Football season is upon us, and for die-hard fans, there’s no better way to catch every out-of-market game than with the NFL Sunday Ticket.
However, the cost of this premium service can be daunting. In 2024, NFL Sunday Ticket is offered through YouTube TV, and prices range from $349 to $489 per season, depending on whether you want the basic package or add-ons like NFL RedZone.
So, how can you enjoy every touchdown and thrilling play while saving some cash? In this article, we’ll explore different ways to get the NFL Sunday Ticket cheaper, from early-bird discounts to student pricing and alternative viewing options.
NFL Sunday Ticket Pricing
Before diving into the ways to save, let’s break down the NFL Sunday Ticket costs for 2024. With YouTube TV now being the exclusive home for the service, you have two main options:
- YouTube TV Subscribers: If you already have a YouTube TV subscription, you can add the NFL Sunday Ticket for around $349 per season. If you want to include NFL RedZone, the price jumps to about $389.
- Standalone NFL Sunday Ticket: If you’re not a YouTube TV subscriber, you can still purchase the Sunday Ticket as a standalone service for $449. The package that includes RedZone will cost around $489.
Now that we know the baseline prices, let’s explore how you can bring these costs down.
1. Take Advantage of Early-Bird Discounts
One of the easiest ways to get the NFL Sunday Ticket cheaper is by purchasing it early. YouTube TV often offers early-bird discounts to fans who subscribe before the season begins or during the offseason. These discounts can range from $50 to $100 off the regular price.
For example, if you subscribe early, you might be able to snag the YouTube TV add-on for $249, saving a significant amount compared to the standard price. Likewise, non-YouTube TV subscribers could see the price drop to $349 for the standalone package.
- Tip: Keep an eye on YouTube TV announcements and promotions leading up to the NFL season to take advantage of these deals.
2. Explore Student Discounts
If you’re a student, you’re in luck! The NFL Sunday Ticket has long offered a student discount, and 2024 is no different. This discount is one of the most significant price reductions available, bringing the cost down to around $109 to $119 per season.
To qualify for the student discount, you’ll need to verify your student status through YouTube TV. This is usually done through a service like SheerID or UNiDAYS, which verifies enrollment in a college or university.
- Tip: If you’re a student or have a student in your household, make sure to take advantage of this steep discount to save hundreds of dollars on your Sunday Ticket subscription.
3. Utilize Promotions and Bundles
Throughout the NFL season, various promotions and bundle deals pop up, offering subscribers additional discounts or perks.
For example, during certain times of the year, credit card companies, internet providers, or even YouTube TV itself may offer promotional discounts when you sign up or bundle services.
Some promotions include:
- YouTube TV Bundles: If you’re subscribing to both YouTube TV and NFL Sunday Ticket, keep an eye out for package deals that might combine the two services at a lower price than buying them separately.
- Credit Card Promotions: Certain credit cards, especially those with cash-back rewards, might offer special promotions where you can earn a percentage back or receive a statement credit for streaming service purchases, including the NFL Sunday Ticket.
- Tip: Check with your internet provider, bank, or favorite credit card for ongoing promotions related to NFL streaming services.
4. Share the Cost with Friends or Family
The NFL Sunday Ticket allows for multiple streams at once, meaning you and your family or friends could potentially share the cost of the service.
YouTube TV allows for up to three simultaneous streams per account, and since NFL games tend to happen at the same time, sharing access is a great way to split the cost.
For example, if three people share a YouTube TV subscription with the NFL Sunday Ticket add-on (totaling about $349), you could each pay $116 for the season—a fraction of the full price.
- Tip: Coordinate with friends or family to split the cost of a single NFL Sunday Ticket subscription and make the season more affordable for everyone.
5. Look for Free Trials and Refunds
While the NFL Sunday Ticket itself doesn’t come with a free trial, YouTube TV often offers free trials for its base service. If you’re not currently a YouTube TV subscriber, you can take advantage of their 7- to 14-day free trial at the start of the NFL season.
This will give you access to channels like CBS, FOX, and NBC, where many games are broadcast, without immediately paying for a subscription.
Although this won’t give you access to the full NFL Sunday Ticket, it will cover some games for free at the start of the season.
- Tip: Sign up for a YouTube TV trial at the beginning of the season to get some games for free while deciding whether to commit to the full Sunday Ticket package.
6. Consider Cheaper Alternatives
If the full NFL Sunday Ticket package is too costly, there are several alternatives to watching out-of-market games at a lower price:
NFL RedZone
For fans who don’t need to watch full games but love seeing all the scoring action, NFL RedZone is a cheaper alternative. RedZone offers live coverage of every touchdown and important moment from every Sunday afternoon game, making it perfect for fans who want to keep up with multiple games at once.
- Cost: RedZone is available as part of various streaming services, including YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV, usually as an add-on for around $10/month.
NFL+
For fans who mainly watch games on their phones or tablets, NFL+ offers live local and primetime games, as well as replays of all games. NFL+ doesn’t cover out-of-market games live, but it does allow you to watch replays of every game after they air.
- Cost: $4.99/month for NFL+ or $9.99/month for NFL+ Premium.
Sports Bars and Local Establishments
If you’re only interested in watching certain games, especially those of your favorite team, consider heading to a local sports bar or restaurant that offers the NFL Sunday Ticket. Many bars pay for the service and offer fans a place to watch multiple games at once.
- Tip: This is a great way to catch specific games without committing to the full Sunday Ticket cost.
7. Wait for Mid-Season Deals
In some cases, if you don’t need the NFL Sunday Ticket from the start of the season, you might find that prices drop as the season progresses. YouTube TV or other platforms may offer mid-season deals or lower prices for partial-season access, especially as the NFL heads into the playoffs.
These deals usually become available after Week 9 or 10 of the regular season, making it a viable option for fans who only want access for the second half of the year.
- Tip: Keep an eye on YouTube TV promotions after mid-season if you only need the Sunday Ticket for a few months.
8. Check for Military Discounts
In past seasons, the NFL has offered military discounts for service members looking to subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket. While these discounts aren’t always advertised, it’s worth checking with YouTube TV or the NFL’s support team to see if a similar offer exists in 2024.
- Tip: If you’re an active-duty service member or a veteran, ask about military discounts directly through YouTube TV’s customer support.
FAQs
Can I get NFL Sunday Ticket cheaper through a promotion?
Yes, there are several promotions throughout the year, including early-bird discounts, student pricing, and mid-season deals. YouTube TV may also run promotional bundles that lower the overall cost.
Does YouTube TV offer a free trial?
Yes, YouTube TV typically offers a 7- to 14-day free trial for new subscribers. While this won’t cover the NFL Sunday Ticket, it gives you access to local and primetime NFL games.
How much is the student discount for NFL Sunday Ticket?
The student discount for NFL Sunday Ticket typically reduces the price to around $109-$119 per season, making it one of the best ways to get the service at a reduced cost.
Can I share my NFL Sunday Ticket with others?
Yes, YouTube TV allows for up to three simultaneous streams per account, meaning you can share your NFL Sunday Ticket subscription with friends or family to reduce the cost.
Are there cheaper alternatives to NFL Sunday Ticket?
Yes, cheaper alternatives include NFL RedZone and NFL+, both of which offer more limited access to games but at a significantly lower cost.
In conclusion, while the NFL Sunday Ticket can be expensive, there are plenty of ways to make it more affordable.
From early-bird discounts and student pricing to sharing the cost with others or exploring cheaper alternatives like NFL RedZone, football fans have many options to save money while still enjoying every game.
Keep an eye out for promotions and bundles, and you’ll be watching your favorite teams without breaking the bank.