Are you a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan living outside of their local broadcast market, constantly frustrated by blackouts and missing out on America's Team? We've all been there! It's a truly maddening experience to be passionate about a team and not be able to watch them every Sunday. But fear not, fellow Cowboys enthusiast! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step necessary to ensure you never miss another touchdown, sack, or glorious victory, no matter where you are.
Step 1: Understanding the "Out-of-Market" Dilemma and Blackouts
First things first, let's understand why this is even a problem. NFL broadcasting rights are complex, and games are typically shown on local CBS and FOX affiliates, and nationally on NBC (Sunday Night Football), ESPN (Monday Night Football), and Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football).
What Does "Out-of-Market" Mean?
"Out-of-market" simply means you are not located in the geographical area where a specific Dallas Cowboys game is being broadcast by your local network affiliates (CBS or FOX). For example, if you live in New York City, a Cowboys game might not be shown on your local CBS or FOX channel if a different, more locally relevant game is being broadcast.
The Dreaded "Blackout"
This is the bane of every out-of-market fan's existence. Blackouts occur when a game is not available for local broadcast or streaming due to various reasons, primarily related to local market distribution. This means even if you have a streaming service, you might still be blocked from watching a game if it's considered "in-market" somewhere else, and you don't have access to that market's local channels.
So, how do we conquer this challenge and ensure you get your weekly dose of Cowboys football? Let's dive in!
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| How To Watch Dallas Cowboys Game Out Of Market |
Step 2: The Ultimate Solution - NFL Sunday Ticket
For most out-of-market Cowboys games, especially those on Sunday afternoons, NFL Sunday Ticket is your holy grail. This service is specifically designed for fans like you.
QuickTip: Scan for summary-style sentences.
What is NFL Sunday Ticket?
NFL Sunday Ticket allows you to watch every out-of-market regular season Sunday afternoon NFL game. This means if the Cowboys are playing on a Sunday afternoon and it's not broadcast on your local CBS or FOX affiliate, you can watch it live.
Sub-heading: How to Get NFL Sunday Ticket
Historically, NFL Sunday Ticket was exclusively tied to DirecTV satellite subscriptions. However, things have changed significantly!
YouTube and YouTube TV are now the exclusive homes of NFL Sunday Ticket. This is a game-changer for many, as it removes the need for a satellite dish.
Option A: Bundle with YouTube TV: If you're looking for a comprehensive live TV streaming service that also includes local and national NFL games (like those on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network), bundling NFL Sunday Ticket with a YouTube TV Base Plan is often the most convenient option.
Steps to Subscribe:
Go to the YouTube TV website or open the YouTube TV app.
Sign up for a YouTube TV Base Plan if you don't already have one. They often offer a free trial, so you can test it out!
During the sign-up process, or within your account settings, look for the option to add "NFL Sunday Ticket."
Choose your desired payment plan (annual or monthly installments are often available).
Confirm your subscription and get ready to watch the Cowboys!
Pros: All-in-one solution, includes other live TV channels, features like multiview (watch up to 4 games at once!), fantasy view, and key plays.
Cons: Can be pricier as it includes the YouTube TV base subscription.
Option B: Standalone NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube Primetime Channels: If you only want NFL Sunday Ticket and don't need a full live TV streaming service, you can purchase it as a standalone offering through YouTube Primetime Channels.
Steps to Subscribe:
Go to YouTube (either the website or the app).
Search for "NFL Sunday Ticket" or navigate to the "Primetime Channels" section.
Select the NFL Sunday Ticket offering.
Proceed with the purchase, choosing your payment option.
Confirm your subscription.
Pros: No need for a full live TV subscription, potentially a more cost-effective option if you only care about out-of-market Sunday games.
Cons: Does not include local or national NFL games (Thursday, Sunday, or Monday Night Football) which are broadcast on other networks. You'll need separate ways to watch those.
Important Considerations for NFL Sunday Ticket:
Internet Connection: A strong, stable internet connection is crucial. YouTube recommends at least 7+ Mbps for higher quality streaming.
Supported Devices: Ensure your streaming device (Smart TV, phone, tablet, computer, gaming console, etc.) supports the YouTube and/or YouTube TV apps.
Refunds: Generally, there are no refunds for NFL Sunday Ticket once purchased, so be sure it's the right solution for you.
Step 3: Covering All Your Bases - National and Local Games
While NFL Sunday Ticket is fantastic for Sunday afternoon out-of-market games, it doesn't cover every Cowboys game. You'll also need to consider:
Sub-heading: National Broadcasts (Thursday, Sunday, Monday Night Football)
These games are typically available nationwide, regardless of your market.
Thursday Night Football: Primarily broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. If you have a Prime subscription, you likely have access. Some games may also be simulcast on local networks in the teams' home markets.
Sunday Night Football: Exclusively on NBC. You can often watch this for free over-the-air with an antenna or through live TV streaming services that include NBC.
Monday Night Football: Exclusively on ESPN. Requires a cable TV subscription or a live TV streaming service that includes ESPN.
QuickTip: Don’t just consume — reflect.
Sub-heading: Local Broadcasts (If You're Visiting the Market or Have Local Access)
If you happen to be in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, or if you have access to local channels via an antenna or a streaming service that offers your local affiliates, you can watch Cowboys games on:
CBS: For many Sunday afternoon games.
FOX: For many Sunday afternoon games.
NBC: For Sunday Night Football.
Step 4: The "Workaround" Option - Using a VPN (Use with Caution)
For some users, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a way to bypass geographical restrictions and access content that is typically blacked out in their region.
What is a VPN?
A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a different location. This makes it appear as if you are Browse from that server's location, potentially allowing you to access content restricted to that region.
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Sub-heading: How to Use a VPN for NFL Games
Choose a Reputable VPN Service: This is crucial. Not all VPNs are created equal. Look for services known for speed, reliability, and a good number of server locations. Popular options include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
Subscribe and Install: Sign up for a VPN service and install their application on your device (computer, phone, tablet, router, etc.).
Connect to a Server: Connect to a VPN server in a location where the Cowboys game you want to watch is in-market. For example, if the Cowboys are playing a Sunday afternoon game and it's being broadcast on CBS in Dallas, you would connect to a server in Dallas or a nearby city within that broadcast market.
Access Streaming Service: Once connected, open your preferred streaming service (e.g., YouTube TV, Paramount+, Fox Sports Go, NBC Sports) that would normally broadcast the game in that "new" location.
Watch the Game: The streaming service should now believe you are in the selected location and allow you to watch the game.
Important VPN Considerations and Warnings:
Legality and Terms of Service: While VPNs are legal in most countries, using them to bypass geo-restrictions may violate the terms of service of some streaming providers. This could potentially lead to account suspension. Use at your own risk.
Reliability: VPN performance can vary. Some streaming services actively try to block VPNs, so your chosen VPN might not always work.
Speed: Streaming live sports requires a fast connection. A slow VPN can lead to buffering and poor video quality.
Cost: Quality VPN services require a paid subscription.
Step 5: Other Streaming Service Options (Primarily for In-Market or National Games)
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
While NFL Sunday Ticket is king for out-of-market Sunday games, other streaming services can cover your local and national Cowboys games. If you're fortunate enough to be in-market for a Cowboys game, these are excellent choices.
YouTube TV: As mentioned, fantastic for its comprehensive channel lineup, including CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. You can also add NFL RedZone.
Hulu + Live TV: Offers a good selection of live TV channels, including many that carry NFL games (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN).
Sling TV: A more budget-friendly option, but its channel lineup might be more limited. Check if it includes the specific channels you need for Cowboys games (ESPN, NFL Network, and sometimes local FOX/NBC/CBS depending on your region).
DirecTV Stream: Another comprehensive live TV streaming service with a strong sports focus, often including regional sports networks (though these are typically for local, in-market games).
Paramount+: If the Cowboys game is on CBS, you can often stream it live on Paramount+ Premium (which includes live local CBS feeds).
Peacock: For games exclusively on Peacock (though this is less common for the Cowboys).
NFL+ Premium: This is a mobile-only option for live local and primetime games (preseason, regular season, and playoffs). It does offer live out-of-market preseason games for all devices, but for regular season and playoff out-of-market games, it only provides replays. It is not a substitute for NFL Sunday Ticket for live out-of-market regular season games on your TV.
Step 6: Don't Forget the Audio!
Sometimes, even with all the best intentions, a visual stream might not be possible. Don't underestimate the power of listening to the game!
NFL+ (Audio Only): A basic NFL+ subscription offers live audio of every game.
SiriusXM NFL Radio: If you have a SiriusXM subscription, you can listen to every game live.
Local Radio Affiliates: Find the Dallas Cowboys' official radio network affiliates. Many stations stream their broadcasts online.
TuneIn Premium: Offers live local radio broadcasts of NFL games.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to catch almost every Dallas Cowboys game, no matter where you reside. Go Cowboys!
Frequently Asked Questions about Watching Dallas Cowboys Games Out of Market
Here are 10 common questions and their quick answers to help you navigate watching the Dallas Cowboys when you're not in their local market:
How to watch all out-of-market Dallas Cowboys games on Sundays?
The primary and best way is to subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube or YouTube TV.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games on Thursday nights?
Thursday Night Football games are primarily streamed on Amazon Prime Video.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games on Sunday nights?
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
Sunday Night Football games are broadcast nationally on NBC. You can watch via an antenna, cable, or live TV streaming services that include NBC.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games on Monday nights?
Monday Night Football games are broadcast on ESPN. You'll need a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service that includes ESPN.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys preseason games out of market?
Many out-of-market preseason games can be watched live on NFL+ (on any device) or via the NFL Network. Some may also be available on local affiliates of the teams involved.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys playoff games out of market?
NFL playoff games are typically broadcast nationally on CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. You won't need NFL Sunday Ticket for playoff games, as they are rarely subject to out-of-market blackouts.
How to get NFL Sunday Ticket without a YouTube TV subscription?
Yes, you can purchase NFL Sunday Ticket as a standalone offering through YouTube Primetime Channels, without needing the full YouTube TV Base Plan.
How to use a VPN to watch Dallas Cowboys games?
Subscribe to a reputable VPN (e.g., ExpressVPN), connect to a server in a region where the game is in-market, then access your streaming service (use with caution regarding terms of service).
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games on my phone or tablet?
NFL+ Premium allows live streaming of local and primetime games on mobile devices. For out-of-market Sunday games, NFL Sunday Ticket via the YouTube/YouTube TV app will work on mobile devices.
How to listen to Dallas Cowboys games if I can't watch them?
You can listen live via NFL+ (audio only), SiriusXM NFL Radio, the Dallas Cowboys' local radio affiliates online, or TuneIn Premium.
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