Watching NFL games while living in Europe can be challenging due to the time zone difference and lack of mainstream broadcasting options. However, with the rise of streaming services and other online platforms, American football fans in Europe now have several viable options for following NFL action live or on-demand without too much hassle. Here are the main ways to watch NFL games from Europe in the 2022/2023 season and beyond.
Stream on DAZN
DAZN is a premier sports streaming service that has exclusive rights to broadcast NFL games in Germany, Italy, and Spain. They offer live streams and on-demand replays of every regular season and playoff game. DAZN also provides original NFL-related programming like analysis shows, documentaries, and more.
To watch NFL on DAZN:
- Sign up for a DAZN subscription – plans start at €9.99 per month
- Download the DAZN app on your smart TV, mobile device, tablet, or games console
- Watch live and on-demand NFL games whenever they are on
The major benefit of using DAZN is you can stream games live in HD quality without cable. The downsides are that blackout restrictions may apply and you’ll need a stable internet connection. But for dedicated NFL fans in Germany, Italy or Spain, a DAZN subscription is the best way to catch all the action week-to-week.
Try NFL Game Pass
NFL Game Pass gives you access to replays of all NFL games, the NFL films archive, and more. It’s a great option for catching games on-demand after they air live.
Here’s how to use NFL Game Pass from Europe:
- Purchase an NFL Game Pass Europe subscription – it costs around €150 per season
- Access NFL Game Pass on your laptop, mobile device or smart TV via the website or app
- Watch full broadcast replays of games, condensed games, coaches film and more
The biggest advantage of Game Pass is the ability to watch games after they air without knowing the score. You can watch condensed games that omit downtime between plays and shorten the runtime to 30-40 minutes. The main drawback is that Game Pass does not include live games.
Use a VPN service
A VPN (virtual private network) masks your IP address and location, allowing you to access region-blocked content. This opens up options like international Game Pass and streaming options that are usually exclusive to the US.
To stream NFL with a VPN:
- Choose a reliable paid VPN service with US servers and strong encryption – ExpressVPN and NordVPN are highly rated choices
- Connect to a US server on the VPN network
- Access US-only streaming platforms like NFL Sunday Ticket, Paramount+, Peacock, or ESPN+ to watch live games and highlights
The benefit of using a VPN is it lets you tap into the full range of NFL streaming available in the US. The downside is you’ll have to pay for the VPN on top of any other streaming subscriptions. There can also be lag, buffering and drops in video quality. But having access to more streaming options gives you maximum flexibility for following NFL action.
Watch primetime and playoff games on Sky Sports
UK-based American football fans can catch a selection of NFL games on Sky Sports each week, including every Sunday night, Monday night and Thursday night game. Sky will also exclusively broadcast NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl.
Here’s how to watch NFL on Sky:
- Get a Sky TV package that includes Sky Sports – plans start from £46 per month
- Tune in to Sky Sports for live primetime games each week during the regular season
- Stream using Sky Go on your devices if you aren’t able to watch on TV
The main benefit of Sky Sports is you can easily watch marquee NFL matchups live without any extra subscriptions needed. The limitation is that only a few games each week are shown. But if you want an easy way to catch big primetime games and the playoffs, Sky Sports has you covered.
Consider NFL Game Pass International
NFL Game Pass comes in an international version that gives you access to live regular season games (playoffs excluded). It provides full and condensed game replays too.
Benefits of the international Game Pass include:
- Live streams of every regular season game
- Watch on your laptop, mobile devices, select tablets and connected TV devices
- Full game replays available as soon as live broadcast ends
- Condensed game replays that remove downtime between plays
Downsides of the international Game Pass:
- No playoff or Super Bowl access
- Costs around $180 USD per season
- Subject to some blackout restrictions
If you want to be sure you can watch every snap of every game live, NFL Game Pass International is the most comprehensive option available. Just be aware that you won’t get playoff or Super Bowl coverage.
Use NFL Mobile
The NFL Mobile app provides live local and primetime regular season games plus playoffs and Super Bowl on your smartphone or tablet. Here are key things to know about NFL Mobile:
- Compatible with Android and iOS devices
- Included free with a Verizon wireless plan in the US
- For non-Verizon customers, costs $5 per month or $40 for the season
- Only works with phones/tablets, not available on TVs or computers
- Subject to blackouts, not every game available live
NFL Mobile is best for on-the-go streaming rather than watching at home. But having an easy way to watch games live on your mobile device can be handy, especially if you’re traveling or don’t have access to other broadcasts.
Listen on NFL Game Pass radio
If you can’t watch the games live, NFL Game Pass radio provides live radio broadcasts for every game of the season so you can listen from anywhere.
Benefits of Game Pass radio include:
- Live play-by-play audio streams for all games
- Works on laptops, smartphones, tablets and other connected devices
- Access to home, away and national radio broadcasts
- Listen to full game replays on-demand after live broadcast ends
The radio broadcasts give you a way to follow the games live when watching video streams isn’t an option. Listening to radio coverage is perfect for multitasking or keeping up with games on the go.
Streaming Service | Price | Devices Supported | Games Available |
---|---|---|---|
DAZN | €9.99/month | Smart TV, mobile, tablet, console | Regular season, playoffs (Spain, Italy, Germany only) |
NFL Game Pass | €150/season | Laptop, mobile, tablet, select TV | Full game replays |
Sky Sports | £46/month minimum | Sky box, Sky Go streaming | Primetime, playoffs, Super Bowl |
NFL Game Pass International | $180 USD/season | Laptop, mobile, tablet, select TV | All regular season games |
NFL Mobile | $5/month or $40/season | iOS and Android mobile | Select live regular season, playoffs, Super Bowl |
Use NFL streaming services with a smart DNS proxy
A smart DNS proxy like Getflix allows you to access geo-restricted streaming platforms without needing to use a VPN. Here’s how it works:
- Sign up for a smart DNS service and set it up on your router and devices
- The DNS proxy assigns you a US-based IP address and routes your traffic through US servers
- This fools streaming services into thinking you are accessing them from within the US
- Enjoy NFL live streams and replays services like NFL Sunday Ticket without needing a VPN
Benefits of using a smart DNS include fast connection speeds, no lags or buffering, and no encryption tunnel like with a VPN. It’s cheaper and simpler to set up than a VPN. The only limitation is that a DNS proxy only works for streaming access, not general internet traffic.
Conclusion
While it takes some effort to work around regional restrictions, NFL fans in Europe can utilize streaming platforms along with services like VPNs and smart DNS proxies to access a robust selection of live and on-demand games. DAZN, Game Pass, Sky Sports and NFL Mobile offer the most versatile official options covering different European countries. With the right mix of services, you can stream NFL games from anywhere in Europe and never miss a snap all season long.