The ever-growing popularity of American football in the UK has led to an increased demand for ways to watch NFL games without breaking the bank.
With a variety of options available, it’s now easier than ever for UK-based NFL enthusiasts to catch all the action for free.
From dedicated streaming platforms to creative workarounds, viewers can enjoy live, on-demand games and exclusive content throughout the season.
In this post, we’ll explore the different methods to legally watch NFL in the UK at no additional cost, helping fans stay up to date on their favorite teams and players.
Why Watch NFL in the UK
Watching the NFL in the UK has become increasingly popular over the years as more and more British sports fans have become interested in American football.
There are several reasons why people in the UK enjoy watching the NFL and have started to follow it closely.
Firstly, the NFL showcases world-class athletes, featuring incredible displays of speed, strength, and skill.
The athleticism displayed in NFL games is, without a doubt, captivating and entertaining for sports fans of all backgrounds.
Many viewers are drawn to the excitement, strategy, and unique aspects of gridiron football that differentiate it from other sports popular in the UK, such as rugby, football (soccer), and cricket.
Secondly, the growth of the NFL’s presence in the UK has led to a greater understanding and appreciation of the sport. Regular season games have been played in London since 2007, as part of the NFL International Series.
These games have helped to promote the sport and generate a dedicated fan base in the UK.
Furthermore, the availability of online resources, including streaming services and websites dedicated to the NFL, has made it easier than ever for fans in the UK to follow the league and understand its intricacies.
Finally, the cultural aspect of American football adds another layer of fascination for many UK viewers.
Free Streaming Platforms
In the UK, there are several free streaming platforms where you can catch NFL matches without spending a penny.
In this section, we will explore three of these options: BBC iPlayer, Channel 4 All 4, and Sky Sports YouTube Channel.
BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer is a popular streaming service in the UK, offering a wide range of content, including sports events like the NFL.
You can watch NFL UK live during matches, get breaking news, and even download NFL shows and highlights for later viewing.
All these features are available for free, provided you have a valid UK TV license.
To access BBC iPlayer, simply visit the website or download the app on your preferred device.
Channel 4 All 4
Channel 4 All 4 is another platform that offers free streaming of various TV shows, movies, and some sports events, including selected NFL games.
Although the coverage might not be as comprehensive as the BBC iPlayer, you can still watch specific NFL matches without any cost.
To use Channel 4 All 4, you need to create an account on their website or download the app and sign up.
Remember that Channel 4 All 4 is a geo-restricted service, accessible only to viewers located in the UK.
Sky Sports YouTube Channel
The official Sky Sports YouTube Channel offers a range of free sports content, including some NFL matches, highlights, and expert analysis.
Although live streaming of NFL games is not guaranteed, you can still find a good amount of NFL-related content and snippets on their channel.
Simply subscribe to the Sky Sports YouTube Channel and enjoy the available content.
With these free streaming platforms, NFL fans in the UK can enjoy some games and stay updated on the latest developments in the league without spending a dime.
VPN Services to Access Free Streams
Watching NFL games in the UK for free can be tricky due to geo-restrictions and varying accessibility options.
However, using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can provide a solution to this problem by allowing viewers to access free streaming sites securely and efficiently.
Selecting a VPN
There are several VPN services available, and choosing the right one is essential for a smooth streaming experience.
Some popular options for streaming NFL games include ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
When selecting a VPN service, look for:
- Good connection speeds
- Large server network
- Ability to bypass geo-blocks
- Strong security and privacy features
- Affordable pricing or free trial options
Setting Up a VPN
Once you have selected a suitable VPN service, follow these steps to set it up:
- Create an account with the VPN provider, and choose a plan that best fits your needs.
- Download and install the VPN software on your device. Most providers offer applications for various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- Open the VPN application and sign in with your account details.
- Select a server location that would give you access to free NFL stream sites. For example, if the site is only available to viewers in the United States, choose a server location within the US.
- Connect to the VPN server and wait for the confirmation that you are connected.
- Open your browser and visit the free NFL streaming site of your choice. Enjoy watching the games without any geo-restrictions or security concerns.
By using a VPN, you can access free NFL streams from the UK and enjoy watching your favourite teams compete without any hassle or additional costs.
NFL Game Pass: Free Trial
If you’re looking to watch NFL games in the UK for free, one option is to take advantage of the NFL Game Pass free trial.
This trial currently lasts seven days, which can provide you access to live local and primetime games, as well as replays for all regular and postseason games.
Find more details below.
Signing Up for the Trial
To sign up for the NFL Game Pass free trial, follow these steps:
- Visit the NFL Game Pass website.
- Click on “START 7 DAY FREE TRIAL”.
- Choose an NFL+ Premium subscription from the available options.
- Complete the registration process entering your personal details and payment information.
- Once registered, enjoy the 7-day free trial access, including live NFL games and replays.
Cancelling the Trial
To avoid being charged when your free trial comes to an end, it’s important to cancel the trial on time. Follow these steps to do so:
- Log into your NFL Game Pass account.
- Go to “My Account” by clicking on your name in the top right corner of the page.
- Click on “Subscriptions & Billing”.
- Select the “Cancel Subscription” option.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cancellation process.
Remember to cancel the trial before the 7-day period ends to avoid being charged for the NFL+ Premium subscription.
Social Media Platforms
While there are no guaranteed ways to watch NFL games for free in the UK, social media platforms provide some alternative options for catching snippets and keeping up to date with the latest NFL events.
Facebook offers a variety of fan pages and groups dedicated to the NFL.
By following these pages, you can stay updated on game highlights, interviews, and news. Some pages may occasionally share clips from live games, though these unofficial streams are not consistent or guaranteed.
Additionally, the official NFL Facebook page often shares short video clips and highlights from games, which can be a good way to catch some of the action.
Twitter is another platform where you can find updates and short clips from NFL games.
By following the official NFL Twitter account and accounts of individual teams, you can get real-time updates on ongoing games, scores, and other news.
Additionally, using hashtags such as #NFLUK can help you find relevant tweets from other fans and unofficial sources that might share game highlights or live clips.
Reddit hosts a variety of subreddits dedicated to the NFL and individual teams.
These communities often share news, game highlights, and discussion threads where users post their reactions and opinions on games.
Although it is not a reliable source for watching full games, visiting subreddits such as r/nfl can provide further information and content related to NFL matches in the UK.
Watching NFL in Pubs and Sports Bars
For those who enjoy watching NFL games with a lively crowd and an enjoyable atmosphere, heading to pubs and sports bars is a great option.
Many venues across the UK regularly showcase NFL matches, allowing fans to socialise and share their passion for the sport.
Although NFL games are not always broadcast on free-to-air television channels in the UK, several pubs and sports bars subscribe to satellite or cable TV packages that include NFL coverage.
Some venues may specifically target American football fans, while others offer a wide range of sports for patrons to watch.
To find a suitable pub or sports bar that showcases NFL games, it’s helpful to search online directories or use applications like GameWatch.info.
These platforms provide lists of local establishments and the specific games they plan to broadcast.
Social media groups and fan forums can also be useful for discovering venues that cater to NFL enthusiasts.
When planning to watch an NFL game in a pub or sports bar, it is advisable to:
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot
- Check the venue’s website or social media pages for updates on game schedules and any admission fees
- Consider the pub’s food and drink offerings, as well as their seating capacity and screen sizes
- Be aware of the time difference between the UK and the United States, as this may affect game start times
In conclusion, watching NFL games at pubs and sports bars allows fans to enjoy a social and exciting atmosphere.
By utilising online resources and following the suggested tips, NFL enthusiasts in the UK can easily find suitable venues to catch their favourite teams in action.
Conclusion
In summary, UK-based NFL fans have a variety of options to watch games for free.
One of the most reliable methods is to create a free account on the NFL’s official website, which allows viewers to enjoy game highlights and other related content.
Furthermore, Channel 5 airs every Monday Night Football game live from 1 am, and they also offer a brand-new weekly NFL show providing exclusive content every Sunday from 11.30 am.
For those preferring online streaming, you can watch FOX’s NFC games on Sundays for free via Tubi TV, an ad-supported VOD streaming service.
Be aware that accessing live NFL games for free might be subject to limitations, such as regional or league-imposed restrictions.
Using VPN services like NordVPN can help mitigate these restrictions and enhance viewer options, but this solution may incur an additional cost.
By taking advantage of these reliable methods, football fans in the UK can stay up to date and enjoy their favourite NFL teams and players throughout the season.