If you love hockey and you’re thinking about cutting the cord, the first question you probably have is: does YouTube TV have NHL Network? NHL Network carries live games, daily studio shows, draft coverage, and classic matchups making it essential for any serious fan. The short answer is no YouTube TV does not carry NHL Network. But that doesn’t mean it’s useless for hockey fans.
You can still watch the NHL through ESPN, ABC, and TNT, all included in the base plan. This guide breaks down everything you need to know what YouTube TV offers, which services do carry NHL Network, and the best way to never miss a game.
Does YouTube TV Have NHL Network?
Let’s get straight to the point. YouTube TV does NOT carry NHL Network. If you sign up for YouTube TV hoping to watch NHL Network, you will be disappointed. NHL Network is not part of the YouTube TV channel lineup, and as of 2025, there is no add-on option to add the NHL Network to your YouTube TV plan either.
This is one of the biggest drawbacks of YouTube TV for hardcore hockey fans. NHL Network airs live games, analysis shows, classic matchups, draft coverage, and behind-the-scenes content that you simply cannot find anywhere else. Without it, you’re missing a big piece of the NHL pie.
However, before you write off YouTube TV completely, here’s the good news: you can still watch the NHL on YouTube TV through several major networks that are included in the base plan.
What NHL Channels Does YouTube TV Include?
Even without NHL Network, YouTube TV gives you access to some of the biggest broadcast partners of the National Hockey League:
- ESPN : Carries a full slate of regular season and playoff games
- ABC : Home of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and Finals
- TNT : Broadcasts NHL games throughout the season and postseason
- TBS and truTV : Additional playoff coverage
- Local channels : ABC affiliates and local news sports coverage (varies by zip code)
So while NHL on YouTube TV is missing one key piece, you can still watch the NHL on the biggest stages of the season. Many casual fans will find this more than enough.
Read More: How Long Is a Hockey Game? Complete Guide to NHL, College & Recreational Game Duration
What You Get With YouTube TV for Hockey Fans
YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service that offers more than 100 channels for a flat monthly fee. The base YouTube TV plan currently costs around $72.99 per month. There’s no contract, and you can cancel anytime, which is a huge advantage over traditional cable.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what hockey fans get with the best YouTube TV base plan:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ESPN NHL games | ✅ Included |
| ABC NHL broadcasts | ✅ Included |
| TNT NHL games | ✅ Included |
| NHL Network | ❌ Not available |
| Unlimited Cloud DVR | ✅ Included |
| Simultaneous streams | Up to 3 (expandable to 6 accounts with Family Sharing) |
| Free Trial | ❌ Not currently offered |
| Android TV support | ✅ Yes |
| Roku support | ✅ Yes |
One feature that stands out for sports fans is the unlimited cloud DVR. You can record as many live games as you want and watch them later, which is a big deal during a busy NHL season when games overlap.
The YouTube TV app is also very easy to use. You can get it from the app store on most smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Android TV devices. Setting it up takes just a few minutes.
Best Alternatives to Watch NHL Network
Since YouTube TV doesn’t carry NHL Network, let’s look at the streaming services that do. These are your best options if comprehensive NHL coverage is a must for you.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV is one of the top choices for fans who want NHL Network. DirecTV Stream includes NHL Network in its higher-tier plans, along with ESPN, ABC, TNT, and regional sports networks. It’s one of the most complete packages available in the U.S. for hockey fans.
- DirecTV plans start at $54.99/month for the Entertainment tier
- NHL Network is available in the Choice plan and above
- DirecTV does offer free trial options depending on current promotions
- Great for fans who want both national and regional coverage
DirecTV and Fubo are considered two of the strongest options for fans who want truly comprehensive NHL coverage without compromise.
Fubo TV
Fubo (also known as FuboTV) is a live TV streaming service that offers NHL Network as part of its sports-focused channel lineup. It’s built specifically for sports fans, which makes it a natural fit for hockey.
- Fubo plans include NHL Network in select tiers
- Fubo includes ESPN, local channels, and regional sports networks
- FuboTV does offer a free trial for new subscribers a great way to start a free trial and test the service before committing
- Strong support for smart TVs, mobile, and streaming devices
Fubo is widely regarded as one of the best live TV streaming service options for sports fans who want network coverage across multiple leagues.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers a more budget-friendly path to NHL Network. You can access it through Sling’s Sports Extra add-on package. Sling plans start lower than most competitors, making it a cost-effective way to get NHL Network without paying full cable prices.
- Sling Blue + Sports Extra includes NHL Network
- Sling TV starts at $40/month before add-ons
- Sling does not currently offer free trials but often has steep promotional discounts for new users
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu with Live TV does not currently carry NHL Network, similar to YouTube TV. However, Hulu includes ESPN, ABC, and other major sports networks. It bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ into the package, which gives you access to NHL games on ESPN and out-of-market content through ESPN+.
Full Streaming Service Comparison for NHL Fans
Here’s a side-by-side table to help you decide which TV streaming service that offers the best value for your hockey needs:
| Service | NHL Network | ESPN | TNT/TBS | Free Trial | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | $72.99/mo |
| DirecTV Stream | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $54.99/mo |
| Fubo | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | $79.99/mo |
| Sling TV | ✅ (add-on) | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | $40/mo |
| Hulu + Live TV | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | $82.99/mo |
Pro Tip: Services that offer free trials like DirecTV and Fubo are a great way to test the service during a big playoff series before deciding whether to keep it.
NHL Center Ice — The Ultimate Way to Access NHL Games
If you want the most comprehensive NHL coverage possible, consider NHL Center Ice. This is a premium add-on that gives you access to live games, including many out-of-market matchups that aren’t available on regular broadcast channels.
- NHL Center Ice is available through most major TV providers and some streaming services
- It gives fans access to nearly every live games broadcast throughout the season
- It’s the best way to watch NHL hockey if your favorite team isn’t carried locally
- Blackout restrictions still apply for local and nationally televised games
- This is a separate membership from NHL Network
For the most dedicated fans, combining a base streaming plan with an NHL Center Ice add-on is the most complete way to never miss a puck all season long.
How to Watch NHL Network: Step-by-Step Options
Here’s a simple breakdown of your options if you specifically want to watch NHL Network:
- Sign up for DirecTV Stream : Choose the Choice plan or higher to get NHL Network included
- Try Fubo TV : Includes NHL Network with strong sports network coverage across the board
- Add Sling Sports Extra : The most affordable way to get NHL Network through sling
- Check your smart TV’s app store : Some providers offer NHL Network as a standalone in-app purchase
- Ask your internet provider : Some cable and internet bundles include NHL Network access
What you cannot do right now is add the NHL Network to YouTube TV as an add-on that option simply doesn’t exist.
NHL Games on ESPN : What YouTube TV Users Can Watch
Even without NHL Network, there are plenty of NHL games on ESPN that YouTube TV subscribers can enjoy. ESPN holds a major portion of the NHL broadcast rights, and those games are fully accessible through the YouTube TV base plan.
Here’s a look at what ESPN brings to the table for NHL fans:
- ESPN and ESPN2 carry dozens of regular season games per year
- ESPNU occasionally airs college and lower-division hockey
- ESPN+ (streaming only) carries exclusive NHL live games each week
- The Stanley Cup Playoffs heavily feature ESPN broadcasts
You can stream live TV coverage of these games without any extra cost beyond your YouTube TV subscription. For many fans, this ESPN access combined with ABC and TNT coverage makes YouTube TV a solid option even without NHL Network.
Is YouTube TV Worth It for NHL Hockey Fans?
Here’s the honest answer: it depends on what kind of fan you are.
YouTube TV is a great choice if:
- You mainly want to watch the NHL playoffs and Stanley Cup Finals
- You’re happy watching NHL games on ESPN, ABC, and TNT
- You value features like unlimited cloud DVR and the ability to stream live sports on multiple devices
- You want a no-contract plan you can cancel anytime
YouTube TV is NOT ideal if:
- You need NHL Network for daily hockey programming
- You want comprehensive NHL coverage including studio shows and out-of-market regular season games
- You follow a team that airs frequently on NHL Network
For those in the second group, DirecTV or Fubo will give you the full package, including NHL Network plus all the major broadcast channels. Both services offer free trials so you can test them out with zero risk.
FAQs
Does YouTube TV have the NHL channel?
No, YouTube TV does not carry NHL Network.
What streaming service is NHL Network on?
NHL Network is available on DirecTV Stream, Fubo TV, and Sling TV.
Did YouTube TV used to have NHL Network?
No, YouTube TV has never carried NHL Network.
Does Amazon Prime have NHL Network?
No, Amazon Prime does not carry NHL Network as part of its lineup.
Final Verdict
So, does YouTube TV have NHL Network? No, it does not. But that doesn’t mean you can’t watch NHL live on YouTube TV because you absolutely can, through ESPN, ABC, and TNT. For casual fans, that’s plenty of hockey to keep you happy all season long.
But if you’re a die-hard fan who needs the full power play of NHL content including NHL Network then DirecTV Stream or Fubo are your best bets. You can also pair any base streaming plan with an NHL Center Ice add-on to build a truly comprehensive NHL streaming setup that works for your budget and your schedule.
The bottom line: know what you need, compare your options, and pick the plan that helps you watch NHL hockey the way you want. The puck doesn’t wait for anyone.
