Know where your team is playing
First things first: you need to know which channel is hosting your team’s game. And, depending on whether you’re streaming local high school games, your college team, or your favorite pros, you may have to find the right mix of streaming apps. College and professional teams might be found on ESPN, CBS, FOX, NBC or ABC depending on the league. Check your team’s website for the most accurate information on which network will be airing the game.
After you identify what network will host the show, you’ll need to find a live TV service that carries it. All of the following services work best over a high-speed internet connection, so make sure your setup can handle HD or 4K streaming, especially if multiple devices are in use. CoastConnect’s fiber connections are perfect for streaming without buffering or lag!
Friday night lights
Many high schools now share their games online. Check with your team’s school district or athletic department for information about how to access the streams.
Catch college rivalries live
College football kicks off the season early, and coverage is spread across several streaming services. If you’re following multiple teams, your best bet is to be flexible and have access to more than one app or platform. YouTube TV includes most of the major channels that air college football, including ABC, FOX, CBS, ESPN and more. If you want one app to rule them all, YouTube TV is a solid pick. Hulu + Live TV is another strong option, offering access to ESPN, ABC, FOX and CBS (in most areas), making it a reliable choice for watching both local games and nationally broadcast matchups. If you don’t subscribe to a live streaming service that includes these networks, here are the three must-have apps for streaming college football:
- ESPN+: This app streams a wide variety of college football games, particularly from smaller conferences. You’ll also find tons of on-demand shows, highlights and in-depth commentary. It’s a must-have for die-hard fans looking for more than just the biggest Saturday matchups. Notably,
- ESPN+ does not include Power Five conference games — you’ll need a separate live TV streaming service for those.
- Paramount+: If CBS is broadcasting a game, you can watch it on Paramount+. Think of this as your ticket to high-profile SEC matchups and major rivalry games that air on CBS throughout the season.
- Peacock: NBC’s streaming app is your go-to for Notre Dame games, Big Ten Games and other matchups NBC covers. It also includes Sunday Night Football, making it a great dual purpose app for college and pro fans.
Tune in to pro-level kickoffs
If you’re looking to tune in to professional games, you’ll want access to multiple platforms to catch all the action, especially if you’re rooting for out-of-market teams. Here’s where you can stream NFL games this season:
- NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube TV): This premium package gives you access to every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game. It’s now available exclusively through YouTube TV and is a must-have for superfans who want it all.
- Peacock: Streams Sunday Night Football live every week.
- Prime Video: Home of Thursday Night Football, which is a streaming exclusive on Prime and requires an Amazon Prime account to watch.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes ESPN and ABC, which means it’s perfect for Monday Night Football and select Sunday games.
- Sling TV (Orange + Blue): A more budget-friendly option that includes ESPN, FOX, and NBC in select areas and is great for casual fans. It’s important to know that Sling TV does not carry CBS, so you won’t be able to watch games aired on that network.
- FuboTV: Sports-centric and packed with live NFL channels including CBS, FOX, NBC and the NFL Network in most regions and is excellent for catching both local and national games.
Ready, set, stream!
Hosting a streaming TV football viewing party doesn’t have to be complicated, but a little planning, and a strong internet connection, can make it unforgettable. From setting up the right streaming services to making sure everyone has a great seat, a plate full of snacks and a strong WiFi signal, this playbook has you ready for kickoff.