Of all the networks broadcasting the NFL 2025, ABC is unlikely to be at the top of most lists. Its NFL offering is modest in comparison to ESPN, FOX, CBS and NBC, but it's a great all-rounder.
ABC holds the rights to lots of major live sports, plus a multitude of the biggest shows on TV. Not just reality and competition shows, but great sitcoms and dramas too.
Read on as we explain how to watch NFL on ABC without cable, and from anywhere.
How to watch NFL on ABC without cable in the U.S.
ABC is available on a selection of the best cable TV alternatives. You'll get the most bang for your buck from Sling TV, which has a lower starting price than Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and Fubo.
Sling includes ABC in its Blue plan in select markets. Sling Blue also carries FS1, FX, TBS, TNT, TruTV and USA Network, as well as FOX and NBC in select markets.
It usually costs $50.99 per month, but you'll get your first month HALF PRICE!.
Hulu + Live TV costs $82.99 after a 3-day FREE trial; YouTube TV costs $82.99, but you'll get your first two months for $59.99 each; Fubo costs $84.99 after a 7-day FREE trial, but you'll get your first month for $64.99.
How to watch NFL on ABC live from abroad
Although ABC is only available in the U.S., American residents visiting Canada, the U.K., Australia and anywhere else can stream it through Sling, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV or Fubo with the aid of VPN (Virtual Private Network).
The software sets your devices to appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So, it's ideal for sports and TV fans away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:
Live NFL on ABC
ABC isn't one of the NFL's primary broadcasting partners, but the channel will show a smattering of games throughout the season.
It will show three Monday evening games, the Week 18 Saturday double-header, a Wildcard round playoff game, a Divisional round playoff game and the Pro Bowl Games.
What else is on ABC?
ABC also has the rights to the NBA, WNBA, MLB, college football, and select F1 races. Not bad, considering it's its TV offering that ABC is best-known for.
If drama or comedy are your thing, there's "Grey's Anatomy", "The Rookie", "Will Trent", "High Potential" and "Abbott Elementary", or if you can't get enough reality, "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire", "Celebrity Family Feud", "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune", "Celebrity Jeopardy", "American Idol", "The Bachelorette", "The Bachelor", "Dancing with the Stars", "Shark Tank" will keep you entertained.
ABC is also home to "Jimmy Kimmel Live!", and will air the upcoming "Scrubs" revival and "Ally McBeal" sequel.
Why should you use a VPN to watch ABC live?
The moment you leave the U.S. whether for work or on vacation, you'll lose access to the entire ABC library.
A VPN will give you a route back in, no matter where in the world you are. Plus, you can use a VPN to get around blackouts and tap into programming from different regions of the U.S..
VPNs also encrypt and anonymize your browsing data, keeping it private not only from cybercriminal and government snooping, but from your internet service provider too.
5-minute video guide: how to stream NFL
More from Tom's Guide
- How to watch NFL 2025: live stream games online
- How to watch NFL 2025 on NFL Network without cable
- How to watch NFL on ESPN without cable
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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