The NFL has grown a massive following in Australia over the past decade and watching it has never been easier — or more complicated, depending on which platform has the game. Here’s the definitive guide for Australian NFL fans.
The 2026 NFL season
The NFL regular season runs from September through January, with the Super Bowl in February. The 2026 season kicks off in September 2026. During the off-season, the NFL Draft, free agency, and OTA coverage keeps things moving — and Australian fans are among the most engaged in the world.
Where to watch NFL in Australia
ESPN via Kayo Sports — The primary home of NFL in Australia. ESPN holds rights to a significant portion of the regular season schedule plus playoff games. Kayo ($25/month) is the most flexible and affordable way to access this. Expect multiple live games per week during the regular season.
7mate (free-to-air) — Channel 7 and its secondary channels including 7mate show selected NFL games free-to-air. Typically one or two games per week, usually the bigger matchups. This makes Australia one of the better countries in the world for free NFL coverage.
NFL+ — The NFL’s own streaming service. Covers live out-of-market games, replays of every game, and extensive shoulder programming. Priced in USD — approximately $7/month or $50/year. Best for fans who want full coverage beyond what ESPN and 7mate offer.
Amazon Prime Video — Amazon holds rights to Thursday Night Football in the US. Some of this content is available to Australian Prime subscribers, though coverage varies.
What time is NFL on in Australia?
This is the biggest challenge for Australian NFL fans. Sunday games in the US start at 1pm ET (3am AEST Monday) and 4:25pm ET (6:25am AEST Monday). Sunday Night Football at 8:20pm ET is 10:20am AEST Monday — much more civilised. Monday Night Football at 8:15pm ET lands at 10:15am AEST Tuesday.
The Super Bowl typically kicks off around 6:30pm ET on the first Sunday of February — which is 9:30am Monday AEST, making it perfect viewing for Australian fans.
Watching the Super Bowl in Australia
The Super Bowl is the single most-watched American sports event in Australia each year. ESPN and 7mate both broadcast it live. Most years there are Super Bowl watch parties in major Australian cities. The 2026 Super Bowl was held in February and was broadcast live on both platforms.
Our recommendation
Start with 7mate for free — you’ll catch the marquee games at no cost. Add Kayo if you want broader coverage and the flexibility to watch on any device. Serious fans who want every snap should look at NFL+ as a supplement.
We’ll be covering the 2026 NFL season from September — bookmark this site and check our TV guide when the season kicks off.