No, NFL Sunday Ticket does not include preseason games.
Wondering if you can catch those early football matchups with your subscription? Many fans ask, “does nfl sunday ticket include preseason games?” It’s a common question, particularly as excitement builds for the regular season.
Unfortunately, the package focuses solely on regular season games. Preseason action isn’t part of the NFL Sunday Ticket offering. You’ll need to explore other viewing options for those games.
Does NFL Sunday Ticket Include Preseason Games?
Let’s get right to it: the question of whether NFL Sunday Ticket includes preseason games is something many football fans wonder about. The short answer is, unfortunately, no, NFL Sunday Ticket does not typically include preseason games. That’s right, while you can access a vast array of regular-season matchups, those warm-up games before the season kicks off are usually not part of the package. This can be a bit of a bummer for the most dedicated fans, those who want to see their team take to the field, no matter what. However, there are reasons for this, and alternative ways to catch the preseason action, which we’ll explore in detail here. So buckle up, and let’s dive deep into the world of NFL broadcasts, particularly when it comes to the preseason and Sunday Ticket.
Why Preseason Games Are Not on NFL Sunday Ticket
Understanding why preseason games are excluded from NFL Sunday Ticket requires looking at a few key factors. It’s not about some grand conspiracy, but about the nature of broadcasting rights and the overall structure of how NFL games are delivered to viewers.
The Difference in Broadcasting Rights
Regular-season games and preseason games have different agreements regarding broadcasting rights. Think of it like this: The regular season games are the main event, the big show. Networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN pay a lot of money for the right to broadcast those games. NFL Sunday Ticket, then, is a package that gives you access to those games broadcast on those networks, no matter where you live. This is a big deal for out-of-market fans who want to watch their favorite team.
Preseason games are a bit different. They are generally less popular for large national audiences and are often broadcast by local networks or regional sports networks. These networks may not have agreements in place that include their programming in the NFL Sunday Ticket package. It’s about who owns the rights to the games and what they decided to do with those rights. The NFL typically doesn’t package and sell these games at a national level. Instead, the rights to broadcast these games are often sold to local broadcast stations or regional sports networks.
The Nature of Preseason Games
The structure of preseason games is different than the regular season. Regular season games have much more importance. They determine who makes the playoffs and who wins the superbowl. On the other hand, preseason games are for team to evaluate player talent, try different play styles, and overall to prepare for the regular season. Because they are less about the outcome, and more about the development of a team, the demand for those games is typically lower. This translates into a different approach in terms of how broadcasting rights are handled. The focus is often on local markets, where there may be bigger interest in seeing those new players in action or assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the team. This is why regional networks often pick up the games rather than national ones.
The Cost of Production and Rights
There’s also the cost factor to consider. Producing and broadcasting any game, be it a regular season or preseason, takes money. That includes the cost of camera crews, announcers, and all the behind-the-scenes people who make a broadcast happen. When you consider that the audience for preseason games is typically smaller than for regular-season games, the cost can be very high for national distribution. Also, if Sunday Ticket had to pay to add all the regional networks and local stations that are showing the games, the cost of the whole package would go way up. This cost would likely be passed onto you, the subscriber. So it’s a balancing act of what can be offered at a reasonable price.
Where to Watch Preseason Games
Okay, so you can’t get preseason games on NFL Sunday Ticket. Don’t worry though, you have other options! Here are some of the best ways to catch those crucial preseason contests:
Local and Regional Networks
Your best bet for catching most preseason games is often through your local television channels or regional sports networks. Usually, these are broadcast on the channels you already have access to, either through cable TV, or even with an antenna. Check out your local listings and see what’s on. It’s possible your local affiliate of CBS, FOX, or NBC will carry some of these games. It is always a good idea to know who has the right to broadcast games of a team near your region.
Check Local Listings: Look in the newspaper, online, or using your TV guide for local game listings.
Regional Sports Networks: Networks like NBC Sports Regional, Bally Sports, or Spectrum Sports may have coverage. Search for these on your cable or satellite TV.
Team Websites: Some teams stream their own preseason games via their official websites or apps, so be sure to check the team you are interested in.
NFL Network
The NFL Network also broadcasts some preseason games. While they don’t usually show every game, they’ll often have a good selection each week. You will need to have access to this network in order to watch it. NFL Network sometimes shows live games, other times it’s a delayed rebroadcast, but they definitely cover a wide range of preseason games that might be helpful for you to watch.
Check their Schedule: Visit the NFL Network website or TV guide to see their preseason game lineup.
Cable or Streaming Package: You’ll typically need to have a cable or streaming package that includes the NFL Network.
NFL+
NFL+ is the league’s own streaming service, and while it doesn’t give you every live out-of-market regular-season game like Sunday Ticket, it does offer access to live local and prime-time regular-season games on your phone or tablet, and also some live preseason games and the full library of NFL Game Replays. The access to these preseason games is however limited depending on your location and whether a game is televised in your local region or not. Still, it is an option that is worth considering.
Game Replays: You can watch any regular or preseason game after it’s played, even if you missed it live.
Live Local Games: You can stream your local games on your phone or tablet
Limited Live Preseason: Check if they are showing any of your games live.
Streaming Services
You might find that some streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo TV also offer access to some preseason games. These services usually provide a variety of channels, which may include local affiliates and regional sports networks that are carrying preseason contests.
Check Channel Lineups: Look at the list of channels included in each streaming service’s packages.
Subscription Required: You’ll need to pay a monthly fee to access these services.
Free Trials: Many of these services offer a free trial, which you could take advantage of to catch a game or two.
Bundling and Other Considerations
Sometimes, there are special deals or bundles that can give you access to preseason games along with the regular season. While NFL Sunday Ticket itself does not include preseason games, you should always keep an eye out for additional options. For example, some cable packages that include NFL Network could also include a certain number of preseason games.
Cable and Satellite Packages
Many cable companies and satellite TV providers offer packages that include the NFL Network. These packages can sometimes be a good way to access both regular and some preseason games.
Review Package Details: Carefully look at what’s included in each package you consider.
Talk to Your Provider: See if there are any available specials that can give you access to the channels you need.
Special Promotions
Sometimes the NFL or its partners will offer special promotions that can give you access to certain games or services for a limited time. It’s good to pay attention to these deals, especially around the start of the NFL season.
Keep an Eye Out: Watch for announcements on social media or in the news regarding promotions for streaming and broadcast services.
Compare Offers: Make sure you are comparing offers carefully to know what is the best value for your needs.
A Table Summarizing Preseason Game Viewing Options
To recap, let’s put all this information into a simple table so you have the different options laid out:
| Viewing Option | Preseason Game Coverage | Cost | Key Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local/Regional Networks | Most Local Games | Usually Included with Cable/Antenna | Check local listings. Often free with antenna. |
| NFL Network | Select Games | Requires cable/streaming package with NFL Network. | Check NFL Network schedule. |
| NFL+ | Limited Live Games, Full Game Replays | Subscription Based | May not include all games live. |
| Streaming Services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV) | Some Games via Local Channels | Monthly subscription fee. | Check channel lineups of each service. |
Why this Information Matters
Knowing where to watch preseason games is not just for the dedicated fans. It’s also important to people that are interested in fantasy football or betting on games. Seeing how the new players are doing, or knowing who is competing for a position on the starting lineup can be incredibly beneficial for you. It can give you an advantage in understanding the makeup of the teams, and predicting what they will do in the regular season.
Fantasy Football Benefits
For those of you who love fantasy football, preseason games can be a goldmine of information. This is your first real opportunity to see how rookies perform in a real game. It also helps you to see what strategy a team is going to take, and who on the roster is likely to get playing time during the regular season. Watching the preseason games can help you to draft players that are likely to have a higher impact on your fantasy teams.
Rookie Evaluations: Seeing how rookies adapt to the NFL can give you an edge in the draft.
Position Battles: Observe how different players compete for starting positions.
Scheme Changes: Watch for teams testing out different plays and strategies for the season.
Betting Advantages
If you’re a fan who enjoys betting on NFL games, the preseason might be for you. It’s a great chance to gather data. Though you should know that the betting odds are usually smaller during the preseason because teams aren’t putting all of their starters into the games. Still, preseason games give you a chance to understand the talent that teams have and make more educated bets in the regular season.
Identify Standouts: Note players who perform well, even though the games are less competitive.
Team Cohesion: See how well the team is working together.
In-Depth Analysis: Gain additional understanding that will help you predict team performance for the season.
Keeping Up With Preseason Information
Now that you know how to watch the games, let’s also talk about how to keep up with all the action and news surrounding the preseason.
Following Sports News
Staying informed is also important, even if you are not watching the games. If you don’t have time to watch the games, the updates on player performance, team strategies, and injuries is very helpful. Be sure to follow various news sources.
ESPN: A common go-to for many football fans
NFL.com: Official NFL Website.
Bleacher Report: Another popular sports website.
The Athletic: Known for its in-depth reporting.
Social Media
Social media is a place that is full of information on the NFL. Here are some ways that social media can be useful:
Team Accounts: Each team usually posts updates and news.
Player Accounts: You can get inside information from players themselves.
Sports News: Reporters and media people often share news on Twitter.
Team Websites and Apps
Your favorite team also has its own website and often has an app. They will often post articles on game recaps, player news, and more. This can be a convenient way to stay updated.
Access Team News: A quick way to see what your team is doing.
Rosters: A place to look up the depth chart, and get to know which players are playing what position.
Injury Reports: Find out if players have been injured in practice or preseason games.
In conclusion, while NFL Sunday Ticket offers a great way to watch all the regular-season games you want, preseason games typically aren’t included. This is primarily due to different broadcast rights and the way these games are managed by the NFL. However, there are other ways to view them, and understanding these alternatives will allow you to stay on top of your favorite team. Keep an eye on your local channels, regional sports networks, and streaming services like NFL+ or other services that carry NFL Network. Remember that being informed about the preseason can really enhance your experience as a football fan, whether you’re playing fantasy football, betting, or just wanting to see some football before the regular season begins.
Does YouTube TV's NFL Sunday Ticket Include Preseason Games
Final Thoughts
No, NFL Sunday Ticket does not include preseason games. You must purchase separate packages to view those. Regular season games are the primary focus of Sunday Ticket.
Preseason games require a different subscription. You might find them on other platforms. Knowing what your subscription covers prevents disappointment.
Therefore, the answer is clear: does nfl sunday ticket include preseason games? No, it does not.
