YouTube will stream its first-ever full National Football League game live and for free on September 5, marking a significant milestone in sports broadcasting. The Week 1 matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers will be played in São Paulo, Brazil. This event marks the first time YouTube has broadcast a full NFL game globally at no cost to viewers. The game will be accessible to users on both YouTube and YouTube TV around the world, except for certain countries including Canada. Fans in the local markets of the competing teams will also have access via traditional broadcast television.
This move expands YouTube’s relationship with the NFL, which already includes its exclusive Sunday Ticket package on YouTube TV. That package allows fans to watch out-of-market Sunday games but requires a paid subscription, with pricing set at $378 per year for YouTube TV subscribers and $480 per year for non-subscribers. In contrast, the September 5 game will be available globally at no cost, offering broad access to one of the NFL’s marquee matchups to kick off the 2025 season.
YouTube Chief Business Officer Mary Ellen Coe expressed enthusiasm for the new initiative, highlighting the growing interest in NFL content on the platform. Last year alone, fans spent over 350 million hours watching official NFL content on YouTube. Coe emphasized that the broadcast will feature an interactive viewing experience with creators involved, reflecting YouTube’s unique approach to live sports.
The game represents a strategic move for both the NFL and YouTube, aligning with the growing trend of digital and streaming-first sports consumption. According to Nielsen data, YouTube was the most-watched streaming platform in the U.S. in March, commanding 12% of total viewership. With the NFL aiming to expand its international and younger audiences, the global free stream will likely help build momentum in new markets.
This announcement comes just ahead of the full 2025 NFL schedule release, which is set for Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. The high-profile matchup in Brazil and the global reach of YouTube could set a precedent for future collaborations between major sports leagues and streaming giants.
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