Reddit NFL Streams may have been your go-to place to stream the NFL Draft. Now that it’s been banned, what are the best alternatives?
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Tonight, the 86th annual NFL draft kicks off in Cleveland, Ohio. Say what you want about Cleveland, but it is certainly an upgrade from Roger Goodell’s basement, the location of last year’s draft.
Up to 50,000 fans will be allowed to attend each of the 3 days of the draft, making it the biggest NFL event since the effects of the COVID pandemic started being felt last March.
The 2021 draft class has been lauded as being one of the most talented classes in recent history. This is especially true for the QB prospects. There’s a more than good chance that the first 3 picks will all be QBs, and depending on what Atlanta does with #4, the 4th pick could be a signal caller too.
The wait is over. 🤩
📺: 2021 #NFLDraft — 8pm ET on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/WSjEY4lO89
— NFL (@NFL) April 29, 2021
NFL Network, ESPN, ABC, and ESPN Deportes will broadcast the draft live all 3 days. If you don’t have cable, you might be concerned about missing the action now that Reddit banned r/nflstreams. Read on to find to why Reddit NFL streams was banned and what the best alternatives are.
Why Was Reddit NFL Streams Banned?
The r/nflstreams subreddit was one of the most valuable resources for NFL fans around the world. Links, which were reliable for the most part, were posted for every single NFL game.
Fans were also spoiled for choice, considering they could watch NFL Redzone and NFL Network. And the best part about all of this was that the streams were completely free. No payment, no account, just a link with a couple of pop-ups here and there.
However, the free ride came to an end when Reddit banned the page. So, why did Reddit ban one of their most popular pages?
The short answer to this question is that the subreddit was technically illegal. If you watch other sports, you probably weren’t too surprised to see Reddit make this decision. Before the ban, the page for NBA and Soccer streams were also taken down.
The basic problem is that posting free links is a clear case of copyright infringement and leagues were starting to take notice. Interestingly though, Reddit was never forced to ban the subreddit, but rather chose to do so according to their own repeat infringement policy.
The policy reads:
Our policy is to close the accounts of users, in appropriate circumstances, who have repeatedly been charged with copyright infringement. Sometimes a repeat infringement problem is limited to one user and we close just that user’s account. Other times, the problem pervades a whole subreddit community and we close the subreddit.
Where to Stream the 2021 NFL Draft?
Luckily, with the growing trend towards “cord-cutting”, or the movement of television viewers to online platforms, there are various ways to stream tonight’s draft.
- NFL Site
- NFL App
- ESPN Sites and Apps (Including ESPN Deportes if you want to watch the game with a Spanish broadcast)
These options can be used on mobile phones, tablets, and laptops or connected to the big screen using Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV streaming devices and smart TVs, Xbox, Android TV and PlayStation consoles.
Additionally, some of the options below, including Hulu, YouTube TV, and FuboTV, will be carrying at least one channel broadcasting the draft.
If you aren’t already subscribed to any of them, now might be a good time to take advantage of a free trial on one of these platforms.
Plan Ahead for Next Season: What is the Best Way to Stream NFL Games For Free?
Of course, there are very few truly free ways to watch the NFL. One of the best way is with the Yahoo! Sports App. Users can livestream games for free on their phones or tablets.
This includes MNF and TNF games too. However, fans can only watch games which are broadcast in their local TV market. The official NFL app also works in a similar way.
Keep in mind, these are option for streaming local games, and are not available for fans outside of the United States.
Also read: How Does The NFL Draft Work For Dummies? Rules, Rounds, Draft Order For NFL Draft 2021 Explained
Other Paid Options with Free Trials
The following were some of the streaming platforms available this year with their prices and features. Of course, by the time next season comes around, these details are subject to change.
Amazon Prime Video
All Thursday Night Football games can be live-streamed using Amazon prime video. If you already have a prime subscription, you can stream the games at no additional charge.
Hulu
This year, fans can watch NFL games live with Hulu+LiveTV. The normal Hulu package doesn’t include NFL coverage, but users can watch ESPN, NBC, Fox, and CBS for a fee.
Price: $54.99/month
What’s missing?: NFL Redzone and NFL Network
FuboTV
Subscribers will have access to sports channels including ESPN and NFL Network. Additionally, there is an option for a 7 day free trial and for an extra $10.99, you can watch NFL Redzone too.
Price: $64.99
What’s missing?: ABC
YouTube TV
This may be the most comprehensive option for streaming NFL in 2020. With Youtube TV, you can access every channel you need for the NFL (and more). However, you will have to pay an additional $10.99 for Redzone similar to FuboTV.
Both streaming services will be available via mobile apps on Android and IOS. Moreover, fans can watch the games on their TVs using Roku, Chromecast, Android TV, Apple TV and Fire TV with both Youtube TV and FuboTV.
Price: $64.99
What’s missing?: Technically, nothing. You’ll have to pay an additional fee for Redzone, though.
Other Streaming Services
Fans can also stream games on a number of other platforms including Sling, AT&TV Now, Vidgo, and CBS All Access.
Thursday Night Football has also been available for Amazon Prime users since week 4. Not the worst option for casual fans who don’t need a full blown cable replacement.
Finally, DirecTV will offer a non-satellite version of NFL Sunday ticket to people living in apartments or condos. These fans will be able to watch every Sunday afternoon game live.
