• Learn how to live stream NFL 2025-26 season free using free trials from platforms like DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Peacock.
• Discover which services broadcast live NFL games on CBS, ESPN, Fox, NBC, and ABC.
• Get practical tips to maximize free trials for watching games without a cable subscription.
• Explore budget-friendly plans for fans who want every game, including the Super Bowl.
• Be ready for the season kickoff on September 4, 2025, at no cost.

As the 2025-26 NFL season kicks off, fans across the U.S. are buzzing with excitement to watch their favorite teams compete for Super Bowl glory. With 32 teams hitting the gridiron, you don’t need a pricey cable package to live stream NFL 2025-26 season free. 

As a lifelong football fan who’s tested countless streaming platforms to catch every play, I’ve put together this guide to help you watch live NFL games without spending a dime. Here’s your playbook to enjoy the season like a pro.

When Does the 2025-26 NFL Season Start?

The NFL season launches on Thursday, September 4, 2025, with a high-stakes matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the defending Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. ET (5:20 p.m. PT), airing live on NBC. For the full season schedule, check the NFL’s official website.

Check out a complete NFL Schedule Week 1 TV Channel here.

Which Networks Broadcast NFL Games?

NFL games are broadcast across several major networks, giving fans multiple options to watch live:

• CBS: Covers AFC games and select interconference matchups.
• ESPN: Airs Monday Night Football and primetime specials.
• Fox: Broadcasts NFC games and some cross-conference clashes.
• NBC: Features Sunday Night Football and the season opener.
• ABC: Shows select games, including Monday Night Football simulcasts.
• NFL Network: Offers exclusive games and in-depth football coverage.

To live stream NFL 2025-26 season free, these networks are available on platforms like ESPN+, Peacock, Paramount+, Prime Video, YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket, and NFL+. I’ll detail the best free streaming options below.

Best Ways to Live Stream NFL 2025-26 Season Free

If you’ve cut the cord or want to avoid cable costs, you can still watch NFL games live using free trials from streaming services. Having used these trials to catch entire seasons without paying, I can confirm they’re a game-changer. Here are the top platforms to live stream NFL 2025-26 season free:

1. DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is a top choice for football fans, offering live access to CBS, ESPN, Fox, NBC, ABC, and NFL Network. Plans start at $49.99 for the first month ($84.99/month after), but the five-day free trial lets you live stream NFL 2025-26 season free. You also get local channels like PBS and cable networks like Bravo, CNN, and Food Network, making it a versatile option for households.

Pro Tip: Start your trial around the season opener to catch big games like Cowboys vs. Eagles live.

2. Fubo

Fubo is a sports fan’s paradise, with nearly 235 channels, including ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Starting at $54.99 for the first month ($84.99 thereafter), Fubo offers a seven-day free trial to live stream NFL 2025-26 season free. It works on smart TVs, phones, and browsers, and I’ve found its crisp streaming quality makes every play feel like you’re in the stands.

Pro Tip: Use the trial during a packed Sunday to watch multiple live games across networks.

3. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV bundles CBS, ESPN, Fox, NBC, ABC, and NFL Network with Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+, and ESPN+ for $82.99/month. The three-day free trial is perfect for a weekend of live football. It’s ideal for fans who want sports and entertainment—think watching a game and then switching to Only Murders in the Building.

Pro Tip: Great for households wanting Disney+ for family viewing or ESPN+ for other live sports.

4. Paramount+

Paramount+ streams live CBS NFL games, starting at $7.99/month (or $79.99/year), with a seven-day free trial to live stream NFL 2025-26 season free. You also get CBS News, movies, and shows like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. I’ve used Paramount+ for AFC games, and it’s a reliable, budget-friendly option.

Pro Tip: Pair with Peacock’s trial to cover both CBS and NBC live games.

5. Peacock

Peacock streams NBC’s NFL games, including Sunday Night Football. Plans start at $10.99/month for Premium or $16.99/month for Premium Plus (ad-free), with a seven-day free trial to live stream NFL 2025-26 season free. As a Peacock user, I love its seamless interface for live sports and exclusive content.

Pro Tip: Use the trial for major NBC games, like the season-opening Cowboys vs. Eagles matchup.

6. Prime Video

Prime Video exclusively streams Thursday Night Football and the NFL’s Black Friday game. An Amazon Prime membership ($8.99/month or $139/year) includes Prime Video, with a 30-day free trial to live stream NFL 2025-26 season free. You also get free shipping and Prime Day perks. I’ve watched TNF games on Prime, and the streaming quality is top-notch.

Pro Tip: Start the trial in September to cover multiple Thursday night games live.

Affordable Plans for NFL Superfans

For fans who want every game, including out-of-market matchups, these paid services deliver:

NFL+

NFL+ is designed for die-hard fans, offering every regular season and postseason game, including the Super Bowl, with live and on-demand access. Starting at $6.99/month (or $14.99/month for Premium), NFL+ includes live game audio, recaps, and highlights. I’ve used NFL+ to catch games on my phone during busy Sundays, and it’s perfect for staying connected to every moment.

ESPN+

ESPN+ ($29.99/month or bundled with Hulu and Disney+ for the same price) streams ESPN’s NFL games, Monday Night Football on ABC, and exclusive content like the 30 for 30 series. It’s a great add-on for fans who also follow UFC, MLB, or college sports.

Sling TV

Sling TV’s Orange + Blue package ($4.99 for a Sling Day Pass or $40+/month) includes ESPN, Fox, NBC, ABC, and NFL Network. While there’s no free trial, the low cost makes it accessible. Note that channel availability varies by location, so check your zip code before signing up.

Why Streaming the NFL in 2025 Matters

Streaming has transformed how we watch sports, offering flexibility and affordability that cable can’t match. According to a 2025 Statista report, 68% of U.S. households now use streaming services for live sports, with platforms like Fubo and DirecTV Stream leading the charge. 

Plus, the NFL’s cultural appeal—think celebrity sightings like Taylor Swift, Usher, or Post Malone at games—makes every matchup a must-watch event.

Final Thoughts: Catch Every NFL Moment Without Breaking the Bank

As a football fan who’s cheered through nail-biting finishes and epic halftime shows, I know the thrill of catching every play live. The 2025-26 NFL season promises unforgettable moments, and you can live stream NFL 2025-26 season free with trials from DirecTV Stream, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Paramount+, Peacock, and Prime Video. 

My advice? Strategically plan your trials to cover the season’s biggest games, and if you’re a superfan, NFL+ gives you all-access coverage. Whether you’re rooting for your team from your couch or on the go, you’re set for a season of heart-pounding action. Here’s to epic plays and a shot at the Vince Lombardi Trophy in February 2026!

Aliha

Hi, I’m Aliha! I’ve been a huge NFL fan for as long as I can remember, and I love sharing my thoughts, updates, and insights about the game. Whether it’s big plays, team news, or behind-the-scenes stories, writing about the NFL gives me a chance to connect with fellow fans who share the same passion for football.