Watching the Dallas Cowboys can be an exhilarating experience, whether you're a lifelong fan or just looking to catch a game. With various broadcast partners, streaming services, and even international options, there are more ways than ever to ensure you don't miss a single snap. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the steps to catch America's Team in action!
Step 1: Are You Ready for Some Football? (And Where Are You Watching From?)
Alright, Cowboys Nation! Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of how to watch, let's figure out the most crucial piece of information: where are you located? Your geographic location is often the biggest factor in determining which viewing options are available to you due to NFL's broadcasting rights.
Are you in the Dallas-Fort Worth market?
Are you in the United States, but outside the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Or are you an international fan, cheering on the Cowboys from across the globe?
Knowing this will help us tailor the perfect viewing strategy for you. So, think about it, and let's move on to explore the various avenues for watching the Dallas Cowboys!
| How Do You Watch Dallas Cowboys |
Step 2: Traditional TV Broadcasts – The Classic Way
For many, the most straightforward way to watch the Cowboys is through traditional television broadcasts. These are still a primary method for NFL games.
Sub-heading: Local Broadcasts – In-Market Games
If you're in the Dallas-Fort Worth market, or if the Cowboys are playing a game that is being broadcast nationally in your local market, you're in luck!
CBS: Many Sunday afternoon Cowboys games will air on CBS. Check your local CBS affiliate's schedule.
FOX: Similarly, FOX is a major broadcaster for Sunday afternoon NFL games, including many Cowboys matchups. Tune into your local FOX channel.
NBC: Sunday Night Football is exclusively on NBC. If the Cowboys are featured in the primetime Sunday slot, NBC is your go-to channel.
ESPN/ABC: Monday Night Football is broadcast on ESPN, with some games also simulcast on ABC. If the Cowboys are playing on a Monday, this is where you'll find them.
NFL Network: The NFL Network broadcasts some live games, including select preseason games, international games, and a few regular-season games (often Thursday Night Football before it moved predominantly to Amazon Prime Video, but they still carry some).
Sub-heading: What if it's an "Out-of-Market" Game?
This is where it gets a little trickier for fans outside the local market. If the Cowboys aren't playing a game that's nationally televised or deemed "local" to your area, you'll need other solutions. We'll cover those in Step 3.
Step 3: Streaming Services – The Modern Fan's Go-To
The rise of streaming has revolutionized how we watch sports. Several services offer live NFL games, and they are often the best option for those who have cut the cord or are looking for more flexibility.
QuickTip: Stop to think as you go.
Sub-heading: NFL-Specific Streaming Options
These are services directly from the NFL, designed to get you the most football content.
NFL+:
What it offers: NFL+ is the National Football League's own streaming service. The basic NFL+ plan (around $6.99/month or $49.99/year) allows you to watch live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet. It also includes live out-of-market preseason games, live game audio (home, away, and national calls) for every game, and a library of on-demand content.
NFL+ Premium: For about $14.99/month or $99.99/year, NFL+ Premium adds NFL RedZone (which shows every touchdown from every game on Sunday afternoons), and full game replays shortly after the final whistle, including the All-22 Coaches Film and condensed game replays.
Important Note: While NFL+ offers live local and primetime games, the live aspect for regular and postseason games is primarily restricted to mobile devices (phones and tablets). For watching on a TV, you'll primarily get replays with NFL+.
NFL Sunday Ticket (via YouTube TV or YouTube Primetime Channels):
The ultimate out-of-market solution: If you live outside the Dallas Cowboys' broadcast market and want to watch every single Sunday afternoon game they play, NFL Sunday Ticket is your answer. It provides live access to all out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
How to get it: As of the 2023 season, NFL Sunday Ticket is exclusively available through YouTube TV or as a standalone add-on via YouTube Primetime Channels.
YouTube TV Bundle: You can subscribe to YouTube TV (which includes live local and national channels like CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network) and then add NFL Sunday Ticket as an extra package. This gives you comprehensive NFL coverage.
YouTube Primetime Channels (Standalone): If you don't want a full YouTube TV subscription, you can purchase NFL Sunday Ticket directly through YouTube Primetime Channels. This allows you to watch the out-of-market games without the extra channels.
Features: YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket offers features like multiview (watching up to four games at once), key play replays, and fantasy view integration.
Sub-heading: Live TV Streaming Services with NFL Coverage
These services emulate a traditional cable package but are delivered over the internet, often including the channels that broadcast NFL games.
YouTube TV: As mentioned above, YouTube TV is a top contender. It typically includes CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network in its base package, covering a large majority of Cowboys games (local and national). Its integration with NFL Sunday Ticket makes it a powerful option.
Hulu + Live TV: This service offers a robust channel lineup, including all the major networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN) that broadcast NFL games. It also includes NFL Network and offers a "Sports Add-on" that may include NFL RedZone. Hulu + Live TV also provides unlimited Cloud DVR, so you can record games and watch them later.
Sling TV: Sling TV offers different packages ("Sling Orange," "Sling Blue," or "Sling Orange + Blue"). Sling Blue typically includes NFL Network and local FOX and NBC in select markets, making it good for some games. Sling Orange includes ESPN for Monday Night Football. For the most comprehensive coverage on Sling, you'd likely need Sling Orange + Blue and potentially the "Sports Extra" add-on for NFL RedZone.
FuboTV: FuboTV is known for its strong sports focus. It generally includes CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, making it a solid choice for NFL fans. FuboTV also offers Cloud DVR functionality.
Paramount+: If a Cowboys game is airing on CBS in your local market, you can often stream it live on Paramount+ (with a Premium subscription). This is a great option for those specific CBS games.
Peacock: Peacock is the streaming home for Sunday Night Football. If the Cowboys are on SNF, you can stream the game live with a Peacock Premium subscription.
Amazon Prime Video: Thursday Night Football is primarily broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. If the Cowboys are playing on a Thursday, an Amazon Prime membership is essential to watch the game live.
Step 4: Beyond Live Games – Catching Up and More Content
Sometimes you can't watch live, or you just want more Cowboys content. Here's how to get it!
Sub-heading: Game Replays and Highlights
NFL+ Premium: As mentioned, NFL+ Premium offers full game replays and condensed game replays, which are excellent for catching up or re-watching key moments.
NFL.com and DallasCowboys.com: The official NFL website and the Dallas Cowboys' official website often have extensive highlights, game recaps, and exclusive content available for free after games.
YouTube (NFL and Team Channels): The official NFL YouTube channel and the Dallas Cowboys' YouTube channel are great sources for highlights, press conferences, and other video content.
Social Media: Follow the Dallas Cowboys and NFL on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram for real-time updates and quick highlights.
Sub-heading: Audio Broadcasts
If you're on the go and can't watch, listening to the game can be just as engaging!
NFL+: Provides live home, away, and national audio broadcasts for every game.
SiriusXM NFL Radio: Offers 24/7 NFL coverage, including live game broadcasts with home and away feeds for every team.
TuneIn Premium: Allows you to listen to the live local call of every Cowboys game.
Local Radio Affiliates: Check the Dallas Cowboys' official website for a list of their radio network affiliates. Many local stations will carry the game broadcast.
Step 5: International Cowboys Fans – Bringing America's Team to You
For fans outside the United States, watching the Dallas Cowboys can require a different approach, but there are dedicated services and partners to ensure you don't miss out.
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
Sub-heading: NFL Game Pass International
The Global Solution: For fans outside the US, Canada, and China, NFL Game Pass International (often accessible via DAZN in many territories) is generally the best way to watch all NFL games, including every Cowboys game, live and on-demand. This service provides live regular-season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl, plus full game replays, condensed games, and coaches film. Availability and pricing vary by region.
Sub-heading: Local Broadcast Partners
The NFL has partnerships with various broadcasters around the world.
Canada: In Canada, NFL games are typically broadcast on TSN, CTV, and RDS (for French broadcasts). NFL+ might also offer mobile viewing of local and primetime games.
UK & Ireland: Sky Sports often carries a significant number of NFL games, including primetime matchups and many Sunday games. Some games may also be available on terrestrial broadcasters like ITV.
Mexico: The Dallas Cowboys have a strong presence in Mexico, and games are often broadcast on local networks. The Cowboys are even one of the teams with international marketing rights in Mexico.
Germany: The NFL has expanded its presence in Germany, with games often shown on ProSieben and DAZN.
Other Regions: It's best to check the official NFL website or a quick local search for "NFL broadcasters [your country]" to find specific partners in your region.
Sub-heading: VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) – A Word of Caution
Some international fans or those in the US looking to bypass blackout restrictions might consider using a VPN. While a VPN can theoretically allow you to access streaming services from other regions, it's important to note:
Terms of Service: Using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions often violates the terms of service of streaming providers, and they may block your access if detected.
Legality: While VPNs are legal in most places, using them to access content that is not legally available in your region could have implications.
Reliability: VPN performance can vary, and streaming quality might be impacted.
Always proceed with caution and ensure you understand the implications before using a VPN for streaming.
Step 6: Checking the Schedule and Planning Your Viewing
Once you know your preferred method, the next step is to stay organized and know when the Cowboys are playing!
Sub-heading: Official NFL Schedule
The official NFL website (NFL.com) is the best source for the complete season schedule, including dates, times, and broadcast networks for every game. They typically release the full schedule in May.
You can also find the Dallas Cowboys' specific schedule on their official team website (dallascowboys.com).
Sub-heading: Calendar Integration
Many sports apps and websites allow you to add the Cowboys' schedule directly to your digital calendar (Google Calendar, Outlook, Apple Calendar). This is a fantastic way to get automatic reminders for game times.
Sub-heading: Preseason and Postseason Considerations
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
Preseason: Preseason games often have different broadcasting rules. Some are nationally televised on NFL Network, while others are local market broadcasts only. NFL+ typically carries all out-of-market preseason games.
Postseason (Playoffs & Super Bowl): Playoff games are typically on major networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC). The Super Bowl rotates between CBS, FOX, and NBC. These games are usually widely available through traditional TV and live TV streaming services.
Conclusion: Your Ultimate Cowboys Viewing Experience Awaits!
There you have it! From traditional over-the-air broadcasts to cutting-edge streaming services and international options, watching the Dallas Cowboys has never been more accessible. Choose the method that best suits your location, budget, and viewing preferences, and get ready to cheer on America's Team! Go Cowboys!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games if I don't have cable?
You can watch Dallas Cowboys games without cable by using live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV, which offer channels like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. You can also stream primetime games on Peacock (Sunday Night Football) and Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football). For mobile-only viewing of local and primetime games, NFL+ is an option.
How to watch out-of-market Dallas Cowboys games?
To watch out-of-market Dallas Cowboys games, your best option is NFL Sunday Ticket, which is exclusively available through YouTube TV or as a standalone purchase via YouTube Primetime Channels. This service provides live access to all Sunday afternoon games not broadcast in your local market.
How to stream Dallas Cowboys games on my phone or tablet?
You can stream Dallas Cowboys games on your phone or tablet using the NFL+ app (for live local and primetime games), the official NFL Mobile App, or the Dallas Cowboys App (for in-market fans). Additionally, most live TV streaming services (YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, etc.) have mobile apps where you can watch games if you're a subscriber.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys preseason games?
Dallas Cowboys preseason games are often broadcast on local affiliates in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Out-of-market preseason games are typically available live on NFL+. Some national preseason games may also be shown on NFL Network.
QuickTip: Check if a section answers your question.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys highlights and replays?
You can watch Dallas Cowboys highlights and replays on NFL.com, DallasCowboys.com, and the official NFL and Dallas Cowboys YouTube channels. For full game replays, NFL+ Premium is the best option, offering them shortly after the live broadcast.
How to listen to Dallas Cowboys games on the radio?
You can listen to Dallas Cowboys games on the radio through NFL+ (which provides live home, away, and national audio calls), SiriusXM NFL Radio, or TuneIn Premium. Check the official Dallas Cowboys website for a list of their local radio network affiliates.
How to watch Thursday Night Football games with the Dallas Cowboys?
If the Dallas Cowboys are playing on a Thursday night, the game will primarily be broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. You will need an active Amazon Prime membership to watch these games live. NFL Network may also carry a simulcast in some instances.
How to watch Sunday Night Football games with the Dallas Cowboys?
If the Dallas Cowboys are featured on Sunday Night Football, you can watch the game live on NBC through your traditional TV provider or via a live TV streaming service. You can also stream Sunday Night Football live on Peacock with a Premium subscription.
How to watch Monday Night Football games with the Dallas Cowboys?
Monday Night Football games featuring the Dallas Cowboys are broadcast live on ESPN. Some games may also be simulcast on ABC. You can watch these games through your cable/satellite provider or via a live TV streaming service that includes ESPN and/or ABC.
How to watch Dallas Cowboys games if I am outside the US?
If you are outside the US, Canada, and China, the best way to watch Dallas Cowboys games is typically through NFL Game Pass International (often powered by DAZN in many regions). This service provides live and on-demand access to all NFL games. Alternatively, check for local NFL broadcast partners in your specific country.