If you want to know how to watch NFL preseason games in 2026, the best option depends on the game and where you live. In the United States, preseason games are available through local TV broadcasts, selected national networks, NFL Network and NFL+. International viewers have different options, including NFL Game Pass on DAZN in many countries.
The important thing is to check the specific game before paying for a subscription. The official NFL preseason schedule shows the 2026 preseason slate and is the best place to start.
How to Watch NFL Preseason Games: TV, Streaming and Free Options
Where Can I Watch the NFL Preseason Games?
You can watch NFL preseason games through several legitimate TV and streaming options.
- Local TV: Many preseason games are broadcast locally in the markets of the teams playing.
- NFL Network: NFL Network carries selected preseason games and other NFL programming.
- NFL+: In the United States, NFL+ provides live out-of-market preseason games on supported devices.
- National networks: Selected games are shown nationally on networks such as NBC, ESPN and other broadcasters, depending on the game.
- NFL Game Pass on DAZN: Fans outside the United States can use NFL Game Pass in many supported international markets.
The NFL’s 2026 preseason page provides the current schedule, while individual games can have different broadcast arrangements.
How Can I Watch NFL Preseason Games on My TV?
If you want to watch preseason football on your television, you have several options.
Watch through your TV provider
If your cable, satellite or live-TV streaming package carries the network showing the game, you can watch it through that channel.
This can be the simplest option for nationally televised games and games carried by NFL Network.
Use NFL+
NFL+ is an official streaming option for viewers in the United States. The service provides live out-of-market preseason games on supported devices, including connected TVs. Local and geographic blackout restrictions can apply.
You can check the current plans and features on the official NFL+ page before subscribing.
Use NFL Network
If your TV package includes NFL Network, you can watch preseason games that the network carries.
NFL Network is also included with NFL+ and is available across supported devices under the current NFL+ offering.
Where Can I Watch Preseason Football?
Where you can watch preseason football depends heavily on your location.
In the United States, your options can include local television, national broadcasters, NFL Network and NFL+.
Outside the United States, broadcasting rights are different. NFL Game Pass on DAZN is available in many international markets and provides extensive NFL coverage.
DAZN says NFL Game Pass is available globally except for certain markets, including the United States, Canada and China, with additional regional restrictions potentially applying.
If you are outside the U.S., check the official DAZN website for availability and pricing in your country.
Which NFL Preseason Games Are Nationally Televised?
Not every preseason game receives a national television broadcast.
Selected games are carried by major networks, while other games may primarily be available through local broadcasters, NFL Network or NFL+.
For example, the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game between the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals was scheduled for NBC on August 6. The NFL’s official 2026 preseason schedule also identifies the networks and viewing options for selected games.
You can check the official NFL preseason schedule to find the latest broadcast information for a particular matchup.
How to Watch NFL Preseason Games for Free
If you are searching for how to watch NFL preseason games for free, there are legitimate possibilities, although there is no universal free service that legally streams every preseason game.
Check your local broadcast
Some preseason games are carried by local television stations. If the game is available over the air in your area, you may be able to watch it without paying for a separate streaming subscription.
Use a TV service you already have
If you already subscribe to a TV package that carries the network showing the game, you may not need another subscription.
Use official free NFL coverage
The NFL provides free news, highlights, previews and other video content through its official platforms. These options are useful if you want to follow a game without necessarily watching the entire live broadcast.
Be careful with websites claiming to provide every NFL preseason game for free without authorization. Apart from legal concerns, unofficial streaming sites can expose visitors to aggressive advertising, malicious downloads and other security risks.
What Is NFL Network?
NFL Network is the NFL’s dedicated television network.
It provides NFL news, analysis, interviews, shows and live football coverage, including selected preseason games.
NFL Network is available through participating television providers and supported streaming options. It is also included with NFL+.
If you want dedicated NFL coverage beyond individual games, NFL Network can be useful throughout the season.
Does NFL+ Show All Games?
No. NFL+ does not provide every NFL game live on every device.
For preseason football, NFL+ provides live out-of-market preseason games on supported devices. The NFL notes that local and other geographic blackout restrictions can apply.
NFL+ Premium adds features including game replays, NFL RedZone and NFL Pro.
Regular-season viewing works differently. NFL+ provides live local and primetime regular-season and postseason games on phones and tablets, while preseason games have broader supported-device availability.
For that reason, check the specific game before subscribing rather than assuming that NFL+ will provide every matchup.
How Much Does NFL+ Cost?
If you are comparing NFL games cost across different services, keep in mind that subscription prices can change during the season.
The current NFL+ page should be checked before purchasing because the NFL can change subscription pricing, promotions and package features.
NFL+ currently includes live out-of-market preseason games, NFL Network, live game audio and other NFL content. NFL+ Premium adds NFL RedZone, NFL Pro and game replays.
You may not need NFL+ if the preseason game you want is already available through your existing TV package or a free local broadcast.
For the latest pricing and package details, use the official NFL+ website.
What Is NFL Game Pass?
NFL Game Pass is the international NFL subscription service offered through DAZN in many markets outside the United States.
DAZN describes NFL Game Pass as a service providing extensive live and on-demand NFL coverage, including games from every team, playoffs and the Super Bowl, along with NFL RedZone, NFL Network and additional NFL content in supported markets.
Some blackout restrictions can apply depending on location.
NFL Game Pass is different from NFL+ in the United States. They are separate services designed for different markets.
You can check the official DAZN NFL Game Pass information for current international availability.
What Is the NFL Game Pass Price?
There is no single worldwide NFL Game Pass price.
The price depends on the country where you subscribe and the package or promotion currently available.
DAZN can offer NFL Game Pass as a standalone package or as an add-on to an existing DAZN subscription, depending on the market.
Before subscribing, select your country on the official DAZN website and check the price displayed for your location.
How to Watch NFL Preseason Games Outside the United States
If you live outside the U.S., start by checking your country’s official NFL viewing options.
NFL+ is a U.S. service, so international viewers should check local broadcasters and NFL Game Pass on DAZN where it is available.
DAZN states that NFL Game Pass is available globally outside certain markets, including the United States, Canada and China, although regional restrictions can apply.
For fans in the United Kingdom, for example, DAZN is an important place to check for NFL Game Pass availability.
Do not assume that a streaming service available in the United States will work in another country.
How to Watch NFL Preseason Games on TV Without Cable
You do not necessarily need traditional cable to watch preseason football.
Depending on the game, you can use:
- A live-TV streaming service carrying the required network.
- NFL+ for eligible out-of-market preseason games in the United States.
- NFL Network through an eligible provider or streaming option.
- NFL Game Pass on DAZN in supported international markets.
- A free local over-the-air broadcast when the game is available in your area.
If you use a smart TV, install the official app for the service you choose, sign in and search for the specific preseason game.
How to Watch NFL Preseason Games on Your Phone
NFL+ is an official option for U.S. viewers who want to watch eligible preseason games on a mobile device.
- Download the official NFL app.
- Sign in to your NFL account or create an account.
- Subscribe to NFL+ if the game requires it.
- Open the preseason schedule.
- Select the game you want to watch.
NFL+ supports compatible iPhone, iPad and Android devices, subject to the current device and subscription requirements.
NFL Games Cost: Which Option Is Cheapest?
The cost of watching NFL preseason games depends on your location and the particular game.
| Viewing option | What it offers | Cost situation |
|---|---|---|
| Local TV | Selected local preseason games | May be available free over the air |
| NFL Network | Selected preseason games and NFL programming | Usually requires an eligible TV or streaming package |
| NFL+ | Live out-of-market preseason games in the U.S. | Paid subscription |
| NFL+ Premium | NFL+ features plus additional content and tools | Higher-priced subscription |
| NFL Game Pass on DAZN | Extensive NFL coverage outside the U.S. | Price varies by country |
If price is your main concern, check your existing TV package and local broadcast first. You may already have access to the game without purchasing another subscription.
What About NFL Live Chat?
If you searched for NFL live chat because you want to discuss a game while watching it, that is separate from the service used to stream the game.
The official NFL website and app provide live scores, game information, statistics, news and other coverage.
For subscription or technical problems, use official NFL or DAZN support channels rather than unofficial streaming websites offering chat services.
How to Find the Right NFL Preseason Broadcast
Before choosing a streaming service, follow these steps:
- Find the game on the official NFL schedule.
- Check the listed broadcast network.
- Determine whether the game is local or out of market.
- Check the viewing options available in your country.
- Check for blackout restrictions.
- Compare the cost before subscribing.
The NFL’s official preseason schedule is the best starting point because broadcast arrangements can differ between games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch the NFL preseason games?
You can watch NFL preseason games through local TV broadcasters, selected national networks, NFL Network and NFL+ in the United States. International viewers can check local broadcasters or NFL Game Pass on DAZN where available.
How can I watch NFL preseason games on my TV?
You can use your cable or satellite provider, a live-TV streaming service, NFL Network or a supported NFL+ device. International viewers can also check NFL Game Pass on DAZN.
Where can I watch preseason football for free?
Some preseason games are available through free local over-the-air broadcasts. There is not a universal legal service that provides every preseason game for free.
Which NFL preseason games are nationally televised?
Only selected preseason games receive national television coverage. The 2026 preseason schedule identifies the networks and viewing options for games that receive national coverage.
Does NFL+ show all games?
No. NFL+ provides live out-of-market preseason games, but blackout and other geographic restrictions can apply. It does not provide every NFL game live on every device.
What is NFL Network?
NFL Network is the NFL’s dedicated television network, offering NFL news, analysis, shows and selected live games, including preseason coverage.
Can I watch NFL preseason games without cable?
Yes. Depending on the game, you can use NFL+, a live-TV streaming service, NFL Network through an eligible provider or NFL Game Pass on DAZN in supported international markets.
Can I watch NFL preseason games outside the United States?
Yes. International viewing options depend on your country. NFL Game Pass on DAZN is available in many international markets, while local broadcasters may also carry selected games.
Does NFL+ work outside the United States?
NFL+ is a U.S. service. If you live outside the United States, check your local NFL broadcaster or NFL Game Pass on DAZN where available.
What is the NFL Game Pass price?
NFL Game Pass does not have one worldwide price. The cost varies by country and current subscription offer, so check the official DAZN listing for your location.
How much is NFL Fantasy Plus?
NFL Fantasy+ is different from NFL+. The current NFL+ offering includes NFL Fantasy+ roster and waiver tools, while NFL+ is primarily the NFL’s video, audio and streaming subscription. Check the official NFL+ page for the current features included with each plan.
Final Answer: How to Watch NFL Preseason Games
The best way to watch NFL preseason games depends on the specific game and your location.
In the United States, check the official NFL schedule first, then look at local broadcasts, national networks, NFL Network and NFL+. NFL+ is particularly useful for live out-of-market preseason games.
Outside the U.S., check your country’s official NFL viewing options. NFL Game Pass on DAZN is available in many international markets and provides extensive NFL coverage.
If you want to watch for free, check whether your local broadcaster carries the game over the air before paying for a subscription.
Most importantly, check the specific game before subscribing. That way, you can choose the service that actually provides access to the preseason games you want to watch.
