How US Viewers Can Watch the Ryder Cup for Free
If you’re in the United States and want to see Europe clash with the USA without spending a dime, the easiest route is YouTube TV’s five‑day free trial. Sign up, pick the NBC channel line‑up, and you’ll have full coverage from Friday through Sunday. The trial starts instantly, so you can begin streaming the first tee‑off on September 26.
Why does this work? NBC holds the exclusive US broadcast rights, and YouTube TV streams every NBC feed without extra fees. Just remember to cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want the monthly charge.
Other platforms also give you access, but they either lack a free‑trial window or cost more. Sling TV’s basic ‘Orange’ package includes NBC for about $35 a month but no trial period anymore. Hulu + Live TV bundles NBC, ESPN+, and Disney+ for $77/month, which is overkill if you only want the Ryder Cup.
Here’s a quick rundown of the US options:
- YouTube TV – 5‑day free trial, full NBC coverage.
- Sling TV (Orange) – $35/month, NBC only, no trial.
- Hulu + Live TV – $77/month, NBC + streaming extras.
- Peacock – $5/month for premium, but NBC live sports are limited.
- FuboTV – $74/month, includes NBC and a sports‑focused UI.
- DirecTV Stream – starts at $69/month, NBC included.
If you’re comfortable with a short‑term commitment, YouTube TV remains the top pick for Ryder Cup streaming. Set a calendar reminder to cancel on day five and you’ve saved yourself a hefty monthly bill.
International Options and VPN Workarounds
Outside the US, the landscape changes because most free trials are geo‑restricted. In the UK, Sky Sports is the official broadcaster, charging £22 a month for the full channel lineup. The good news is Sky’s contract‑free service, NOW, offers a seven‑day free trial and daily passes at £12, giving you access to all 11 Sky Sports channels.
Canada, Australia, and many European countries rely on regional sports networks that bundle the Ryder Cup with other premium content. The cheapest way to bypass those walls is a reliable VPN. Services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN let you appear as if you’re browsing from the US or the UK, unlocking the respective streaming platforms.
How to use a VPN for the Ryder Cup:
- Subscribe to a reputable VPN (both ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer 30‑day money‑back guarantees).
- Install the app on your device—phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV.
- Select a server located in the country whose broadcast you want (e.g., New York for NBC, London for Sky).
- Log in to the streaming service you’ve chosen and start watching.
Remember, VPNs don’t make illegal streams legal. Always respect the terms of service for each platform.
For fans in regions without a dedicated broadcaster, paid global sports packages like DAZN or ESPN+ sometimes pick up “overflow” rights, but availability varies year to year. Checking the official Ryder Cup website a week before the event can save you a lot of guesswork.
One final tip: keep an eye on social media. Platforms like Twitter and Reddit often share the latest trial codes or promotional offers that can extend your free‑watch window by a day or two.
Whether you’re rooting for Europe’s historic bid to win on American soil or just love watching elite golf, there’s a streaming route that fits your budget. The key is to act quickly, lock in that free trial, and enjoy every putt, drive, and dramatic comeback the 2025 Ryder Cup delivers.
