You're sitting there, ready for kick-off, and suddenly you realize your old setup isn't cutting it. It happens every year. The NFL moves the goalposts on how we actually watch the games, and 2026 is no different. If you're wondering who is streaming Monday Night Football, the answer isn't just one app anymore. It’s a messy mix of Disney-owned networks, "skinny" bundles, and a few mobile-only workarounds that might save you a buck if you don't mind a small screen.
Honestly, the days of just turning on "the game" are gone. Now, it's about whether you want the ManningCast, the Spanish broadcast, or just a stable stream that won't buffer during a game-winning drive.
The Main Players: ESPN, ABC, and the Disney Empire
Basically, Disney still holds the keys to Monday night. But they've gotten a lot more aggressive about where they put the games. For the 2025-2026 season, you aren't just looking at one channel. ESPN is the home base, but ABC is no longer just a "sometimes" partner.
There are 25 games on the slate this season. Most air on ESPN, but a huge chunk are simulcast on ABC. If you have a digital antenna, you can actually catch some of these for free—no subscription required. It's a bit of a throwback move, but it works.
Then there’s the "new" ESPN. Disney recently launched their direct-to-consumer (DTC) service, which is essentially the full ESPN experience without a cable box. If you're a cord-cutter who doesn't want a massive $80 monthly bill, this is likely where you'll land. It’s a standalone app that gives you the same feed you’d get on traditional TV.
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Where to Find the ManningCast
If you prefer Peyton and Eli cracking jokes and accidentally muting their mics over standard play-by-play, you’re looking for ESPN2. Most streaming services that carry ESPN include ESPN2, but you’ve gotta check the fine print.
The Best Streaming Services for MNF
If you’ve dumped cable for good, you’ve basically got four or five real options. I’m not talking about those shady "free" sites that give your computer a virus. I mean the legit apps.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is arguably the "heavyweight" choice. It’s pricey—we're talking over $80 a month—but it’s the most complete. You get ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2. Plus, it usually bundles in Disney+ and the standard ESPN+ service. It’s the "set it and forget it" option.
- YouTube TV: Most people I know use this. It’s slightly cheaper than Hulu and the DVR is unbeatable. You can record every single Monday Night Football game and watch it the next morning if you can't stay up for the late-coast finishes.
- Sling TV (Orange Plan): If you only care about Monday nights and don't want to pay for a hundred other channels, Sling Orange is the budget pick. It’s around $40-45. It includes ESPN. The catch? You usually don't get your local ABC station unless you live in a specific market or use an antenna.
- Fubo: This one is built for sports junkies. It’s got a massive channel list, though it’s gotten just as expensive as cable lately.
The NFL+ Mobile Loophole
Let’s say you’re on a budget. You don't have $80. You barely have $10. NFL+ is your best friend, with a major caveat: you can only watch on your phone or tablet. You can't "cast" it to your TV. It’s annoying, but for roughly $7 a month, you get every primetime game, including Monday Night Football. If you’re okay watching on an iPad in bed, this is the cheapest way in.
Is Monday Night Football on Amazon Prime or Netflix?
People get confused here because of Thursday Night Football and those new Christmas Day games.
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Amazon Prime owns Thursday. They don't have Monday. Occasionally, you might see a highlight package or a weird simulcast partnership, but you can’t rely on Prime for your Monday fix.
Netflix is the new kid on the block for the NFL, but they’re currently focused on holiday specials and documentaries like Receiver. For the weekly Monday night grind, Netflix isn’t the place to be. Not yet, anyway.
What Most People Get Wrong About ESPN+
There is a huge misconception that having an ESPN+ subscription (the $11/month one) means you can watch Monday Night Football.
It doesn't.
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ESPN+ is great for UFC, hockey, and random college baseball games. But for the NFL? It only gets select games. Usually, if a game is exclusive to ABC or if they’re doing a "Doubleheader" where two games are on at once, one might end up on ESPN+. But if you try to log in on a normal Monday night with just an ESPN+ sub, you'll likely see a lock icon.
You need a "provider" login—either a cable company or one of the live streaming services mentioned above.
Regional Blackouts and Flex Scheduling
One thing to keep an eye on this year is the NFL’s "flex" power. Starting around Week 12, the league can swap out a boring matchup for a better one. This is great for fans but can be a headache if you’re planning a watch party.
Also, if you're using an antenna for the ABC games, remember that your local affiliate matters. While MNF is a national broadcast, if your local station has a technical glitch or a weather emergency, you might be scrambling for a backup stream.
Actionable Steps to Get Started
Don't wait until 8:14 PM on Monday to figure this out.
- Check your current subscriptions. If you already have the Disney Bundle (Hulu/Disney/ESPN+), check if you can upgrade to the Live TV tier for a discount.
- Test your internet speed. Live sports streaming needs at least 25 Mbps for a stable 4K or high-def feed. If your Wi-Fi is spotty, consider a hardwired ethernet cable for your TV or Roku.
- Grab a 7-day trial. Most services like Fubo and YouTube TV offer a free week for new users. If there’s one specific game you’re dying to see, sign up on Sunday and cancel on Tuesday.
- Buy a cheap antenna. Seriously. For $20, you can get ABC for life. It’s the ultimate backup for when your internet goes down or your streaming app glitches.
Monday Night Football is still the crown jewel of the weekly schedule. Whether you're going for the full-blown YouTube TV experience or just squinting at your phone with NFL+, just make sure you're logged in before the coin toss.