The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, have a massive fan base that eagerly follows their games week after week. With such an extensive fan following, it’s no surprise that a frequently asked question is, “What channel is the Cowboys game on?” This is particularly important for fans who want to stay up to date with the team’s schedule and watch every game live without missing any action.
In this article, we will break down where you can catch the Dallas Cowboys game on television, how to find it on various streaming services, and other important details like how to watch replays, special events, and much more. Whether you’re watching at home, streaming online, or tuning in from another city, we’ve got everything you need to know to ensure you never miss a Cowboys game.
Understanding NFL Broadcasting Rights
Before diving into which channels air Dallas Cowboys games, it’s essential to understand the structure of NFL broadcasting rights. In the United States, different television networks have agreements with the NFL to air specific games. These rights can vary based on the time slot, the day of the week, and the region. Here’s a quick rundown of the networks that typically air NFL games
FOX
Primarily airs NFC games, which include most Dallas Cowboys games.
CBS
Primarily airs AFC games but may occasionally carry Cowboys games in cross-conference matchups.
NBC
The home of Sunday Night Football, featuring some of the biggest matchups of the season, often including the Cowboys.
ESPN
The broadcaster for Monday Night Football.
NFL Network
Airs special Thursday night games as well as other games throughout the season.
Amazon Prime Video
Exclusively airs some Thursday Night Football games starting in recent seasons.
Given the Cowboys’ prominence in the NFL, their games are often selected for prime-time slots, meaning fans can expect to see them on some of the most popular networks.
What Channel is the Cowboys Game on Today?
To find out what channel the Dallas Cowboys game is on, there are a few ways to track it down. Depending on the day of the week and the nature of the matchup, you might find the game on one of several major networks. Let’s take a look at the channels that most frequently air Cowboys games:
FOX Sports
FOX is the primary broadcaster for NFC games, which includes the Dallas Cowboys. Cowboys fans can expect most of the regular season games to be televised on FOX, particularly for Sunday afternoon matchups. You can typically find the Cowboys’ game in the local broadcast area for Texas and surrounding regions. If you’re wondering about the Cowboys’ game on a typical Sunday, FOX should be your first stop.
CBS Sports
While CBS mostly covers AFC matchups, there are times when cross-conference games (AFC vs. NFC) are aired on CBS. In those cases, the Cowboys might play on CBS, particularly if they are facing an AFC opponent. This is more rare compared to FOX, but it does happen, especially for big inter-conference games.
NBC Sports
NBC is the home of Sunday Night Football, and the Cowboys frequently appear in these highly anticipated games. NBC broadcasts some of the most high-profile matchups of the season, and the Dallas Cowboys, given their popularity, often find themselves featured. If the Cowboys are playing on Sunday night, NBC is the channel you’ll want to turn to.
ESPN
Monday Night Football games are broadcast exclusively on ESPN. If the Cowboys have a Monday night game on their schedule, ESPN will be the channel to watch. This is a staple for prime-time NFL viewing, and Cowboys fans can expect to catch at least one or two games on ESPN each season.
NFL Network
The NFL Network also carries a few Cowboys games, typically on Thursday nights. This can include some Thursday Night Football matchups as well as special games scheduled during holidays or late in the season. If the Cowboys are playing on Thursday, it’s a good idea to check the NFL Network, though some Thursday night games have moved to streaming services like Amazon Prime.
Amazon Prime Video
Starting in recent seasons, Amazon Prime Video has become the exclusive broadcaster for some Thursday Night Football games. If the Cowboys are playing on a Thursday night, there’s a chance you’ll need to stream the game through Amazon Prime. This is an option that requires a subscription, so fans should prepare accordingly.
How to Find the Cowboys Game in Your Area
Depending on where you live, finding the Cowboys game on TV may vary. If you’re in the local Dallas market, games are typically broadcast on local FOX or CBS affiliates. For fans outside the local area, regional broadcasting rules and blackout restrictions might come into play, particularly for nationally televised games.
Regional Broadcasts
In Texas and surrounding areas, FOX and CBS stations will most often carry the Cowboys game. If you’re outside of this area but still want to watch the game, you can use NFL Sunday Ticket (available through YouTube TV) to access out-of-market games.
National Broadcasts
If the Cowboys game is part of Sunday Night Football (NBC), Monday Night Football (ESPN), or Thursday Night Football (NFL Network/Amazon Prime), these games are aired nationally, so you won’t need to worry about regional restrictions. You’ll just need to tune into the appropriate network or service.
Streaming Options for Cowboys Fans
If you prefer to stream the game instead of watching on cable or satellite TV, several streaming services give you access to live NFL broadcasts
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, covering most of the channels that air Cowboys games. YouTube TV also includes NFL RedZone, making it a comprehensive choice for NFL fans who want to keep up with every game. It also offers the NFL Sunday Ticket package, giving you access to every out-of-market game, including Cowboys games if you’re not in the local region.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu with Live TV carries FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN, meaning you can catch the Cowboys games on most major networks. It also provides access to NFL Network, covering Thursday Night Football.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers several packages, with some including FOX, NBC, and NFL Network, which allows you to stream many Cowboys games. However, CBS is not available on Sling TV, which means some Sunday afternoon games might not be accessible through this service.
Amazon Prime Video
If the Cowboys are playing on Thursday Night Football, Amazon Prime Video will be your go-to streaming service. This requires an Amazon Prime subscription, but it’s the exclusive home for these Thursday matchups.
NFL Game Pass (International)
For international fans, NFL Game Pass offers live streaming of all games, including Cowboys games. While U.S. users can only watch replays, fans abroad can stream games live through this service.
Watching Cowboys Games Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord and no longer have cable or satellite TV, there are still plenty of ways to watch Cowboys games. Here are a few options
Antenna
If you’re in the Dallas area, you can watch Cowboys games on FOX or CBS using a digital antenna. This provides high-definition access to local broadcasts for free.
Streaming Services
As mentioned above, services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and Amazon Prime Video offer streaming options without the need for traditional cable.
NFL Sunday Ticket
If you’re outside the Cowboys’ regional broadcast area, NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube TV gives you access to out-of-market games.
Additional Ways to Keep Up with the Cowboys
NFL Mobile App
The NFL Mobile app offers live streaming of local games for free. While this is only available on mobile devices, it’s a great option if you’re on the go and want to catch the Cowboys in action.
Social Media and Highlights
If you can’t watch the game live, following the Dallas Cowboys on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram can keep you up to date with real-time highlights, updates, and post-game analysis. Platforms like YouTube also offer game highlights shortly after the game ends.
NFL RedZone
NFL RedZone is an excellent way to keep up with all the action from multiple games, including Cowboys games. This channel shows live highlights, scoring plays, and key moments from every game on Sunday afternoons, so you won’t miss any of the excitement.
Conclusion
As a Dallas Cowboys fan, there are plenty of ways to stay connected with the team throughout the season. Whether you’re watching on traditional TV channels like FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN, or streaming through platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Amazon Prime Video, you can always find a way to watch your favorite team in action. By staying informed about which channel is airing the Cowboys game and exploring the various streaming options available, you can ensure you never miss a single play, touchdown, or thrilling moment from America’s Team.
