As the Dallas Cowboys prepare to take the field, fans across the nation are asking the same question: will the Dallas Cowboys game be televised? Understanding the complex landscape of broadcast rights, regional restrictions, and streaming options is essential for any devoted follower wanting to catch the action live.
Understanding NFL Broadcast Contracts
The answer to whether you can watch the game on television hinges entirely on the league's intricate broadcast agreements. The NFL sells its broadcast rights to a network of major television networks, primarily CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video. These contracts determine which specific games each network is allowed to air, meaning your local CBS affiliate might be broadcasting one matchup while a Fox station shows a completely different game happening at the exact same time.
Regional Restrictions and Blackout Policies
Even if the Cowboys are playing on a network you subscribe to, regional restrictions can complicate access. Most games are subject to local blackout rules, which prevent the home team’s broadcast from airing on network television within a specific geographic radius of the stadium. If you live within approximately 75 miles of AT&T Stadium, your local CBS or Fox affiliate might black out the over-the-air signal, requiring you to watch via the network’s streaming app with your cable login or subscribe to a streaming service that holds the rights.
How to Find Your Specific Game
To determine the specific channel for the game you want to watch, you can consult the official NFL schedule or use TV listing websites. These resources break down the network for each matchup weeks in advance. Generally, games are divided between CBS (usually AFC opponents), Fox (usually NFC opponents, which includes the Cowboys), NBC (Sunday Night Football), and ESPN (Monday Night Football).
Checking Your Local Listings
Because of the regional dynamics, your personal channel guide is the most accurate tool. Using your zip code on sites like LocalNow or the network websites will show you exactly which station is airing the game in your specific area. This is the definitive method to answer the question of will the Dallas Cowboys game be televised over the air in your living room.
The Streaming Revolution
The landscape has shifted significantly with the introduction of streaming services holding broadcast rights. Amazon Prime Video now airs Thursday Night Football, while ESPN holds the Monday Night Football package. This means that to watch these specific telecasts, you often need a subscription to the streaming service or a cable package that includes the linear channel, fundamentally changing how fans access the games.
Options for Cord-Cutters
For viewers who have cut the cable cord, there are still ways to see the Cowboys. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV carry the local CBS and Fox affiliates in most markets, along with the relevant national networks. Additionally, the NFL+ service provides access to out-of-market games, ensuring that fans can follow the team wherever they travel, albeit without the local broadcast.
Game Day Checklist
Verify the network for your specific game on the NFL’s official website.
Check your local listings using your zip code to identify the channel.
Confirm your cable or streaming subscription includes the broadcasting network.
Utilize the network’s official app with your TV login for reliable streaming.
