Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Google Chromecast and Apple TV are compatible.

Click here for a full list of compatible devices. 

What happens if I don’t qualify for NFLST U or NFLST TO GO?

If you don’t qualify for NFLST U and are eligible for DIRECTV service, there is no other way to get NFLST without ordering DIRECTV. The good news you may be able to get the upcoming NFLST season included at no extra cost.

New DIRECTV customers who order the CHOICE package or above will get the first season of NFLST for free. The subscription auto-renews, so if you take advantage of this offer, be sure to cancel it before the next season starts if you don’t want it.

Visit our DIRECTV NFL SUNDAY TICKET page for more information about how to get NFLST, with or without DIRECTV services. Be sure to check out our Resource Center for additional streaming guides.