Cutting the cord doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite football games. With the rise of streaming services and other alternatives, watching football without a traditional cable subscription has become easier than ever. This guide will walk you through various methods to enjoy both NFL and college football games without cable.
1. Live TV Streaming Services
Live TV streaming services offer a similar experience to traditional cable but without long-term contracts and often at a reduced cost. These platforms provide access to major networks that broadcast NFL and college football games, such as CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and NFL Network.
Popular Live TV Streaming Services:
- YouTube TV: Offers over 85 channels, including CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and NFL Network. It also provides unlimited DVR storage, allowing you to record games and watch them later.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes access to CBS, NBC, FOX, and ESPN, along with Hulu’s extensive streaming library. This combination ensures you can watch live games and enjoy on-demand content.
- Sling TV: Provides two main packages—Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Sling Orange includes ESPN, while Sling Blue offers access to FOX and NBC in select markets. You can combine both packages for broader coverage.
- FuboTV: Known for its sports-centric offerings, FuboTV includes CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and NFL Network, making it a favorite among sports enthusiasts.
These services typically offer free trials, allowing you to test them before committing. Keep in mind that channel availability can vary based on your location, so it’s essential to verify local channel offerings.
2. NFL App and NFL+
The NFL offers its own streaming options to cater to fans:
- NFL App: Allows you to watch live local and primetime games on mobile devices. While it’s limited to smaller screens, it’s a convenient option for on-the-go viewing.
- NFL+: A subscription-based service that provides access to live local and national primetime games on mobile devices, live game audio for all games, and on-demand NFL programming.
These options are ideal for fans who prioritize official NFL content and are comfortable watching on mobile devices.
3. Network Apps and Websites
Major networks that broadcast NFL games often have their own apps and websites where you can stream live games:
- CBS All Access (now Paramount+): Offers live streaming of NFL games broadcast on CBS, along with a library of on-demand content.
- NBC Sports App / Peacock: Streams Sunday Night Football games and other NBC sports content. Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, also offers live sports, including football.
- FOX Sports App: Provides live streaming of NFL games aired on FOX. Access may require authentication through a participating TV provider.
These apps often require you to sign in with a TV provider. However, some content may be available for free or through standalone subscriptions.
4. Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive streaming rights to Thursday Night Football games. If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can stream these games at no additional cost. For non-members, Prime Video is available as a standalone service.
5. Digital Antennas for Local Channels
A digital antenna can be a cost-effective solution to access local broadcast channels like CBS, NBC, and FOX, which air many NFL games. By connecting an antenna to your TV, you can watch these channels in high definition for free. This method is particularly beneficial for fans interested in local team games.
6. ESPN+ for College Football
For college football enthusiasts, ESPN+ offers live coverage of select games, especially from smaller conferences and schools. While it doesn’t cover all major matchups, it’s an affordable option for additional college football content.
7. YouTube for Highlights and Recaps
If you’re content with catching up on game highlights and recaps, YouTube hosts official channels from the NFL, ESPN, and individual teams. These channels provide game summaries, key plays, and post-game analyses, all available for free.
8. Combining Services for Comprehensive Coverage
To maximize your football viewing experience without cable, consider combining multiple streaming services:
- Live TV Streaming Service + Amazon Prime Video: A service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV combined with Amazon Prime Video covers most NFL games, including Thursday Night Football.
- Digital Antenna + Streaming Services: Use a digital antenna for local games and supplement with services like ESPN+ for additional content.
By tailoring your subscriptions to your viewing preferences and budget, you can enjoy comprehensive football coverage without the need for a traditional cable subscription.
Conclusion
Watching football without cable is not only feasible but also offers flexibility and potential cost savings. With various streaming services, official apps, and digital antennas at your disposal, you can customize your viewing experience to suit your preferences. As the landscape of sports broadcasting continues to evolve, staying informed about new streaming options will ensure you never miss a game.
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