YouTube TV offers a good selection of channels but NHL Network is not currently one of them. Whether that changes in the future remains to be seen, but for those looking to watch NHL Network in the meantime, there is a cheaper live TV streaming service that carries the channel.
A YouTube TV subscription provides access to more than 100 live TV channels, along with the option to add more channels through add-ons. For sports fans in particular, YouTube TV is a good option considering a subscription unlocks access to BTN, ESPN, Fox Sports, MLB Network, NBA TV, and SEC Network, along with the ability to add channels like beIN SPORTS and NFL RedZone.
When it comes to NHL Network, however, there isn’t much choice for YouTube TV subscribers. Not only is NHL Network missing from the base plan, but there’s also no option to add it to the base package. For reference, YouTube TV does offer a dedicated Sports Plus add-on, which unlocks access to more than 10 additional sports channels for $10.99 per month. However, NHL Network isn’t one of them.
For those specifically interested in watching live NHL games on YouTube TV, local channels might be a possibility. YouTube TV is pretty good in terms of locals, so as long as a game is being broadcast on a local channel, YouTube TV subscribers should be able to access it without issue. For the rest of the content on offer with NHL Network, an alternative subscription will be required.
Other NHL Network options
If looking for a live TV plan that includes NHL Network then Sling TV is worth considering. At $40 per month, Sling TV is currently the cheapest way to sign up to a live TV plan with NHL Network included. However, neither of Sling TV’s base plans include NHL Network as standard. Instead, homes need to sign up to either the Sling Orange or Sling Blue base package and then add the Sports Extra add-on which includes NHL Network. With both Sling base plans priced at $40 per month each, and Sports Plus priced at $11 per month, the total comes to $51 per month for a Sling plan with NHL Network.
Existing subscribers will need to keep in mind that Sling TV’s Blue and Orange channel lineups are more limited than YouTube TV’s lineup, so while they will gain access to NHL Network (with the Sports Extra add-on), they might lose out on some of the other channels they get with a YouTube TV subscription, including other live sports.
For those simply wanting access to live NHL games, a standalone ESPN Plus subscription might be the answer. A standard ESPN Plus subscription costs $9.99 per month (or $99.99 per year). There’s also the option to bundle ESPN Plus with Disney Plus and basic Hulu from as little as $12.99 per month. ESPN Plus unlocks access to out of market NHL games from every team, so as long as the game is not being shown on a local channel, it is likely to be available to watch on ESPN Plus.
Considering YouTube TV provides good support for local channels in general, signing up to ESPN Plus alongside YouTube TV might be the best option for existing subscribers. This way they retain access to the rest of the channel lineup and can still watch out of market NHL games with ESPN Plus.
NHL Network on YouTube TV summary
YouTube TV provides access to more than 100 channels, including plenty of sports channels, but NHL Network is notably missing from the channel lineup and there’s no option to add the channel at an additional cost. As a result, homes that do want access to the channel, or just additional hockey content in general, may need to consider an alternative.
The cheapest way to sign up to a live TV plan with NHL Network included is currently Sling TV. This involves signing up for the $40 Sling Orange or Sling Blue plan and then adding the $11 per month Sports Extra add-on. Alternatively, YouTube TV subscribers can consider sticking with their current plan and seeing if a separate ESPN Plus subscription at $9.99 per month can help fill in the hockey gaps.
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