The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the United States, with a massive following and widespread media coverage. For fans looking to catch their favorite teams in action, understanding how NFL games are televised is crucial. The league’s television contracts and broadcast rules can be complex, but this explanation will break down how games are distributed and what fans can expect in terms of local listings.
Television Contracts and Broadcast Rights
The NFL has lucrative television contracts with major networks including NBC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video. Each network has specific rights to broadcast certain games, with the contracts dividing games into different packages based on the day of the week and time of the game. For example, Sunday afternoon games are typically split between CBS and FOX, with CBS broadcasting AFC games and FOX broadcasting NFC games. Sunday Night Football is exclusively on NBC, while Monday Night Football is on ESPN. Thursday Night Football has been broadcast on various platforms, including FOX, Amazon Prime Video, and the NFL Network.
Local Listings and Blackout Rules
For local listings, the NFL operates under a set of blackout rules designed to encourage fans to attend games in person. According to these rules, games are blacked out in the local market if the game is not sold out 72 hours before kickoff. However, this rule has been suspended since 2015, effectively ending blackouts for the time being. This means that locally played games are usually available for fans to watch on television, assuming they are broadcast by one of the network partners.
Finding Local Listings
To find out which NFL games are being televised in your local area today, you can follow these steps:
Check Local Listings: Look for the local CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates in your area, as these networks broadcast the majority of NFL games. You can find their schedules on their official websites or through your cable provider’s channel guide.
NFL Website and App: The official NFL website and mobile app provide detailed listings of upcoming games, including which network they will be broadcast on. They also offer streaming options through NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market games.
Sports Sections of Newspapers: Many local newspapers still publish sports sections that include television listings for upcoming games, including NFL matchups.
Streaming Services: With the rise of streaming, services like Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV offer live TV options that include sports channels. These platforms can be a great way to watch NFL games without traditional cable, but check their channel lineups to ensure they carry the networks broadcasting NFL games.
Understanding Broadcast Territories
The NFL divides the country into broadcast territories, primarily based on the location of the teams. For example, if you live in an area that is considered part of a specific team’s market, you will likely have access to most of that team’s games on local television. This is why fans in different parts of the country may see different games on Sunday afternoons, as the broadcasts are tailored to the local market.
Conclusion
Watching NFL games on television involves understanding the league’s broadcast contracts, local listings, and the rules that govern how games are distributed. With the advancement of technology and the growth of streaming services, there are more ways than ever for fans to catch their favorite teams in action. Whether through traditional television, streaming platforms, or the NFL’s own services, the options for NFL fans continue to expand, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the games they love.
Additional Resources
- NFL Sunday Ticket: For fans who want to watch out-of-market games, the NFL Sunday Ticket is a service provided by DirecTV that offers access to every live NFL game, every Sunday.
- Streaming Services: Platforms like Amazon Prime Video, which broadcasts Thursday Night Football, offer another avenue for watching NFL games, especially for those who prefer streaming over traditional TV.
FAQ Section
How can I find out which NFL games are televised in my local area?
+You can check local listings on the websites of your local CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates, or use the NFL website and app for detailed game schedules and broadcast information.
Why are some NFL games blacked out in certain areas?
+Historically, games were blacked out locally if they did not sell out 72 hours before kickoff, to encourage ticket sales. However, this rule has been suspended since 2015, effectively ending blackouts.
Can I stream NFL games if I don't have traditional cable?
+Yes, there are several options for streaming NFL games, including services like Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and the NFL's own streaming services and partnerships, such as NFL Sunday Ticket and Amazon Prime Video's Thursday Night Football broadcasts.
As the NFL and its broadcast partners continue to evolve and expand their offerings, fans have more opportunities than ever to watch their favorite teams and players, both locally and from around the league. Whether through traditional television broadcasts or the latest in streaming technology, the NFL remains at the forefront of sports broadcasting, bringing the excitement of professional football to a wider audience every season.
