YouTube Seeks to Expand NFL Game Streaming After Successful Test

The streaming platform is in talks to acquire rights for additional NFL games as the league explores new distribution models.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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YouTube has expressed strong interest in expanding its partnership with the National Football League by acquiring rights to broadcast more games. This comes after the platform successfully streamed its first exclusive regular-season game in 2025, which attracted a global audience of 17.3 million viewers. YouTube's existing infrastructure, user base, and experience with the NFL's Sunday Ticket package make it a logical contender for additional game packages as the league looks to diversify its media distribution.

Why it matters

The potential for YouTube to air more NFL games reflects the league's broader strategy to maximize revenue by engaging with a growing array of traditional networks and digital streamers. This could lead to a more fragmented but potentially more lucrative broadcasting environment, with games appearing across an increasing number of platforms tailored to different viewer preferences and subscription models.

The details

YouTube currently owns the rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket package, which provides subscribers with access to out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. The platform also successfully streamed its first exclusive regular-season game in 2025, a Week 1 Friday night matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers played in Brazil. That contest attracted a substantial audience of 17.3 million viewers worldwide, including 16.2 million in the United States. Executives at YouTube have expressed enthusiasm about building on this foundation, and the company's subscription products division has highlighted the success of existing collaborations with the league and indicated eagerness to pursue greater involvement.

  • In 2025, YouTube streamed its first exclusive regular-season NFL game.
  • The NFL's current media agreements, valued at over $110 billion, extend into the early 2030s.

The players

YouTube

A streaming giant that currently owns the rights to the NFL Sunday Ticket package and has successfully streamed an exclusive regular-season game.

National Football League (NFL)

The professional American football league that is exploring opportunities to distribute more of its content across various platforms, including expanding partnerships with digital streamers like YouTube.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The NFL continues to negotiate media rights with a growing array of traditional networks and digital streamers, and the league's executive in charge of media distribution has indicated plans to engage with non-traditional companies for live game rights, potentially leading to a more diversified distribution model.

The takeaway

YouTube's existing infrastructure, massive user base, and experience with the NFL's Sunday Ticket package make it a logical contender for additional game packages as the league looks to maximize revenue by attracting multiple bidders capable of reaching wide audiences. This evolution reflects the ongoing shift in sports media toward digital platforms capable of delivering high-quality, accessible live events to millions simultaneously.