Beginner guide
How to Watch NFL and NBA Games (2026–27 Season)
Finding where a game is on can be the hardest part of being a new fan. TV deals change every few years, so this guide sticks to the big picture for the 2026–27 season in the United States. Always check your team’s schedule page for the exact channel before game day.
Watching the NFL
Most NFL games are on national TV networks, and many are free over the air with a simple antenna.
| When | Where it’s usually shown |
|---|---|
| Sunday afternoon | CBS and FOX (which games you get depends on where you live) |
| Sunday Night Football | NBC (and its streaming service, Peacock) |
| Monday Night Football | ESPN and/or ABC |
| Thursday Night Football | Amazon Prime Video |
| Playoffs and the Super Bowl | Spread across the national partners; the Super Bowl rotates between networks each year |
A few things to know:
- Your local market matters. On Sunday afternoons, CBS and FOX show the games picked for your area, which is usually the nearest team.
- Out-of-market games: if your team plays in another city, the NFL Sunday Ticket package (sold through YouTube) carries Sunday afternoon games that aren’t shown locally.
- On your phone: the league’s NFL+ subscription lets you watch local and national games on mobile devices.
- Some special games, like holiday games, may stream on other services. Check the schedule for those weeks.
Watching the NBA
Starting with the 2025–26 season, the NBA’s national games moved to a new set of partners.
| Where | What you’ll find |
|---|---|
| ESPN and ABC | National games all season, including big weekend games and the NBA Finals |
| NBC and Peacock | National games through the season and the playoffs |
| Amazon Prime Video | National games through the season, the NBA Cup knockout rounds and playoff games |
| Local TV | Most of your team’s regular-season games, on a regional sports channel or streaming service in your area |
- Out-of-market games: NBA League Pass shows games that aren’t on national TV or blocked in your area.
- Christmas Day and the Finals are big national events that are easy to find.
Watching on a budget
- Get an antenna. CBS, FOX, NBC and ABC broadcast for free over the air, which covers a big share of NFL games and some NBA games.
- Use free trials wisely. Time them for the playoffs, when every game matters.
- Go to a sports bar or watch party. Most cities have bars dedicated to specific teams, often with fans from out of town.
- Listen on the radio. Every team has local radio broadcasts, often streamed free on their website or app.
Watching outside the U.S.
Both leagues sell international streaming packages (NFL Game Pass and NBA League Pass), and availability and pricing depend on your country. Many countries also have a local TV partner.
Before you watch: pick your NFL team or pick your NBA team, then check their schedule.
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