Following the NFL from the UK has never been easier, but with multiple streaming services, time zone challenges, and varying subscription costs, it can be confusing to know where to start. Whether you're a die-hard fan who wants to watch every game or a casual viewer interested in the biggest matchups, this guide will help you find the best way to watch NFL in the UK.
Quick Answer
For most UK fans: Sky Sports NFL is the best option, offering comprehensive coverage including Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and playoffs. If you want every game, NFL Game Pass International is your go-to, though it comes at a higher price.
Sky Sports NFL (Recommended for Most Fans)
Sky Sports NFL is the primary broadcaster of NFL games in the UK and offers the most comprehensive coverage on traditional TV.
What You Get
- Dedicated NFL channel with 24/7 coverage
- 3-4 live games every Sunday during the regular season
- All primetime games (Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football)
- Complete playoff coverage including Wild Card, Divisional, Conference Championships
- Super Bowl live coverage
- NFL RedZone on Sundays (during the season)
- Expert analysis and UK-based NFL shows
Cost: From £22/month as part of Sky Sports package, or accessible via NOW Sports (£34.99/month or £14.99 for a Day Pass)
Pros
- ✓ High-quality, reliable streams
- ✓ UK-friendly commentary and timing
- ✓ Includes RedZone
- ✓ No need for VPN
- ✓ Sky Go app for mobile viewing
Cons
- ✗ Doesn't show every game
- ✗ Requires Sky Sports subscription
- ✗ More expensive than standalone options
NFL Game Pass International (For Die-Hard Fans)
If you want access to every single NFL game, NFL Game Pass International is the ultimate solution.
What You Get
- Every regular season game live and on-demand
- All playoff games
- Super Bowl
- NFL RedZone
- Condensed game replays (45-minute versions)
- Coaches Film (All-22 camera angles)
- Full game archives dating back years
Cost: £14.99/month or £139.99/year (2024/25 season pricing)
Pro Tip: Early Bird Savings
NFL Game Pass often offers early-bird discounts in July/August before the season starts. You can save 20-30% by subscribing early.
Pros
- ✓ Every single game available
- ✓ No blackouts in UK
- ✓ Fantastic for following specific teams
- ✓ Condensed replays save time
- ✓ Works on all devices
Cons
- ✗ Premium price point
- ✗ Streaming quality depends on internet
- ✗ No UK commentary/analysis
NOW Sports (Flexible Sky Sports Access)
NOW Sports gives you access to Sky Sports without a long-term contract, perfect for casual fans or those who only want to watch during playoffs.
What You Get
- Access to all Sky Sports channels including Sky Sports NFL
- Month passes (£34.99/month) or Day passes (£14.99/day)
- No contract required
- Stream on up to 2 devices simultaneously
Best For: Playoff-only viewers or fans who want flexibility without committing to a full Sky Sports package.
Quick Comparison: Which Service is Right for You?
| Service | Cost | Games Available | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Sports NFL | £22/month+ | 3-4 per week + primetime | Most UK fans |
| NFL Game Pass | £139.99/year | Every game | Die-hard fans |
| NOW Sports | £34.99/month | Same as Sky Sports | Playoff viewers |
| NOW Day Pass | £14.99/day | Same as Sky Sports | Super Bowl only |
Understanding NFL Game Times in the UK
One of the biggest challenges for UK fans is the time difference. Most NFL games are played during US afternoon/evening, which means late evening or overnight viewing in the UK.
Typical Game Times (UK Time)
- Sunday 1pm ET games: Start at 6pm UK (GMT) / 7pm (BST)
- Sunday 4:05pm/4:25pm ET games: Start at 9:05pm/9:25pm UK
- Sunday Night Football (8:20pm ET): Starts at 1:20am UK Monday
- Monday Night Football (8:15pm ET): Starts at 1:15am UK Tuesday
- Thursday Night Football (8:15pm ET): Starts at 1:15am UK Friday
Super Bowl Time in the UK
The Super Bowl typically kicks off around 11:30pm UK time (6:30pm ET in the US). The game usually finishes around 3-4am UK time, making it a late night for UK fans! Many pubs and venues hold Super Bowl viewing parties to create a more social experience.
Best Games for UK-Friendly Times
Sunday 6pm kickoffs are your friend! These early US games (1pm ET) finish around 9-9:30pm UK time, making them perfect for UK viewers. Look for:
- London games (usually 2:30pm or 6pm UK kickoffs during October)
- Early Sunday slate (6pm UK start)
- Thanksgiving games (some start at 5:30pm UK)
Where to Watch NFL Games in UK Pubs & Venues
Watching NFL with fellow fans at a pub or sports bar can be a great experience, especially for big games like the playoffs and Super Bowl.
Finding NFL-Friendly Pubs
Look for venues that:
- Subscribe to Sky Sports (most sports pubs will have this)
- Stay open late for primetime games (1am+ kickoffs)
- Have multiple screens to show different games
- Offer American-style food (wings, burgers, nachos)
Popular NFL Pub Chains in the UK
- Belushi's - Multiple London locations, known for NFL coverage
- Sports Bar & Grill - Dedicated American sports bars
- Passyunk Avenue (London) - Philadelphia Eagles bar
- The Hippodrome Casino (London) - Late-night NFL viewing
Free Ways to Follow the NFL from the UK
While there's no completely free way to watch full live NFL games legally in the UK, there are some free options to stay connected:
- BBC Sport: Free highlights, news, and occasional live coverage of London games
- ITV: Sometimes broadcasts London games and Super Bowl for free
- NFL YouTube Channel: Highlights, analysis, and condensed games
- NFL App: Free to download with highlights, stats, and news
- Sky Sports YouTube: Post-game analysis and highlights
Student Tip
Many universities have Sky Sports in their student unions. Perfect for watching games with mates without paying for a subscription!
Our Recommendations by Fan Type
Casual Fan (Watches playoffs/Super Bowl)
Best Option: NOW Sports Day Pass (£14.99/day) for Super Bowl
No long-term commitment, affordable for one-off viewing, includes Super Bowl pre-game shows.
Regular Fan (Watches weekly)
Best Option: Sky Sports NFL via Sky or NOW Sports monthly pass
Best value for regular viewing, includes RedZone, UK-friendly production, reliable quality.
Die-Hard Fan (Watches specific team every week)
Best Option: NFL Game Pass International
Access to every game, perfect for following out-of-market teams, condensed replays for time-zone challenges.
Fantasy Football Player
Best Option: Sky Sports NFL (for RedZone) or NFL Game Pass
RedZone is essential for fantasy players – shows every touchdown and key play across all games simultaneously.
Top Tips for UK NFL Fans
- Join a UK NFL community: Connect with other UK fans on Reddit (r/nfluk) or local fan clubs to share viewing tips and organize pub meetups.
- Use multiple screens: Watch RedZone on your main screen and your team's specific game on a tablet or phone.
- Set up fantasy leagues with UK friends: Adjusts your fantasy football experience for UK-friendly timing and discussion.
- Download condensed games: If you can't stay up for late games, NFL Game Pass's 45-minute condensed versions are perfect for next-day viewing.
- Plan ahead for playoffs: Book time off work for playoff weekends if you're serious about watching live!
- Explore NFL London games: The NFL typically plays 2-3 games in London each October. Tickets sell fast, so register early.
- Avoid spoilers: Mute NFL-related social media accounts if you plan to watch games on delay.
Level Up Your Fantasy League
Running a fantasy football league with your mates? Check out our championship trophies and draft boards.
Preview Fantasy GearFrequently Asked Questions
What time is the Super Bowl in the UK?
The Super Bowl typically kicks off around 11:30pm UK time and finishes around 3-4am. Many UK pubs host all-night viewing parties for the big game.
Can I watch NFL for free in the UK?
Full live games aren't available for free legally in the UK, but BBC Sport and ITV occasionally show London games and the Super Bowl for free. NFL YouTube provides free highlights.
Is NFL Game Pass worth it in the UK?
If you want to watch every game or follow a specific team religiously, yes. For casual viewing, Sky Sports NFL is better value.
Do I need a VPN to watch NFL in the UK?
No, you don't need a VPN. Sky Sports and NFL Game Pass International are both fully legal and available in the UK without geo-blocking issues.
Can I watch RedZone in the UK?
Yes! RedZone is available through both Sky Sports NFL and NFL Game Pass International. It's fantastic for Fantasy Football players.
What's the best way to avoid NFL spoilers in the UK?
Mute NFL-related accounts on social media, avoid sports websites, and turn off phone notifications. NFL Game Pass has a "hide scores" feature for watching games on delay.
Will I get blackouts on NFL Game Pass in the UK?
No, the UK version of Game Pass gives you access to all games, including those shown on Sky Sports, live or on-demand.
Is the Super Bowl shown free-to-air?
Typically, yes. ITV or BBC usually picks up the Super Bowl broadcast alongside Sky Sports.
Final Thoughts
Following the NFL from the UK has never been easier, with multiple high-quality streaming options and a growing community of UK-based fans. Whether you choose Sky Sports for comprehensive UK-friendly coverage or NFL Game Pass for complete access to every game, you'll be able to enjoy America's most popular sport from the comfort of your home or local pub.
The key is choosing the service that matches your viewing habits and budget. For most UK fans, Sky Sports NFL offers the best balance of coverage, quality, and value. But if you're a die-hard fan who needs to watch every snap of your favorite team, NFL Game Pass is worth the investment.
Whatever option you choose, welcome to the UK NFL fan community – and enjoy the season!