The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, are a source of pride and passion for millions of fans across the globe. Known as “America’s Team,” the Cowboys have built a legacy that transcends sports, becoming a cultural icon in the United States and beyond. For die-hard fans and casual viewers alike, one of the most common questions every week is: What channel is the Cowboys game on?
This article serves as a comprehensive guide to help Cowboys fans understand where they can watch their team in action, be it through traditional TV broadcasts or the ever-growing realm of streaming services. With so many platforms and channels now available, it’s essential to keep track of where you can catch every Cowboys game.
Overview of NFL Broadcasting Rights
Before diving into specific channels and streaming options for Cowboys games, it’s essential to understand how NFL broadcasting works. The NFL is divided into several broadcasting packages that are split among major TV networks. Each network has specific rights to broadcast certain games based on the day of the week, the time slot, and the region.
Here’s a breakdown of the main networks that hold NFL broadcasting rights:
- CBS: Broadcasts primarily AFC games, but can also air some NFC matchups, including Cowboys games.
- FOX: The primary home of NFC games, including most Cowboys games.
- NBC: Airs the famous “Sunday Night Football” and occasionally features the Cowboys in high-profile matchups.
- ESPN: Covers “Monday Night Football” and features the Cowboys periodically.
- Amazon Prime Video: Holds exclusive rights to “Thursday Night Football,” including some Cowboys games.
- NFL Network: A cable network that airs select games throughout the season.
- Local Channels: Sometimes, Cowboys games may air on regional sports networks or local stations, depending on the market.
1. FOX Sports: The Home of Cowboys Games
For the most part, Dallas Cowboys games are aired on FOX, especially when the Cowboys play against NFC opponents. FOX has the rights to the NFC package, which means that most Cowboys games on Sunday afternoons will be broadcast on FOX.
You’ll likely find the Cowboys game on FOX during the traditional 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM ET time slots. The network also showcases doubleheader games, which means you can sometimes catch two games back-to-back.
How to Watch on FOX:
- Cable or Satellite: FOX is a major network available on most cable and satellite packages. Check your local FOX affiliate for broadcast information.
- Antenna: Since FOX is a broadcast network, you can watch Cowboys games over the air with an HD antenna.
- Streaming Services: Many streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV carry FOX in their channel lineups.
2. NBC: Sunday Night Football
The Dallas Cowboys often find themselves playing in primetime, and NBC is the go-to channel for Sunday Night Football. Sunday night games feature some of the biggest matchups of the week, and given the Cowboys’ high profile, they frequently appear in these marquee games.
NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” starts at 8:20 PM ET and features a pregame show that begins an hour before kickoff. When the Cowboys are slated for a Sunday night game, you’ll want to tune in to NBC.
How to Watch on NBC:
- Cable or Satellite: NBC is part of most cable and satellite packages.
- Antenna: NBC is a broadcast network, so you can watch it for free over the air with an HD antenna.
- Streaming: Platforms like Peacock (NBC’s streaming service) and services like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV offer NBC live broadcasts.
3. ESPN: Monday Night Football
The Cowboys are also a regular feature on ESPN’s Monday Night Football, one of the NFL’s longest-running primetime football programs. Monday night games are a tradition, and Dallas often plays in some of the biggest and most important matchups of the season.
These games typically start at 8:15 PM ET and are broadcast exclusively on ESPN.
How to Watch on ESPN:
- Cable or Satellite: ESPN is a basic cable network, so it’s included in most cable and satellite TV packages.
- Streaming: ESPN is available on many streaming platforms such as Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV. Additionally, ESPN+ provides some NFL content, though live “Monday Night Football” games typically require an ESPN subscription.
4. Amazon Prime Video: Thursday Night Football
Starting in 2022, Amazon Prime Video became the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football. This means that when the Cowboys play a Thursday night game, you’ll need an Amazon Prime subscription to watch it.
These games kick off at 8:15 PM ET, and while Amazon Prime Video has a streaming focus, it also offers pregame, halftime, and postgame shows that fans can enjoy.
How to Watch on Amazon Prime Video:
- Subscription: You need an Amazon Prime membership to access Thursday Night Football. Prime costs $14.99 per month or $139 annually.
- Streaming: You can stream the game directly through the Amazon Prime Video app, available on most smart TVs, streaming devices, and mobile platforms.
5. NFL Network
NFL Network broadcasts a select number of Cowboys games throughout the season, particularly in weeks where the team may be playing on Thursday night or during special occasions like the London Games or holiday matchups.
While the NFL Network is primarily a cable network, it also streams live games through its app and website if you have a cable or streaming subscription.
How to Watch on NFL Network:
- Cable or Satellite: NFL Network is part of many sports package bundles offered by major cable and satellite providers.
- Streaming: NFL Network is available on services like Sling TV, fuboTV, and YouTube TV.
6. Local Broadcasts
If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you may find the Cowboys game on local channels, particularly when the game is not available nationally. Local channels may carry FOX, CBS, or NBC broadcasts, depending on the game schedule.
In these cases, local fans can tune in to their local affiliate to watch the Cowboys without needing a national subscription or streaming service.
7. NFL Sunday Ticket
If you’re an out-of-market Cowboys fan, one of the best ways to ensure you can catch every game is through NFL Sunday Ticket. Offered by YouTube TV (previously DirecTV), NFL Sunday Ticket allows you to watch all out-of-market games that are not nationally televised. This is a must-have for Cowboys fans who don’t live in Texas but want to catch every game.
How to Watch on NFL Sunday Ticket:
- Subscription: You can subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube TV. Prices vary depending on the package you choose.
8. Streaming Options for Cowboys Fans
Beyond traditional broadcast channels, there are numerous streaming platforms that offer live Cowboys games. These options are perfect for cord-cutters or fans who prefer watching on mobile devices or online.
- Hulu + Live TV: Carries FOX, NBC, CBS, ESPN, and NFL Network, covering all your Cowboys needs.
- YouTube TV: Offers a comprehensive package that includes FOX, NBC, CBS, ESPN, and NFL Network.
- Sling TV: Includes ESPN, FOX, and NFL Network in its sports packages.
- Peacock: Streams NBC’s Sunday Night Football games.
- Amazon Prime Video: Streams Thursday Night Football games.
Conclusion
With so many broadcast options available, finding what channel the Cowboys game is on has become easier than ever. Whether you prefer traditional TV, online streaming, or mobile viewing, Cowboys fans have numerous ways to stay connected and never miss a moment of the action.
From Sunday afternoon matchups on FOX to primetime appearances on NBC, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video, the Cowboys are accessible to fans around the world. Make sure to stay updated with your local listings or streaming service subscriptions to catch every touchdown, every interception, and every highlight as America’s Team takes the field each week.
