YouTube has announced its plans to stream the first Friday game of the 2025 National Football League season exclusively and for free to a global audience. The event is scheduled for Sept. 5, with coverage available in both English and Spanish.
Courtney Lessard, product lead at YouTube Connected TV and Sports, detailed how YouTube will involve creators in its coverage. According to Lessard, “We’re putting our own YouTube spin on the event. Hall of Famer Kurt Warner and Emmy-nominated broadcaster Rich Eisen will break down each play; seasoned sideline correspondent Stacey Dales teaming up with creator Deestroying are reporting live from the stadium; and sports media personality Kay Adams and former NFL MVP Cam Newton will be our pregame and postgame show hosts. Fans will also be treated to a half-time show performed by superstar KAROL G.” Lessard also explained that four leading creators would host their own ‘Watch With’ streams: “Get ready for a mix of analytical breakdowns, comedic takes, and everything in between: on both YouTube and YouTube TV, you can tune in to streams by iShowSpeed and Tom Grossi in English, and Robegrill and SKabeche in Spanish. If you feel stuck between choices, get the best of both worlds by easily swapping between iShowSpeed’s commentary and the main game broadcast.”
The opening game takes place in São Paulo, Brazil, featuring the Los Angeles Chargers against the Kansas City Chiefs.
