Is Steelers Game Televised?

Is Steelers Game Televised? Finding Your Favorite Team on TV

Figuring out where to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers can sometimes feel like a puzzle. You’re excited for game day, but you need to know where to tune in. It’s not always as simple as flipping on your TV. Let’s break down all the ways you can catch the Steelers in action, from regular season games to playoff excitement. We’ll explore the different networks, streaming options, and even some special circumstances that might affect whether a game is televised.

Understanding NFL Broadcast Rights

The first step in knowing if a Steelers game is televised is to understand how the NFL sells the rights to broadcast their games. The NFL doesn’t just put games on any channel; they have deals with specific networks and streaming services. These deals change from time to time, so what was true last year might be different this year. Here’s a quick look at the main players:

• CBS: CBS often broadcasts games, especially those between teams in the AFC (like the Steelers).
• FOX: FOX usually shows games involving teams in the NFC but they also sometimes get to show games with AFC teams like Steelers.
• NBC: NBC is home to “Sunday Night Football” and many times Steelers games might appear here.
• ESPN: ESPN shows “Monday Night Football” and Steelers can have a game on this channel from time to time.
• NFL Network: The NFL Network sometimes has exclusive games, so it’s essential to keep an eye on their schedule.
• Amazon Prime Video: Amazon has become a major player, with “Thursday Night Football” games broadcast exclusively on Prime Video.

How Game Selection Works

The NFL schedule is made before the season starts. The networks get to pick which games they want to show. Usually, the most interesting games get the prime-time slots (like Sunday night or Monday night). The networks consider things like how well the teams are doing, how big their fan base is, and if there are exciting rivalries. This means that the Steelers, being a popular team, often get chosen for national broadcasts, but not always every single week. Regional broadcasts, often seen on local CBS or FOX affiliates, also play a big role in your viewing experience, especially if the Steelers are not in prime-time. The local affiliate broadcasts are particularly important for fans living closer to Pittsburgh.

Finding the Steelers on Local Channels

When the Steelers aren’t on national television, you can often find them on local TV. Here’s how this usually works:

CBS and FOX Affiliates

CBS and FOX have local stations all over the country. These stations often show games that involve teams from their area. So, if you live near Pittsburgh, your local CBS or FOX station will probably show the Steelers game that isn’t on a national network.

• Check Your TV Guide: The easiest way to find out what channel the Steelers are on locally is to look at your TV guide. Most cable and satellite providers have on-screen guides that show you the channels and the times the game will be shown.
• Local Station Website: You can also check your local CBS or FOX station website. They often post their broadcast schedule. Just search for your local stations like “CBS Pittsburgh” or “FOX Pittsburgh”.

The Importance of the TV Market

What you see on TV depends on where you live. Someone in Pittsburgh will likely see the Steelers game on their local channels, while someone in another state might need a national broadcast or a specific sports package. The NFL’s rules about TV markets help explain why some fans might not see certain games on their local channels. They are set up to give local fans access to their local teams, and then to make more games available via national broadcasts and subscription services.

National Broadcasts: When Steelers Take Center Stage

National broadcasts are when the Steelers game is shown across the whole country. These games are usually the biggest games of the week.

Sunday Night Football on NBC

“Sunday Night Football” on NBC is a prime spot for the biggest games. If the Steelers have a particularly exciting matchup, they might be featured on this national broadcast. When the Steelers are on “Sunday Night Football,” almost everyone in the country can watch them on NBC.

Monday Night Football on ESPN

Another prime time spot is “Monday Night Football” on ESPN. The Steelers often get a few chances to shine on “Monday Night Football.” Just like with “Sunday Night Football,” a Monday night Steelers game is widely available.

Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime

With Amazon Prime now owning the rights to “Thursday Night Football,” if the Steelers play on a Thursday, this game will be available through the Amazon Prime Video service.

Figuring Out National Broadcasts

It’s helpful to plan ahead. The best thing is to know the NFL schedule in advance. You can find the entire schedule on the NFL website and on many sports sites. Look for the games that are listed for “Sunday Night Football,” “Monday Night Football,” or “Thursday Night Football” if the Steelers are playing in these prime time slots, you can be certain of a national broadcast. Check out the NFL website or other major sports websites to get a complete list of national and regional broadcasts.

Streaming Options for Steelers Fans

If you don’t have cable or prefer to watch on your computer or phone, streaming might be the best option for you. Streaming services are becoming more and more popular.

NFL+

The NFL has their own streaming service called NFL+. This service offers live local and prime-time games on your phone or tablet, along with replays and other NFL content. Note that, for most cases, NFL+ doesn’t include full live games on a TV unless it is a prime-time game.

Streaming Services with Live TV

Many streaming services offer live TV, including sports. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo TV often carry the channels that show NFL games, including local CBS and FOX affiliates, and the national broadcast channels like ESPN, NBC and NFL Network. If these services are available in your area and provide access to these channels, you’ll be able to stream many Steelers games.

• YouTube TV: This is very popular and offers a wide range of channels, including local stations and sports networks.
• Hulu + Live TV: Another good choice, giving you both on-demand content and live TV channels, including many sports channels.
• Fubo TV: This service is specifically focused on sports, making it great for people who want lots of options for watching sports events, including the Steelers.

Amazon Prime Video

As mentioned before, if the Steelers play on “Thursday Night Football,” you will need Amazon Prime Video. You’ll need a subscription to watch these games. If you already use Amazon Prime for shopping, you already have access to Amazon Prime Video.

Important Note on Blackouts

Sometimes, certain games are “blacked out” in a specific region, which means they are not shown on local TV or streaming in that area. This usually happens if the stadium for the game isn’t sold out. While these blackouts aren’t as common today as they used to be, it’s good to be aware of. If the Steelers play a game that’s subject to a blackout, you might not be able to watch it even if you have the correct local channel and service.

Blackout rules are complex and change so keep a look out on this at the time the game is happening.

Specific Situations That Impact Televised Games

There are some special situations that can change what games are on TV. It’s good to know about these so you’re prepared.

Playoffs

Playoff games are usually broadcast nationally. If the Steelers make it to the playoffs, their games are highly likely to be available on major networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, or ESPN. The specific channel will depend on the round of the playoffs. The NFL playoff games are typically easy to find. If a game is on a national channel, any cable provider or streaming service carrying the channel will have the broadcast.

Flex Scheduling

The NFL can “flex” the schedule, which means they can change the time or channel of a game a few weeks in advance. This usually happens later in the season when games start to have more meaning. If a Steelers game gets “flexed” to a better timeslot, that might affect the channel it’s on. Check the NFL schedule again when you are getting close to the game.

International Games

The NFL plays games in other countries, like in London or Mexico City. If the Steelers are in an international game, the broadcast plan might be different from their regular games. These international games are typically broadcasted nationally, and sometimes might be available on special streaming services. Because these games are outside the US, keep an eye on the times, since they could be at unusual times.

Preseason Games

Preseason games aren’t always as widely televised as regular-season games. Some preseason games can be on local channels or the NFL Network. Some of these games might only be available on streaming services. It’s a good idea to check for preseason schedules ahead of time, so you know how you might watch the Steelers’ preseason action.

Tips for Keeping Up with Steelers Broadcasts

Here are some tips to help you always know when and where to watch the Steelers:

• Check the NFL Schedule: The official NFL schedule is the best place for the latest information. Check it weekly, so you are in the know.
• Use Sports Apps: Many sports apps can help you find schedules for Steelers games, and will tell you what channel the games are on. ESPN, theScore, and NFL app can help.
• Follow Social Media: Follow the Steelers on social media for schedule updates. Local sports websites and news channels also often share info about TV broadcasts.
• Set Reminders: Use your phone or TV to set reminders, so you don’t forget a game.
• Talk to Other Fans: Chatting with other Steelers fans can also be a way to learn about where to catch the games. They might have a trick you’ve never tried.

Using Online Resources for Game Information

Online resources provide a wealth of information. Let’s look at the best places to go:

Official NFL Website

The NFL website (nfl.com) is the primary source for information about game schedules, TV broadcasts, and any updates or changes. This is always the best place to go when you have questions. The site is easy to use and has a special section to help you find games by team and by timeslot.

Sports News Websites

Major sports websites like ESPN.com, CBSSports.com, and Bleacher Report all have dedicated sections for NFL coverage. They provide game schedules, TV broadcast information, and sometimes even specific directions for how to find a game in your area. These are great for last-minute updates.

Team Website

The Pittsburgh Steelers website provides a place to check the Steelers’ specific schedule, plus broadcast information. These sites have useful information for fans, like broadcast guides, news, and fan forums.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Twitter are fantastic for getting real-time information about games. The Steelers’ official social media accounts are a reliable source for information about any last-minute updates to broadcast information. You can get quick news on channels, times and any changes. Many sports reporters also use Twitter to quickly provide game information.

Search Engines

If you need to find a game’s broadcast information quickly, a search engine is a good bet. Just type in “Steelers game TV schedule” or “Steelers game channel,” and the search engine will show you the most updated information from different resources. Be sure to look at several sites to make sure you have the most current and accurate information.

Watching the Pittsburgh Steelers play can be really fun! By knowing how the NFL sells broadcast rights, understanding local and national broadcasts, and exploring different ways to stream games, you can be sure you never miss a moment of the action. Check websites, use your TV guide, and check out streaming options to get ready for game day. Enjoy cheering on your team!