The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) 2025 is the championship event of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the biggest rodeo of the year. For ten straight nights the top cowboys and barrel racers in the world will compete in Las Vegas for PRCA and WPRA world titles, gold buckles and a share of a multi-million-dollar payout.
| Start Date | Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025 |
| End Date | Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025 |
| Time | 8:45 p.m. – 12 a.m. ET nightly |
| Location | Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas |
| Broadcast | The Cowboy Channel |
In 2025, the NFR once again takes place at its long-time home, the Thomas & Mack Center on the UNLV campus in Las Vegas, Nevada. Performances run from December 4–13, 2025. In recent years each performance has started at around 5:45 p.m. PT / 8:45 p.m. ET, with TV schedules confirming the exact start times closer to December.
Since 2020, the NFR has aired live on The Cowboy Channel with extensive coverage and live streaming through the Cowboy Channel+ app. RFD-TV and Rural Radio 147 on SiriusXM also provide companion coverage, pre- and post-shows, and radio broadcasts.
NFR 2025 Schedule & Key Facts
| Event | Wrangler National Finals Rodeo 2025 |
| Dates | December 4–13, 2025 (10 consecutive nights) |
| Venue | Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, Nevada (UNLV campus) |
| Start Time | Evening performance, typically around 5:45 p.m. PT / 8:45 p.m. ET |
| Primary TV Network (USA) | The Cowboy Channel |
| Official Live Stream | Cowboy Channel+ (web + apps) |
| Concurrent Events | The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas & YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo at the Las Vegas Convention Center |
| Estimated 2025 Purse | Approximately $17.5 million in total payout (contestants + stock contractors) |
| Official Info | NFRexperience.com |
Official NFR 2025 TV & Live Stream Options (USA)
Watch NFR 2025 on The Cowboy Channel (Cable & Satellite)
In the United States, The Cowboy Channel is the primary TV home of the Wrangler NFR. In recent seasons, every round of the NFR has aired live on The Cowboy Channel with additional shoulder programming before and after each performance.
The Cowboy Channel is available on many major TV providers. Channel numbers can vary by region and package, but common listings include:
- DISH Network – often channel 232
- DIRECTV / DIRECTV Stream – often channel 603
- AT&T U-verse – often channel 566
- Verizon Fios TV – often channel 246
- Selected packages on Spectrum, Xfinity (Comcast), Cox, Mediacom and other regional cable systems
How to watch via cable or satellite:
- Check your provider’s channel guide or use the “Find Us on TV” tool on The Cowboy Channel website.
- Confirm that your package includes The Cowboy Channel.
- Tune in nightly during NFR 2025 at the scheduled start time.
Stream NFR 2025 Live on Cowboy Channel+ (Official App)
If you want to watch on your phone, tablet, laptop or streaming device, the official digital home of the Wrangler NFR is Cowboy Channel+ (sometimes referred to as PRCA on Cowboy Channel+).
With Cowboy Channel+ you can:
- Watch all 10 rounds of NFR 2025 live
- Replay full performances and key moments on demand
- Stream additional PRCA and WPRA rodeos year-round
- Access highlights, original shows and archives of previous NFRs
Supported platforms include:
- Web browsers (desktop & mobile)
- iOS and Android apps
- Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV and other connected devices
Pricing: As of early 2024, Cowboy Channel+ offered a monthly plan around $9.99/month and a special NFR Streaming Pass (or annual plan) around $99.99–$119.99, which includes all ten days of the NFR plus on-demand replays for a limited time. Prices and packages can change, so always check the official Cowboy Channel+ site or app for the current NFR 2025 offer.
How to sign up and stream:
- Visit CowboyChannelPlus.com or download the Cowboy Channel+ app.
- Create an account and select a monthly, annual or NFR Streaming Pass plan.
- On performance nights, open the app, go to the Live section and select the Wrangler NFR 2025 stream.
- Use the on-demand section to watch replays or missed rounds.
Listen to NFR 2025 on Rural Radio & NFR Extra
If you’re driving or working and can’t watch video, you can still follow the action via audio:
- Rural Radio 147 on SiriusXM – offers nightly NFR coverage, western sports talk, and live updates from Las Vegas.
- NFR Extra – the official NFR podcast/radio show featuring contestants, stock contractors, country stars and rodeo insiders. Episodes air on Rural Radio 147 and are also available via major podcast platforms and NFRexperience.com.
How to Watch NFR 2025 Without Cable
You don’t need traditional cable or satellite to watch the Wrangler NFR. Here are the main options for cord-cutters and streaming-only viewers.
1. Cowboy Channel+ (Best & Most Direct Option)
The most straightforward way to watch NFR 2025 online without cable is to subscribe directly to Cowboy Channel+. You don’t need a TV provider login – only an internet connection and a supported device.
Advantages:
- Official NFR stream with full coverage
- Works on multiple devices at home or on the go
- Includes many other PRCA rodeos and western sports
2. Live TV Streaming Services That Carry The Cowboy Channel
Some virtual live TV providers (streaming “skinny bundles”) also include The Cowboy Channel in selected packages or add-ons. For example, certain Sling TV packages with the Heartland Extra add-on have historically carried The Cowboy Channel and RFD-TV, and some DIRECTV Stream packages may include The Cowboy Channel as well.
Because lineups change frequently, always:
- Check the provider’s current channel list for your region.
- Confirm both The Cowboy Channel and/or RFD-TV appear in your chosen package.
- Only then sign up and log in on your streaming device.
3. Use Your TV Provider App (If You Already Have The Cowboy Channel)
If you already pay for The Cowboy Channel on cable or satellite, you may be able to stream NFR 2025 at no extra cost through your provider’s app, such as:
- Xfinity Stream (Comcast)
- Spectrum TV (Charter)
- Cox Contour
- DISH Anywhere
- DIRECTV or DIRECTV Stream apps
- Other regional provider apps
Just sign in with your TV provider username and password, then search the live TV guide for The Cowboy Channel during NFR performance times.
How to Watch NFR 2025 Outside the USA
Official NFR streams are primarily licensed for viewers in the United States and certain regions. If you live abroad or will be traveling during the Finals, here’s how to approach it.
Step 1: Check Cowboy Channel+ Availability in Your Country
Before using any workaround, visit CowboyChannelPlus.com or your app store and see if Cowboy Channel+ is simply available and working in your location. In some countries, the app may function normally without extra steps.
Step 2: Use a VPN When Traveling (With a Valid Subscription)
If you have a valid Cowboy Channel+ subscription in your home country and you’re temporarily overseas, you may be able to maintain access by using a reputable VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN can route your connection through a server in your home region, which sometimes helps with geographic restrictions.
Important notes for your readers:
- Always use a trustworthy VPN provider.
- Respect the terms of service of Cowboy Channel+ and any streaming platforms you use.
- Follow all applicable laws in your country.
Even for international fans, the safest and most reliable approach is still to use Cowboy Channel+ wherever it’s officially supported.
Cowboy Christmas & Junior National Finals Rodeo 2025
The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas 2025
No NFR trip to Las Vegas is complete without a visit to The Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas, the official gift show of the Wrangler NFR.
- Dates: December 4–13, 2025
- Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. daily
- Location: Las Vegas Convention Center, South Halls
- Admission: FREE to the public
The show features hundreds of exhibitors offering western wear, boots, hats, tack, décor, furniture, jewelry, gifts, artwork and more. You’ll also find the Ariat Rodeo Live Stage with daily talk shows, music and special NFR programming, plus the RMEF Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo upstairs.
Many fans spend the day at Cowboy Christmas, then ride the NFR Express shuttle or take rideshare over to the Thomas & Mack Center for the evening performance.
YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo (Junior NFR) 2025
The YETI Junior National Finals Rodeo (Junior NFR) showcases the next generation of rodeo stars, with cowboys and cowgirls roughly ages 7–19 competing for youth world titles.
- Dates: December 4–13, 2025
- Location: Wrangler Rodeo Arena in a special tented arena just outside the Las Vegas Convention Center
- Events: Youth bull riding, bareback, saddle bronc, steer wrestling, tie-down roping, team roping, barrel racing, breakaway roping, pole bending and more
- Tickets: Typically around $10 per day or a discounted multi-day pass (subject to change)
If you’re in Las Vegas for the NFR, the Junior NFR offers all-day rodeo action before the big show each night.
Wrangler NFR 2025 Events & Format
The 7 Main NFR Events
The Wrangler NFR crowns world champions in seven main PRCA/WPRA events. The top 15 money-winners in each event qualify for Las Vegas based on regular-season earnings.
- Bareback Riding
Cowboys ride a powerful bucking horse using a rigging rather than a saddle. They must stay on for 8 seconds while showing control, exposure and spurring style. Judges score both the rider and the horse. - Steer Wrestling (Bulldogging)
A cowboy chases a running steer, then drops from his horse to the steer, grabs the horns and wrestles it to the ground as quickly as possible. It’s one of rodeo’s most physically demanding timed events. - Team Roping (Heading & Heeling)
Two riders work together: the header ropes the steer’s horns/neck, then the heeler ropes both hind legs. Fast time and clean catches win; penalties apply for only catching one hind leg. - Saddle Bronc Riding
Often called the “classic event” of rodeo, saddle bronc riding features a cowboy on a bucking horse using a specialized saddle and a single rein. Style, timing and control over 8 seconds are crucial. - Tie-Down Roping (Calf Roping)
The roper must catch a running calf, dismount, flank it to the ground and tie three legs. The clock stops when the roper throws his hands in the air; the calf must stay tied for six seconds. - Barrel Racing (WPRA)
A women’s event sanctioned by the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA). Cowgirls race a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels; the fastest clean run wins, and knocking a barrel adds penalties. - Bull Riding
The most intense roughstock event: riders must stay on a spinning, jumping bull for 8 seconds with only a braided rope. Bulls are extremely powerful and unpredictable; judges score both rider and animal.
In addition, the prestigious All-Around World Champion title is awarded to the cowboy who earns the most money in two or more events over the full season, often decided at the NFR.
NFR Format & Prize Money
The Wrangler NFR runs for 10 rounds in 10 days. Each night (Round 1 through Round 10) acts as a separate go-round with its own payout for every event. On top of go-round money, contestants also compete for the average – the best total result over all 10 rounds.
- Money is paid out to the top finishers in each round (typically top 6).
- Additional money is paid to the top finishers in the average (combined times/scores over 10 rounds).
- Two titles are recognized in each event:
- NFR Average Winner (best total at the Finals)
- World Champion (most total season earnings, regular season + NFR)
Under the current PRCA–Las Vegas Events agreement, the projected total payout for the 2025 NFR event (including contestants and stock contractors) is around $17.5 million, making it one of the richest rodeos in the world.
About PRCA & WPRA
Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)
The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) is the main governing body of professional rodeo in North America. It traces its origins back to 1936, when cowboys formed the Cowboys’ Turtle Association to protest unfair entry fees and pay. Over time it evolved into today’s PRCA.
The PRCA:
- Sanctions hundreds of rodeos across the United States, Canada and beyond
- Maintains official world standings and money totals
- Organizes the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo each December in Las Vegas
Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA)
The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) began in 1948 as the Girls Rodeo Association and is still the only major all-women’s professional rodeo organization.
The WPRA:
- Sanctions barrel racing at PRCA rodeos, including the NFR
- Governs additional women’s events such as breakaway roping at various finals
- Is governed entirely by women, representing female athletes in professional rodeo
NFR 2025 Tickets & Final Watching Tips
How to Buy Official NFR 2025 Tickets
Official Wrangler NFR tickets are typically available through:
- MyNFRAccount via the official NFRexperience.com website
- UNLVtickets and the Thomas & Mack Center box office
- Verified primary marketplaces such as Ticketmaster for certain sessions
Resale tickets are also available on secondary markets, but prices are often higher. To avoid scams:
- Buy from official or verified ticket partners whenever possible.
- Be cautious of third-party resellers with no guarantee or refund policy.
Quick Checklist: How to Watch NFR 2025 from Anywhere
- In the USA with cable/satellite:
- Find The Cowboy Channel on DISH, DIRECTV, U-verse, Fios, Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, etc.
- Watch each night’s performance at the posted start time.
- Without cable:
- Subscribe directly to Cowboy Channel+ and stream live and on demand.
- Or use a live TV streaming service that carries The Cowboy Channel (where available).
- On the road or at work:
- Listen on Rural Radio 147 (SiriusXM) or follow NFR Extra on radio/podcast platforms.
- Outside the USA:
- Check if Cowboy Channel+ works in your region.
- If traveling, use a reputable VPN with your existing subscription (following all terms and laws).
FAQ – NFR 2025 TV & Streaming
Is NFR 2025 on RFD-TV?
In recent seasons the Wrangler NFR has aired live on The Cowboy Channel with a simulcast on RFD-TV, along with extensive shoulder programming from Las Vegas. The Cowboy Channel is the official network of ProRodeo and the home of the NFR, while RFD-TV carries additional coverage and often the live performances as well.
The complete NFR 2025 broadcast schedule will be released closer to December. For the most accurate information, check the official schedules on The Cowboy Channel, RFD-TV and NFRexperience.com as the event approaches.
Can I watch NFR 2025 on Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV?
Right now, no. As of 2025, Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV do not include The Cowboy Channel or RFD-TV in their standard channel lineups. Because those networks hold the NFR rights, you generally cannot stream NFR 2025 directly on Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV unless their channel offerings change in the future.
If you’re a cord-cutter, the most reliable way to watch NFR 2025 is to subscribe directly to Cowboy Channel+ or choose another streaming service that specifically lists The Cowboy Channel (and/or RFD-TV) in its package.
Is NFR 2025 available on streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime Video?
No. The Wrangler NFR is a live sports event with rights held by The Cowboy Channel, Cowboy Channel+ and partner networks like RFD-TV. It is not part of on-demand movie/series platforms such as Netflix, Disney+ or standard Amazon Prime Video. If you see “NFR live stream” offers on random websites that are not connected to The Cowboy Channel, be very careful – many are illegal or unsafe streams.
Do I need a special NFR Streaming Pass on Cowboy Channel+?
Cowboy Channel+ usually offers both a monthly subscription and a dedicated NFR Streaming Pass (or annual plan) that unlocks all ten days of the Wrangler NFR with on-demand replays for a limited time. In past years the NFR Streaming Pass has been a one-time fee around $99.99–$119.99, but prices and packages can change. Always check the official Cowboy Channel+ website or app for the exact NFR 2025 streaming offer.
What’s the easiest way to stream every round of NFR 2025?
For most fans, the easiest and most flexible option is to:
- Subscribe to Cowboy Channel+ directly.
- Sign in on your favorite device (phone, tablet, smart TV, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.).
- Watch each round live or on replay whenever it fits your schedule.
If you already pay for The Cowboy Channel on cable or satellite, you can also just watch live on TV and use your provider’s app for streaming while traveling.