(855) 771-3154
When a new season or championship of your favorite sport is up, there’s no reasonable excuse to miss even a single game. Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or live and breathe baseball, being a Spectrum TV® customer pays off.
So, how do you view every kickoff and touchdown of your favorite sports league? Sign up for Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) or not?
What are Spectrum Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)?
Spectrum RSNs are exclusive sports-centered TV channels that offer live coverage of specific regional teams and events to fans within a designated geographic area. Spectrum has two main RSNs, namely:
- Spectrum SportsNet
- Spectrum SportsNet LA
Spectrum Internet elevates your home entertainment system. So, if you aren’t on board yet, it’s time to combine your TV plan with high-speed and reliable internet today!
Do You Need a Spectrum Regional Sports Network to Watch Local NFL Games?
If you’re mainly concerned about local NFL games, you’ll be happy to know that a Spectrum Regional Sports Network (RSN) isn’t required. NFL games are generally aired on local broadcast networks, including CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC.
Spectrum RSNs, specifically Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum SportsNet LA, are built to cover regional professional sports, such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and Major League Baseball (MLB).
The sheer variety of TV channels, sports packages, and viewing requirements nowadays is enough to confuse the brightest of us. To make everything clear as day, let's start by discussing how Spectrum RSNs differ from standard broadcast channels.
Understanding the Difference: RSNs vs. Local Broadcast Channels
Sports enthusiasts tend to subscribe to the most expensive or premium sports package in haste, thinking that it is a must for watching every local game. In reality, standard TV channels can often provide everything they need.
Here’s an overview of the core differences between RSNs and local broadcast channels:
| Feature | Regional Sports Networks | Local Broadcast Channels |
|---|---|---|
| Access & Cost | Typically require separate paid subscriptions, but are usually included in higher-tier/premium TV and streaming plans. | Included in basic TV plans and accessible with an over-the-air antenna for free. |
| Content | Focused on localized professional sports coverage; includes live games, college-level events, sports commentary, pre & post-game shows, team interviews, and more original content. | Major local television networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC are not limited to sports; they include local news, national playoffs, and other programs. |
| Availability | Strictly geo-restricted to the playing teams’ home base or specific markets. | Nationwide |
Which Channels Air Local NFL Games?
Spectrum customers can watch local NFL games on the following channels:
- ABC
- CBS
- ESPN
- FOX
- NBC
- NFL Network
While most of these channels are included in basic TV plans for free, there are exceptions. For example, the NFL Network is usually available as a paid add-on or requires upgrading to a premium plan.
Aside from traditional TV, NFL broadcasts are also available on streaming platforms, such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Peacock Premium.
Do you want to catch your favorite NFL games in real-time on the go?
The Role of NFL Network and NFL RedZone
NFL Network and NFL RedZone are specialty football channels that give you a lot more than what you get with standard broadcast channels.
NFL Network
This is a dedicated network that features NFL content at all times, including the latest news, player rosters, regular-season matches, international series games, studio shows (like Good Morning Football), NFL Total Access, the NFL draft, and exclusive live coverage of the annual NFL Scouting.
NFL RedZone
NFL RedZone is a live show hosted by Scott Hanson and offers seven hours of commercial-free football on Sunday afternoons. Viewers get to see up to eight games at once up close, while the host explains everything.
Currently, Spectrum offers NFL Network and NFL RedZone with its Sports Pack add-on for only $10 per month with any TV plan.
What Spectrum TV Customers Need to Watch Local NFL Games
Spectrum TV customers can catch NFL games on major television networks like ABC, CBS, ESPN, FOX, and NBC. These channels are typically included in all standard TV and streaming plans, so you won’t have to pay extra.
However, availability and channel numbers for a certain network may vary by region, so you can refer to the Spectrum TV channel lineup tool.
Spectrum Stream TV® Signature, Spectrum Stream TV® Pro, and Spectrum Stream TV® VIP subscribers can also view NFL content through a streaming partner like Peacock Premium.
Spectrum Stream TV® Signature vs. Stream TV® Pro vs. Stream TV® VIP
Moreover, NFL RedZone from NFL Network lets customers enjoy their Sunday afternoons watching seven hours of live football and up to eight games in one sitting. For this, you’ll need to subscribe to the Spectrum Sports Pack add-on, which will cost you an extra $10 per month.
In case you already have Sports Pack, simply tune in to NFL RedZone using Spectrum’s on-screen programming guide.
Lastly, NFL fans who are interested in out-of-market games can purchase the NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube TV.
Local vs. Out-of-Market NFL Games
- Local NFL games are broadcasted on your local network affiliates (such as FOX and CBS), based on your location. These networks are included with standard TV plans and accessible for free via over-the-air antenna.
- Out-of-Market NFL games are the ones being played in a different region, so they don’t air on your local CBS or FOX station. You may require a standalone streaming service or exclusive package like NFL Sunday Ticket to view this content.
How to Check Which NFL Games Are Available in Your Area
Channel lineups, local affiliate zones, and sports package availability vary by location, as well as your chosen TV plan; hence, you should always double-check everything.
Firstly, review your local Spectrum channel lineup by entering your exact address and zip code. Next, confirm what Spectrum TV plan you are subscribed to, and check channel numbers for the networks that air NFL games.
If a local network or channels you want are not listed in the lineup, explore other TV packages and switch accordingly.
Ready to see what’s available in your neighborhood and be fully prepared for the next NFL season?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Spectrum sports package or add-on to watch Sunday afternoon NFL games?
Standard Sunday afternoon regional games are aired on local CBS and FOX broadcast channels, so any exclusive package or add-on is unnecessary. However, the Spectrum Sports Pack add-on is required if you want to watch NFL RedZone.
What is the difference between Spectrum SportsNet and standard local sports channels?
Spectrum SportsNet and SportsNet LA are regional sports networks focusing on area-specific sports coverage and programming. On the other hand, local sports channels and broadcast networks air major league games like the NFL.
Can I watch out-of-market NFL games with a standard Spectrum subscription?
No, standard TV packages only let you watch games broadcast in your local media market. Out-of-market games can be viewed through a third-party service like NFL Sunday Ticket.
