This comprehensive guide explains exactly how fans in the United Kingdom can watch American football — including live NFL games — without paying high subscription fees. The NFL’s popularity has surged in the UK, and for the 2025 season there are now multiple genuinely free and legal viewing opportunities. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the sport, this step-by-step guide breaks down each method available to stream or watch NFL action without cost in the UK. We also cover devices, regional restrictions, alternatives, and practical tips so you never miss a touchdown.

NFL broadcasting rights in the UK have changed significantly, opening new free-to-air windows alongside traditional subscription services. This means that even casual viewers who don’t want to pay for premium sports packages can still catch top games. We’ll walk through which channels offer free coverage, how to access them, and important caveats to ensure you’re watching legally and safely.

Throughout this guide, we’ll explain broadcast partners, timeslots to watch, how to stream free games online, how to use the My5 platform, and other viewing techniques. By the end of this article you’ll have a clear plan to watch NFL in the UK for free — from regular season matchups to special events like Thanksgiving games and the Super Bowl.

Why Free NFL Coverage Is Now Possible in the UK

For many years NFL coverage in the UK was primarily behind paywalls on premium platforms such as Sky Sports or DAZN. However, recent broadcast deals have introduced free-to-air opportunities so that fans can access select games without paying for a subscription.

The key to free NFL viewing in the UK is a landmark agreement between the NFL and Channel 5 (now branded as “5”), which gives free-to-air rights to broadcast a selection of games each week. This marks one of the most significant shifts in UK American football broadcasting in years, opening Sunday evening games to the wider public on traditional TV and online streaming platforms.

Alongside this arrangement, traditional subscription services like DAZN and Sky Sports continue to offer comprehensive season coverage for those who want access to all games and exclusive features. But for fans keen on free options, this guide focuses on every legitimate way to watch without paying.

Understanding the broadcast landscape helps set realistic expectations about what games you can watch for free and what requires subscriptions or paid access. The rest of this guide breaks down each method in practical detail.

Channel 5: The Core Free-to-Air NFL Option

Channel 5 in the UK now offers free live NFL games during the regular season. This is the most reliable and legal way for UK fans to watch American football without a subscription. Coverage includes weekly Sunday matchups, special international games, and key seasonal events.

Each week, Channel 5 and its digital sister channel 5Action show two live NFL games. One is broadcast earlier in the evening, and the second follows later at night. These are available both on traditional television and via Channel 5’s online streaming platform, My5.

To make full use of this free coverage, you just need a valid UK TV licence to watch live content on Freeview or satellite platforms where Channel 5 is available. No subscription to premium sports channels is needed, and games can also be streamed through the My5 app or website at no cost.

What Channel 5 Shows for Free

Two Sunday Evening Games Every Week – A matchup kicking off in the early UK evening and a later night game, both viewable live on Channel 5 and 5Action or streamed on My5.
International Games – UK fans can watch games played in London and Dublin free to air.
Thanksgiving Specials – Select holiday games are broadcast free to viewers.
Playoff Games – Some playoff matchups are included in the free coverage schedule.
The Super Bowl – The most anticipated event of the NFL season is also freely available.

Channel 5’s coverage is designed to be accessible to UK viewers who want mainstream NFL action without paying extra, bringing top American football games into living rooms and onto mobile devices via My5.

Streaming Free NFL Games Online with My5

If you prefer online streaming, Channel 5’s My5 service is the main platform where free NFL games are made available live. My5 works on a wide range of devices including smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and streaming devices.

To access games through My5, users must sign up for a free My5 account. This requires entering basic details such as name, email, and a UK postcode. Once registered, you can stream live games and replays wherever you are in the UK.

The My5 platform also provides on-demand highlights and show clips, letting fans catch up on big plays if they miss the live broadcast. The streaming experience is completely free as long as you are within the UK and have a licence that covers live television viewing.

Devices and Platforms to Watch My5

Smartphones & Tablets – Download the My5 app from Apple App Store or Google Play to stream games on the go.
Smart TVs – Access My5 via built-in apps on many smart TV brands or through connected devices like Apple TV or Roku.
Laptops & PCs – Visit the My5 website in your browser to watch live games.
Streaming Sticks & Consoles – Use compatible streaming sticks and games consoles that support the My5 app for a bigger-screen experience.

As long as you’re accessing My5 from within the UK, there is no charge to stream these games live or catch up later on demand. Having a UK TV licence is essential for legal live viewing on Freeview or satellite platforms, and is recommended for all live My5 streams.

How to Watch NFL Games Abroad (Legally with My5)

If you travel outside of the UK for work or holidays, you might find that your My5 access is restricted due to regional licensing. For fans temporarily outside the UK who still want to watch games, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) can be useful — although proper use must always adhere to the service’s terms of use.

VPNs allow your device to appear as if it is in the UK, enabling access to the My5 live streams. This can be helpful for viewers on the move. Make sure the VPN service you choose has strong privacy protections and servers located in the UK. This ensures a smoother streaming experience and maintains compliance with basic legal expectations around content access.

NFL Game Pass on DAZN: Free-Tier and Limited Access Options

While DAZN is a subscription service offering full NFL coverage in the UK, it has also introduced a free ad-supported tier that allows viewers to access selected NFL content without paying. The free tier does not provide full live game coverage, but it may offer highlights, select on-demand content, and potentially special features depending on regional availability.

For those willing to explore more free content beyond Channel 5’s offers, DAZN’s platform can be a supplementary source of NFL streaming. To use the free tier, you simply sign up for a DAZN account and access the ad-supported content that is available in the UK.

Keep in mind that the full NFL Game Pass package remains a paid product that gives access to every game, on-demand replays, NFL RedZone, and more. But the free tier is an easy way to catch additional NFL coverage without subscribing.

What You May Get With the DAZN Free Tier

Selected Highlights – Recap shows, top plays, and condensed game segments on demand.
On-demand Content – Access to documentaries, NFL analysis, and special features.
Occasional Live Events – Depending on promotional windows, certain live or near-live content may be available.

Listen to NFL Games for Free

If you’re more interested in audio coverage rather than video, there are radio and live commentary feeds that are free to listen to from UK platforms. Sports radio stations sometimes broadcast live audio of major NFL games or offer live commentary shows dedicated to American football.

Local radio stations and online streaming outlets provide commentary for popular matchups, including Sunday night or big international games. Additionally, users can often tune into extended highlight shows or post-game analysis without paying for premium sports services.

Platforms for Free NFL Audio

TalkSPORT Radio – Offers live commentary and NFL shows across the season.
UK Sports Radio Stations – Various stations provide free live or delayed NFL audio coverage.
Online Audio Streams – Websites and apps sometimes carry free radio feeds and commentary for major events.

Important Things to Know Before You Watch

While the free options outlined here are legal and available to UK viewers, there are important points to understand so your viewing experience remains trouble-free:

TV Licence Requirement – If you watch live TV or live streams in the UK (including free coverage on Channel 5/My5), you must have a valid UK TV licence. This applies regardless of whether you pay for any subscription services.
Regional Restrictions – Some streaming services limit access to UK residents. If you are abroad temporarily, content may be blocked without special network settings.
Subscription Alternatives – Free options cover select games and highlights. If you want full coverage including all primetime matchups, playoffs, or NFL RedZone, subscription services are still needed.
Device Compatibility – Ensure your device supports the apps or streaming services you plan to use so you can watch smoothly.

Free NFL Viewing Checklist for UK Fans

Confirm Your Free Channels – Make sure your TV package includes Channel 5 and 5Action, or that you have access to My5 online.
Register for My5 – Sign up with a UK postcode to unlock live streaming of free games on your devices.
Check the NFL Schedule – Know the dates and kickoff times of free games each week.
Plan for TV Licence – Ensure your licence is valid so you watch live free broadcasts legally.
Explore DAZN Free Content – Even if you don’t subscribe, check DAZN’s free tier for highlights and additional NFL media.

Conclusion

The NFL is more accessible than ever for fans in the United Kingdom, with multiple free and legal ways to enjoy American football without paying premium fees. The landmark free-to-air agreement with Channel 5 means that UK viewers can watch two live Sunday games each week, select international matchups, Thanksgiving specials, playoff fixtures, and even the Super Bowl without a subscription. Streaming the games via the My5 platform makes these free broadcasts even more convenient on phones, tablets, and smart TVs.

In addition to live video options, free audio commentary and highlight content are widely available to enrich your NFL experience. While subscription services like DAZN and Sky Sports continue to offer full season coverage, the free options outlined in this guide allow casual and dedicated fans alike to stay connected to the sport without ongoing costs.

By understanding what’s available and how to access it, you can enjoy quality NFL action in the UK — legally, safely, and free of charge — throughout the season and beyond.