How To Watch the CFL 2023 (2024)

Jump to:

• CFL channels
• CFL schedule
• Best CFL TV providers
• Watch the CFL for free

During the 2023 season, you can watch CFL games on CBS Sports Network and CFL+ in the U.S. This is a departure from the CFL’s previous broadcasting agreement with ESPN that saw games on ESPN2, ESPNews, and ESPN+.

For Canadian viewers, all CFL games air across TSN’s channels—including select Canadian French–language coverage on RDS and RDS2.

• Editor’s choice: Hulu + Live TV ($76.99–$89.99/mo.)
• Cheapest: CFL+ (Free)
• Best cable or satellite provider: DIRECTV ($69.99–$159.99/mo.)

• Unlimited cloud DVR (for 9 mos.)
• ESPN+ and Disney+ bundle included

• Small sports channel lineup
• Only 2 simultaneous streams allowed

Hulu + Live TV is the best TV provider for watching the CFL because it’s the cheapest way to get CBS Sports Network.

With ESPN+ incorporated into Hulu + Live TV at no extra cost, you’ll get access to many other sports leagues in one place. That’s hard-to-find convenience, as sports leagues scatter games across various channels and streaming services.

If your football fandom extends beyond the CFL, Hulu + Live TV has all the essential channels for watching NFL, UFL, and NCAA college football games. After all, the ESPN channels alone are home to Monday Night Football matchups and over 40 college bowl games. ESPN2 even airs the Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) Pro National Championship game each summer.

With all that coverage, we’re happy to report that Hulu + Live TV also has unlimited cloud DVR storage space—a vital feature for any sports fan. The DVR allows you to record and hold onto any game, series, or movie for up to nine months.

• Exclusive CFL games
• Free access

• No on-demand access
• Limited device compatibility

It’s a no-brainer that you’ll need CFL+ to watch most CFL games this season. Introduced in 2023, the streaming platform is completely free and shows CFL on TSN broadcasts. But it has many limitations.

The first notable downside to CFL+ is that it’s accessible only on desktop and mobile devices using a web browser. In other words, don’t expect to find CFL+ on streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku.

Even when you access CFL+, it’s a pretty bare-bones experience. You can only watch live games (no on-demand replays), and there aren’t any studio shows or behind-the-scenes programs to enjoy when games aren’t on. You’ll want to bookmark the CFL’s YouTube channel for extra content.

Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.

*w/ 24-mo. agmt. AutoPay and Paperless Bill req’d. Advanced Receiver Service Fee $15/mo. and Regional Sports Fee up to $13.99/mo. are extra & apply.

• Over 20 basic sports channels
• Wide regional sports network (RSN) availability

• Expensive plans
• 2-yr. contract for new DIRECTV customers
• No NFL Sunday Ticket anymore

DIRECTV provides a robust TV experience for fans of Canadian and American football. The satellite service carries CBS Sports Network for CFL action, plus key NFL and UFL channels.

Beyond football, DIRECTV is a huge touchdown for sports fans because it offers most regional sports networks and out-of-network packages. That makes watching baseball, basketball, and hockey much more accessible, regardless of location.

In the long run, we recommend DIRECTV only to the most committed sports fans. There are many sports channels and packages to admire on DIRECTV. But Canadian football fans will still need internet access to get complete CFL coverage through CFL+.

Fortunately, the best part about the CFL’s latest broadcast plan is that viewers not based in Canada can watch many games for free. Select preseason games stream free on CFL Preseason Live, while CFL+ hosts over 40 regular-season matchups for free.

The only games U.S. spectators can’t watch for free are the ones that air on CBS Sports Network. But fuboTV usually offers a seven-day free trial that you could use to access CBS Sports Network without paying.

To watch CFL games in the U.S., you’ll need a TV plan that includes CBS Sports Network. You’ll also need online access to the free CFL+ streaming platform.

Hulu + Live TV is our favorite TV provider for watching the CFL because it has CBS Sports Network and includes ESPN+ for added sports coverage. Starting at $76.99 a month, Hulu + Live TV also has unlimited cloud DVR storage and comes bundled with Disney+ for bonus entertainment.

If streaming TV is not an option, we recommend DIRECTV and its massive channel lineups. The satellite service comes at a higher cost and includes a two-year contract, but you’ll get CBS Sports Network alongside other crucial sports channels. You’ll still need internet access for CFL+ to round out your CFL coverage, but you can find some great internet options in our DIRECTV Internet guide.

Our sports experts examined the CFL broadcast schedule to see which channels air games this season. We then spent over eight hours researching and testing TV providers to determine the best ways to watch every game. Channel offerings, pricing, and ease of use were key factors when deciding our provider recommendations.

Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.