The San Francisco 49ers, one of the most beloved and successful teams in the National Football League (NFL), have a dedicated fan base that spans across the globe. For those fans eager to catch every game, understanding the TV schedule is crucial. The 49ers’ games are broadcast on various networks, depending on the day of the week and the opponent. Here’s a breakdown of where you can typically find the 49ers on TV:
Regular Season Games
- Sunday Afternoon Games: Most Sunday afternoon games are broadcast on either CBS or FOX, depending on whether the 49ers are hosting an AFC team (CBS) or an NFC team (FOX). This is because CBS has the rights to broadcast AFC games, and FOX has the rights to NFC games.
- Sunday Night Football: NBC broadcasts Sunday Night Football, which often features marquee matchups, including those involving the 49ers. These games are typically scheduled for 5:20 PM PT.
- Monday Night Football: ESPN has the exclusive rights to Monday Night Football. If the 49ers are scheduled to play on a Monday, you can catch their game on ESPN.
- Thursday Night Football: Thursday Night Football games are broadcast on FOX and the NFL Network. Amazon Prime Video also streams these games, providing another option for viewers.
Preseason Games
Preseason games might not be as widely broadcast as regular season games, but they still offer valuable insight into the team’s preparation and new player performances. These games are often broadcast locally and can be found on:
- Local Networks: For fans in the Bay Area, preseason games are typically broadcast on local networks such as NBC Sports Bay Area or KPIX 5 (CBS).
- NFL Network: The NFL Network also broadcasts a selection of preseason games nationwide.
Playoff Games
When the 49ers make the playoffs, their games are broadcast on the major networks, depending on the round and the day of the week. Here’s a general guide:
- Wild Card Round: Games can be on CBS, FOX, NBC, or ESPN/ABC, depending on the specific matchup and day.
- Divisional Round: These games are typically broadcast on CBS and FOX for the Sunday games, with NBC handling the Sunday night game if the 49ers are scheduled.
- NFC Championship: The NFC Championship game, which determines the NFC’s representative in the Super Bowl, is usually broadcast on FOX.
- Super Bowl: The Super Bowl is rotated among CBS, FOX, and NBC. If the 49ers make it to the Super Bowl, the broadcast network will depend on the current rotation.
Radio Broadcasts
For fans who prefer or need to listen to the games, the 49ers’ flagship radio stations are KNBR 680 AM and KSAN 107.7 FM “The Bone” in the Bay Area. These stations provide live commentary and analysis of the games.
###Streaming Options
- NFL Sunday Ticket: For out-of-market games, DirecTV’s NFL Sunday Ticket is an option, though it’s primarily aimed at those who cannot get their local teams’ games through regular TV.
- Streaming Services: Various streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, fuboTV, and Sling TV offer access to the channels that broadcast NFL games, including those of the 49ers.
Always check the official San Francisco 49ers website or the NFL’s website for the most current and detailed TV schedule, as game times and broadcast channels can sometimes change due to flexible scheduling or other factors. Additionally, consider following reputable sports news outlets for updates on any changes to the broadcast schedule throughout the season.
