Search Authority

Is Monday Night Football on NBC? Find the Latest Schedule & Stream It Now

Many viewers ask whether Monday Night Football is on NBC as part of their regular sports lineup. The short answer is no, but understanding how this works explains where to watch...

Mara Ellison Jul 24, 2026
Is Monday Night Football on NBC? Find the Latest Schedule & Stream It Now

Many viewers ask whether Monday Night Football is on NBC as part of their regular sports lineup. The short answer is no, but understanding how this works explains where to watch and why.

Below is a quick reference that outlines broadcast windows, streaming options, and regional availability for NFL games on different networks.

Network Package Typical Game Windows Streaming Service
NBC Sunday Night Football 8:20 PM ET weekly Peacock Premium
ESPN Monday Night Football 8:15 PM ET weekly ESPN+, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV
CBS AFC Games 1:00 PM & 4:25 PM ET regional Paramount+ with Showtime
Fox NFC Games 1:00 PM & 4:25 PM ET regional Fox Sports Go / DirecTV Stream
Amazon Thursday Night Football 8:20 PM ET weekly Amazon Prime Video

Monday Night Football History on Broadcast TV

Monday Night Football launched as a marquee event on ABC in 1970 and later moved to ESPN, where it became a cable staple. Over the decades, the broadcast window shifted between ABC, ESPN, and briefly other partners, but it never aired on NBC as part of its traditional lineup.

Understanding this history helps fans distinguish between broadcast networks like NBC and cable/streaming homes for MNF. NBC focuses its NFL coverage on Sunday Night Football, producing high-profile primetime matchups with star power and distinct commentary teams.

While the branding and presentation evolved, the underlying reality for viewers remains the same: Monday night games belong to ESPN, not NBC, which is why cord-cutters need the right streaming bundle to stay current.

Where Monday Night Football Actually Airs

Today, ESPN holds exclusive rights to Monday Night Football and delivers games across linear TV and digital platforms. If you are on a cable package, you likely find ESPN in your basic sports tier, but streaming services require an active ESPN+ subscription linked to a compatible TV provider.

Major streaming providers such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV carry ESPN as part of their core channel lineups. This means you can watch MNF on your TV without a traditional cable box by choosing a live TV service that includes ESPN.

For cord-cutters who want to minimize subscriptions, the ESPN app and website unlock the game with an ESPN+ membership and an authenticated TV login. This setup replicates the channel experience on mobile devices, smart TVs, and streaming sticks.

Sunday Night Football Is NBC’s Flagship

NBC positions Sunday Night Football as its marquee NFL property, featuring top matchups and marquee commentators each week. The network invests heavily in production, analytics, and halftime features to create a premium viewing experience at 8:20 PM ET.

Because NBC holds this rights package, it does not schedule Monday Night Football in its primetime window. Instead, the network focuses on building Sunday around game previews, extended highlights, and postgame analysis that keeps fans engaged beyond the final play.

For fans tracking prime-time matchups, the practical takeaway is simple: if you want the biggest NBC production, watch Sunday Night Football. If you want the classic Monday night spectacle, follow it on ESPN or its streaming partners.

Streaming Options and Cost Considerations

Watching Monday Night Football on streaming requires a service that includes ESPN, plus an authenticated ESPN+ subscription in most cases. Plans typically add a modest monthly fee, so it is helpful to compare how different services price this combination.

Some carriers and satellite providers offer promotions that include ESPN and streaming access at a reduced rate, which can lower the effective cost for households cutting the cord. Checking promotional periods and data allowances ensures you avoid surprises on your monthly bill.

Below is a concise comparison of popular options that reliably carry ESPN and MNF, based on channel lineups and verified device support.

Service Starting Price Includes ESPN Notes
Hulu + Live TV $76.99/month Yes 30-hour cloud DVR, ESPN+ add-on often included
YouTube TV $72.99/month Yes Unlimited cloud DVR, multiple profiles
FuboTV Latino $69.99/month Yes Unlimited cloud DVR, Spanish sports feeds
DirecTV Stream Choice Plus $70/month Yes Flexible add-ons, regional sports coverage varies

Key Takeaways for NFL Viewers

  • Monday Night Football lives on ESPN, not NBC.
  • Sunday Night Football is NBC’s flagship primetime NFL window at 8:20 PM ET.
  • Streaming access requires a live TV service with ESPN plus an ESPN+ subscription.
  • Comparing service prices and data limits helps control monthly bills.
  • Using a consistent streaming setup with cloud DVR ensures you never miss a game.

FAQ

Reader questions

Is Monday Night Football on NBC in primetime like Sunday Night Football?

No, Monday Night Football is produced by ESPN and airs on ESPN platforms, not NBC. NBC’s primetime NFL slot is reserved for Sunday Night Football at 8:20 PM ET.

Can I watch Monday Night Football on NBC’s streaming service?

Not directly, because NBC does not carry MNF. To watch on streaming, you need a service that includes ESPN, such as Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, plus an authenticated ESPN+ subscription.

Do local NBC stations ever show Monday Night Football games?

Local NBC stations typically do not air Monday Night Football, as the games are national telecasts on ESPN. In rare flex scenarios, NBC may move a Sunday Night matchup, but MNF remains on ESPN.

What do I need to subscribe to if I want Monday Night Football on streaming?

Subscribe to a live TV service that includes ESPN, such as Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV, and add ESPN+ through your provider or directly if not bundled. This combination unlocks the game on TV and mobile devices.

Related Reading

More pages in this topic cluster.

How to Tell the Difference Between Silver and Aluminum (Silver vs Aluminum)

Spotting the difference between silver and aluminum helps you verify purchases, appraise items, and avoid overpaying for misidentified metals. While they look similar at first g...

Read next
Excel Keyboard Shortcut for Strikethrough: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Mastering the Excel keyboard shortcut for strikethrough helps you track completed tasks, revisions, and action items without leaving the keyboard. This small efficiency habit sp...

Read next
Durham NC News Today: Latest Headlines & Updates

Durham NC news keeps the Research Triangle region informed about breakthrough healthcare, education, and downtown development. Local reporting connects residents and visitors to...

Read next