Are you a die-hard NFL fan living outside of your favorite team’s local broadcast area? Do you struggle to catch their games on TV or online? You’re not alone. With the NFL’s complex broadcast rules and geographical restrictions, it can be tough to keep up with your team from afar. But fear not, fellow football enthusiasts! We’ve got the playbook to help you watch non-local NFL games from anywhere.
The NFL’s Broadcast Conundrum
The NFL has long been bound by strict broadcast rules, which dictate that games are only available on local networks within a team’s designated market area. This means that if you live outside of your team’s local broadcast area, you’re typically out of luck when it comes to watching their games on traditional TV. The internet has somewhat alleviated this issue, but geo-restrictions and blackouts still abound.
To understand why this is the case, let’s delve into the NFL’s broadcast deal. The league has lucrative contracts with major networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, which grant them exclusive broadcasting rights to specific games. These deals are worth billions of dollars and are crucial to the NFL’s revenue stream. However, they also impose strict territorial restrictions, limiting the online availability of games to specific regions.
What Are NFL Blackouts?
You may have heard the term “blackout” thrown around in relation to NFL broadcasts. But what exactly does it mean? A blackout occurs when a game is not available for broadcast in a particular area, usually due to local broadcast restrictions or league rules. There are two main types of blackouts:
- Local blackouts: When a game is not broadcast locally due to a team’s broadcast rights agreements.
- National blackouts: When a game is not broadcast nationally due to broadcast restrictions or scheduling conflicts.
Watching Non-Local NFL Games: The Old Days
In the past, watching non-local NFL games was a challenge. You either had to rely on friends or family members who lived in the local broadcast area to record the game for you or attempt to find a sketchy online stream. The latter was often plagued by poor video quality, constant buffering, and the risk of malware infections.
In the early 2000s, the NFL introduced its own streaming service, NFL Sunday Ticket, which allowed fans to purchase a package of out-of-market games. However, this service was only available to DirecTV subscribers and was incredibly expensive.
The Modern Era: Streaming and Online Options
The advent of streaming services and online platforms has significantly improved the landscape for NFL fans. Today, there are several ways to watch non-local NFL games from the comfort of your own home.
1. NFL Sunday Ticket
While NFL Sunday Ticket was initially limited to DirecTV subscribers, the service is now available as a standalone streaming option. For a hefty fee, you can access every out-of-market game, live and on-demand.
Cost: $293.94 for the entire season or $73.49/month for 4 months
2. NFL Game Pass
NFL Game Pass is the NFL’s official streaming service, offering live and on-demand access to preseason games, as well as full replays of regular season and postseason games. While it’s not ideal for watching live out-of-market games, it’s a great option for fans who want to catch up on their team’s games after they’ve aired.
Cost: $99.99 for the entire season or $29.99/month for 4 months
3. Sports Streaming Services
Several sports streaming services offer NFL games as part of their packages. These services often provide access to local and national broadcasts, making them a great option for fans who want to watch non-local games.
- fuboTV: A sports-centric streaming service that offers local CBS, FOX, and NBC channels in many markets. It also carries NFL Network and NFL RedZone.
- Cost: $54.99/month for the basic package
- Hulu with Live TV: A streaming service that offers a range of channels, including local CBS, FOX, and NBC stations, as well as NFL Network and NFL RedZone.
- Cost: $54.99/month for the basic package
- YouTube TV: A streaming service that offers local CBS, FOX, and NBC channels in many markets, as well as NFL Network and NFL RedZone.
- Cost: $50/month for the basic package
- Sling TV: A streaming service that offers NFL Network and NFL RedZone, as well as local CBS and FOX channels in select markets.
- Cost: $25/month for the basic package
4. Antenna and OTA DVR
If you live close to the border of your team’s local broadcast area, you might be able to pick up the signal with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. This will allow you to watch local broadcasts for free. You can also consider investing in an OTA DVR to record games and watch them later.
Cost: $50-$100 for an OTA antenna, $200-$300 for an OTA DVR
5. VPNs and International Streaming Options
If you’re outside of the United States or want to access international streaming options, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be a useful tool. By masking your IP address, a VPN allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access streaming services that would otherwise be unavailable.
- DAZN: A sports streaming service available in Canada, Japan, and other countries, which offers NFL games as part of its package.
- Cost: $20/month in Canada, ¥1,800/month in Japan
- Sky Sports: A UK-based sports broadcaster that offers NFL games as part of its package.
- Cost: £18/month for the basic package
Conclusion
Watching non-local NFL games used to be a struggle, but with the rise of streaming services and online platforms, it’s never been easier. From NFL Sunday Ticket to sports streaming services and international options, there are numerous ways to catch your favorite team in action.
Before choosing a method, consider the cost, availability, and quality of the stream. With a little creativity and perseverance, you can score big and watch non-local NFL games from anywhere.
| Option | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| NFL Sunday Ticket | $293.94/season or $73.49/month | Available in the US |
| NFL Game Pass | $99.99/season or $29.99/month | Available in the US and select international markets |
| fuboTV | $54.99/month | Available in the US |
| Hulu with Live TV | $54.99/month | Available in the US |
| YouTube TV | $50/month | Available in the US |
| Sling TV | $25/month | Available in the US |
| Antenna and OTA DVR | $50-$100 (antenna) + $200-$300 (OTA DVR) | Available in the US, dependent on signal strength |
| VPNs and International Streaming Options | Varying costs, dependent on provider and location | Available internationally, dependent on provider and location |
Remember to always check the terms and conditions of each service to ensure it meets your specific needs and budget. Now, go ahead and grab your favorite snack, settle in, and get ready to cheer on your team from anywhere!
Can I watch NFL games for free?
Yes, there are several ways to watch NFL games for free, although they may not be as convenient as paid options. For example, the NFL app offers free live streams of games, but only for those playing on mobile devices. You can also try using antennas to pick up over-the-air broadcasts of local games. Additionally, some sports bars and restaurants may show NFL games, which can be a fun and social way to watch without paying.
However, keep in mind that free options may have limitations, such as lower video quality or limited game selection. If you’re looking for a more comprehensive and reliable way to watch NFL games, paid options may be a better choice. Some services, like NFL Sunday Ticket, offer free trials or discounted rates for new customers, so it’s worth exploring those options as well.
What is NFL Sunday Ticket, and is it worth it?
NFL Sunday Ticket is a subscription-based service that allows viewers to watch out-of-market NFL games, meaning games that are not broadcast in their local area. It’s typically offered through DirecTV, but can also be purchased as a standalone service through the NFL. With NFL Sunday Ticket, you can watch up to 14 games per week, including those not available on local TV or streaming services.
Whether or not NFL Sunday Ticket is worth it depends on your individual situation. If you’re a die-hard NFL fan who wants to watch every game possible, it may be a good investment. However, if you’re on a tight budget or only care about watching your local team play, it might not be worth the cost. Additionally, some streaming services, like Hulu with Live TV or YouTube TV, offer similar out-of-market game coverage without the need for a separate subscription.
Can I use a VPN to watch NFL games?
Yes, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used to watch NFL games, especially if you’re trying to access games that are blocked in your region. A VPN allows you to mask your IP address, making it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from a different location. This can be helpful if you’re trying to watch a game that’s only available in a specific region or country.
However, it’s important to note that not all VPNs are created equal, and some may not be effective at unblocking NFL games. You’ll want to do some research and choose a reputable VPN that has a strong track record of unblocking sports content. Additionally, be aware that using a VPN to circumvent geo-restrictions may violate the terms of service for some streaming platforms, so use at your own risk.
What devices can I use to stream NFL games?
Most streaming services that offer NFL games can be accessed on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku or Chromecast. Some services may also have apps for gaming consoles like Xbox or PlayStation. You can typically stream games directly to your device, or use a service like AirPlay or Chromecast to cast the game to a larger screen.
In general, you’ll want to make sure your device meets the system requirements for the streaming service you’re using, and that you have a stable internet connection. Streaming NFL games can require a significant amount of bandwidth, so it’s a good idea to test your connection before game time to ensure you don’t experience any buffering or lag.
Can I watch NFL games in 4K?
Some streaming services, like Fox Sports and NFL Sunday Ticket, offer NFL games in 4K resolution. However, this is typically only available on select devices, such as certain smart TVs or streaming devices. You’ll need to check the system requirements for the specific streaming service you’re using to see if 4K is available, and make sure your device is compatible.
In addition to having a compatible device, you’ll also need a fast and stable internet connection to stream games in 4K. This typically requires a minimum speed of 25 Mbps, although this may vary depending on the service and your specific connection.
Are there any restrictions on streaming NFL games?
Yes, there may be restrictions on streaming NFL games, depending on the service you’re using. For example, some services may block access to games if you’re located outside of a certain region or country. Others may have blackout restrictions, which prevent games from being streamed in certain areas due to broadcast restrictions.
Additionally, some services may have restrictions on the number of devices you can stream to at once, or may require you to log in with a cable provider to access certain games. Be sure to check the terms of service for your streaming platform to understand any restrictions that may apply.
Can I record NFL games to watch later?
Some streaming services, like NFL Sunday Ticket, allow you to record games to watch later. Others may have limited recording capabilities or may not allow recording at all. If you’re looking to record games, be sure to check the features of your streaming service before signing up.
Additionally, some services may have restrictions on how long recorded games are available, or may only allow you to record a certain number of games at a time. Be sure to check the terms of service to understand any limitations on recording NFL games.