In a total touchdown for UK-based NFL fans, the 2025/26 regular season will see more games going out on free-to-air TV and subscription-free streaming platforms than in previous years.
While the odd NFL game has been shown for free in the UK over the last few seasons, it has been announced that the free-to-watch 5 (recently restyled from Channel 5) will pick up two games every Sunday. That’s fantastic news for American Football fans wanting to spend their Sundays watching games, without splashing out on a pricey Sky Sports or Game Pass plan.
The Paramount-owned network will stream games live in the UK, but how can you watch them if you’re away on holiday or on business? Where can you watch the rest of the games? And what streaming devices is the 5 streaming platform available on?
Here’s our full (and quick) guide to how to watch NFL for free on 5…
How to watch NFL on 5 for FREE
5 is set to show two matchups per gameweek – both on Sunday.
To watch 5: visit the Channel5.com website or download the 5 app.
5 is free – but you will need to register to watch NFL.
Register – sign up with your name, date of birth, email and UK postcode (e.g. N17 0BX)
OUTSIDE THE UK? ACCESS 5 FROM ANYWHERE WITH NORDVPN
How to watch the NFL on 5 from anywhere
The 5 streaming service is only available to watch in the UK – try to watching in a different country and you’ll quickly discover that it’s restricted.
Gridiron lovers traveling or working outside the UK will need to use a VPN to access 5’s free NFL streams.
There are lots of VPNs, but NordVPN is the one you can rely on to unblock 5 and stream NFL action wherever you are… and you can save 70%.
It’s really easy to use a VPN to watch NFL on 5.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we’ve said, NordVPN is the best choice.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you’re visiting the US or Canada and want to watch your free stream on 5, you’d select UK-based server location.
3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to the 5 website or app and watch the NFL on 5 for free.
NFL Freeview – Need to Know
What NFL games will 5 show?
5’s landmark deal means it will show three NFL games each week:
- Sunday at 6pm UK time (1pm ET / 10am PT)
- Sunday at 9pm or 9.25pm UK time (4pm or 4.25pm ET / 1pm or 1.25pm PT)
Which devices can I watch the NFL on 5 with?
You can use 5 on all of the following devices and platforms:
Mobiles:
Android mobiles and tablets (running Android 5.0 or above)
iOS (Apple) mobiles and tablets (running iOS 10 or above)
Set-top boxes:
Apple TV
Freesat
Freeview
NowTV & Roku
Virgin Media Tivo
YouView
Streaming devices:
Amazon Fire TV
Now & Roku
Smart TVs:
Android TVs
Freely TVs
Freeview TVs
LG TVs (2016 or later, WebOS 3 or later)
Roku TVs
Samsung Smart TVs (2017 or later)
Sony Android Smart TVs (2016-2018 only)
Sony YouView TVs
Games consoles:
PlayStation 4
What other ways can watch NFL in the UK?
The most comprehensive NFL coverage comes courtesy of NFL Game Pass on DAZN, which quite simply shows every minute of every single regular season and playoff game, plus the Super Bowl. You have to commit to a full year, which costs from £17.99 paid monthly or £169.99 upfront.
The omnipresent Sky Sports will show the same games as 5, with Thursday games added into the mix there. While the free-to-air ITV and its ITVX streaming platform will show a highlights show every Friday throughout the season.
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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