What's Happening?
The NFL Network has announced it will televise 19 live out-of-market preseason games during the 2026 season. Additionally, 12 out-of-market preseason matchups will be available for streaming via the ESPN app. Among these, ESPN will exclusively broadcast
the preseason game between the Houston Texans and the Las Vegas Raiders on August 20, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. The preseason schedule kicks off on August 13, 2026, with the Green Bay Packers facing the Pittsburgh Steelers. The NFL Network will also feature a triple-header on August 15, 2026, and a quadruple-header on August 22, 2026. These games are subject to local market blackouts, but NFL+ will provide access to live preseason games through its digital platforms.
Why It's Important?
The broadcasting of 19 live preseason games by the NFL Network, along with additional streaming options on the ESPN app, highlights the growing demand for NFL content and the league's efforts to reach a wider audience. This move is significant for fans who are eager to watch their teams' preseason performances, especially those living outside the local markets. The exclusive national broadcast of the Raiders vs. Texans game on ESPN underscores the importance of preseason games in building anticipation for the regular season. This expanded coverage can enhance fan engagement and potentially increase viewership, benefiting advertisers and the league financially.
What's Next?
As the preseason games approach, fans can expect further announcements regarding any changes to the broadcast schedule or additional streaming options. Teams will continue to prepare for the upcoming season, with preseason games serving as a critical period for evaluating player performance and finalizing rosters. The NFL may also monitor viewership data to assess the success of its expanded coverage strategy, which could influence future broadcasting decisions.
