Monday Night Football: How to Watch in 2025
If you’re wondering how to watch Monday Night Football tonight or for the rest of the 2025 NFL season, here’s everything you need to know. As of November 4, 2025, the primetime matchup featuring the Dallas Cowboys vs. the Arizona Cardinals kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET, airing live on ESPN and ABC, and streaming on the NFL+ mobile app.
However, a major update for fans is that YouTube TV has temporarily lost access to Disney-owned channels, including ESPN and ABC, due to a contract dispute. This means subscribers can’t currently watch Monday Night Football through YouTube TV until the issue is resolved.
Below is a complete, up-to-date guide on where and how to stream, watch, or listen to Monday Night Football tonight — with or without cable.
Table of Contents
What Time & Channel for Monday Night Football
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. ET
- TV Channels: ESPN and ABC
- Mobile Streaming: NFL+ (mobile and tablet only)
The game airs nationwide, and local ABC affiliates will broadcast it live. For mobile viewers, the NFL+ app remains the best official option for streaming Monday Night Football on the go.
Streaming Options (Without Cable)
If you don’t have cable, several streaming options let you watch Monday Night Football live this season. This is especially important given the YouTube TV blackout.
✅ Live TV Streaming Services
These platforms offer live ESPN and ABC coverage:
- Hulu + Live TV – Includes both ESPN and ABC in its base plan.
- fuboTV – Known for sports coverage and includes ESPN.
- Sling TV – Offers ESPN through its “Orange” plan; ABC may depend on your location.
- DIRECTV Stream – Includes ESPN and ABC with most base plans.
Each service typically includes a free trial or month-to-month subscription flexibility.
Direct-to-Consumer Options
ESPN now offers direct subscription access for viewers who prefer to skip traditional bundles:
- ESPN Unlimited (Standalone Service): Allows streaming of ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC sports content without cable for a monthly fee.
- NFL+: Offers live Monday Night Football on mobile and tablet devices, along with replays and exclusive NFL content.
These are strong choices for cord-cutters who only need NFL and sports access.
Watch Monday Night Football for Free with an Antenna
If you’re within range of your local ABC station, you can watch Monday Night Football for free using an HD antenna.
Simply connect the antenna to your television, scan for channels, and locate your local ABC affiliate. This is one of the most reliable free methods to watch MNF in high definition — no streaming issues, no buffering.
YouTube TV and the Disney Dispute
A major storyline this season is the ongoing YouTube TV vs. Disney contract dispute. As of early November 2025, all Disney-owned networks — including ESPN, ABC, FX, and National Geographic — have been removed from YouTube TV.
This affects more than 10 million subscribers, many of whom depend on YouTube TV for Monday Night Football. Until negotiations are settled, users must switch to another platform (like Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, or an antenna) to watch the games.
The blackout also impacts other sports programming such as college football, NBA, and NHL broadcasts carried on ESPN networks. There is no confirmed resolution date yet, though talks reportedly remain active.
Step-by-Step: How to Watch Monday Night Football Tonight
Here’s a quick, simple guide to ensure you’re ready before kickoff:
- Check the game time: 8:15 p.m. ET.
- Select your viewing method: Cable, streaming, or antenna.
- If streaming:
- Confirm that the service includes ESPN or ABC.
- Log in and test your stream at least 10 minutes before kickoff.
- If using ESPN Unlimited or NFL+:
- Download the app and sign in using your account.
- Make sure your device is updated and connected to a stable internet connection.
- If using an HD antenna:
- Connect and scan channels to ensure ABC broadcasts in your area.
- Enjoy the game!
If you’re a YouTube TV subscriber, remember that you currently cannot access ESPN or ABC. Choose one of the alternative methods above to avoid missing the action.
Service Comparison Table
| Service | Includes ESPN/ABC? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | Complete live TV plan; includes sports & news. |
| fuboTV | Yes | Sports-oriented; excellent for NFL fans. |
| Sling TV (Orange) | ESPN only | Add-on needed for ABC in certain markets. |
| DIRECTV Stream | Yes | Broad channel lineup; reliable sports access. |
| ESPN Unlimited | Yes | Stream ESPN and ABC directly without cable. |
| NFL+ | Yes (mobile only) | Ideal for mobile users, not for TVs. |
| HD Antenna | Yes (via ABC) | Free, reliable option; setup required. |
Why Fans Need to Stay Updated
Monday Night Football continues to be a national tradition — a weekly primetime showcase of the NFL’s most anticipated matchups. But as TV rights and streaming deals shift, knowing how to watch Monday Night Football has become more complicated.
- Cord-cutters have more flexibility but must manage multiple subscriptions.
- Cable users retain simplicity but often pay higher monthly fees.
- Streamers must stay aware of blackouts and network disputes.
The key is to verify that your chosen service includes both ESPN and ABC, since both networks broadcast Monday Night Football throughout the 2025 season.
Tips for a Smooth Viewing Experience
- Start your stream early: Avoid missing the first play due to buffering or sign-in issues.
- Use wired connections when possible: Ethernet connections reduce lag during live sports.
- Keep your apps updated: Outdated apps may experience crashes or stream errors.
- Have a backup plan: Always know your local ABC channel or another streaming service in case your primary one fails.
These steps help ensure you never miss a crucial drive or highlight.
Final Thoughts
The NFL’s Monday night stage remains as thrilling as ever, but streaming changes mean fans must adapt. Whether you’re watching on ESPN, ABC, or NFL+, make sure your setup is ready before kickoff — especially if you’ve been affected by the YouTube TV blackout.
Get your screens ready, grab your snacks, and enjoy another unforgettable night of Monday Night Football — and don’t forget to share your game-day setup or viewing tips in the comments below!