Yes, you absolutely can watch football on Sling TV! Sling TV offers a robust selection of channels that broadcast live football games, making it a viable option for fans of the NFL, college football, and other leagues.
Sling TV is a popular live TV streaming service that allows you to watch your favorite channels over the internet, without a traditional cable or satellite subscription. For football enthusiasts, the big question is often whether Sling TV can deliver the games they want to see. The answer is a resounding yes, but it depends on which Sling TV package you choose and where you live.
This comprehensive guide will delve into all aspects of watching football on Sling TV. We’ll explore the specific channels that carry football, the different packages available, how to get local channels for watch NFL on Sling, and even delve into niche offerings like Sling TV NFL RedZone.
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Sling TV Football: What Channels Carry the Games?
Sling TV’s strength lies in its customizable packages, allowing you to tailor your viewing experience. When it comes to football, several key Sling TV sports channels are crucial.
The Core Football Channels on Sling TV
The primary channels where you’ll find live football action are:
- ESPN: A cornerstone for college football coverage, including many major bowl games and regular-season matchups.
- ESPN2: Also features a significant amount of college football games.
- Fox: Crucial for many NFL games, especially those broadcast regionally on Sundays. Fox also carries college football.
- CBS: Essential for watching NFL games broadcast on CBS, typically Sunday afternoons, and also a major player in college football.
- NBC: Carries Sunday Night Football and a selection of college football games.
- NFL Network: This channel is dedicated to all things NFL, offering exclusive games, analysis, and original programming. It’s a must-have for serious NFL fans.
- ACC Network: For fans of Atlantic Coast Conference college football.
- Big Ten Network: Essential for viewers following Big Ten Conference college football.
- SEC Network: The go-to channel for Southeastern Conference college football.
- Fox Sports 1 (FS1) & Fox Sports 2 (FS2): These channels carry a variety of college football games throughout the season.
- CBS Sports Network: Another channel that broadcasts college football games.
- NFL RedZone: The ultimate channel for football junkies during the NFL season, showing every touchdown from every Sunday game.
Local Channels and Your Sling TV Football Viewing
The ability to watch Sling TV live football often hinges on access to local broadcast networks like Fox, CBS, and NBC. Sling TV offers these channels, but their availability is location-dependent.
- Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue: These packages typically include your local Fox and NBC stations if they are available in your area.
- CBS: Accessing CBS on Sling TV can be a bit trickier. In some markets, CBS is offered through the Sling Orange + Blue package, or it might be available as an add-on. It’s important to check Sling TV’s website for the most up-to-date information regarding local channel availability in your specific zip code.
Why Local Channels Matter for Sling TV Football:
- Sunday NFL Games: Many regional NFL games on Fox and CBS are broadcast locally.
- Thursday Night Football: Depending on the year, Thursday Night Football can air on Fox or be broadcast on NFL Network, with some games also simulcast on Amazon Prime Video.
- College Football: Major conference games, especially those involving prominent teams, are often carried on local Fox or CBS affiliates.
Sling TV Football Packages: Choosing the Right Plan
Sling TV simplifies its offerings into two core packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, with the option to combine them. You can then enhance these with various add-on “Extras.”
Sling Orange
- Key Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ACC Network, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, History Channel, and more.
- Football Focus: Excellent for college football fans, especially those following the ACC and SEC. ESPN and ESPN2 are vital for many top-tier college games.
- Limitations: Only allows streaming on one screen at a time. Does not typically include local Fox or NBC channels.
Sling Blue
- Key Channels: Fox, NBC, NFL Network, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, NFL RedZone (with an add-on), CNN, HGTV, and more.
- Football Focus: This package is your gateway to watch NFL on Sling, as it includes Fox and NBC for Sunday games, and the NFL Network. The inclusion of FS1 is also beneficial for college football.
- Limitations: Does not include ESPN or the ACC/SEC Networks. Allows streaming on up to three screens simultaneously, but only on one device per channel.
Sling Orange + Blue
- Key Channels: Combines all the channels from Sling Orange and Sling Blue.
- Football Focus: This is the most comprehensive package for Sling TV football. You get ESPN, ESPN2, Fox, NBC, NFL Network, FS1, FS2, ACC Network, and SEC Network. This package provides broad coverage for both NFL and college football.
- Limitations: Streaming is limited to a total of four screens across all channels.
Sling TV Football Packages at a Glance
| Package | Key Football Channels | College Football Focus | NFL Football Focus | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling Orange | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ACC Network, SEC Network | High | Limited | 1 |
| Sling Blue | Fox, NBC, NFL Network, FS1, FS2 | Moderate | High | 3 (1 per channel) |
| Sling Orange + Blue | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ACC Network, SEC Network, Fox, NBC, NFL Network, FS1, FS2 | Very High | Very High | 4 (across all) |
Sling TV Football Add-Ons: Enhancing Your Game Day
To truly maximize your Sling TV football experience, consider these popular add-ons:
The Sports Extra
This is arguably the most important add-on for football fans.
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Included Channels:
- NFL RedZone (a huge draw for NFL fans!)
- Big Ten Network
- Pac-12 Network
- ACC Network (if you don’t have Orange + Blue)
- SEC Network (if you don’t have Orange + Blue)
- Longhorn Network
- MLB Network
- NBA TV
- NHL Network
- Golf Channel
- And more…
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Football Value: If you have Sling Orange and want NFL Network and more college options, or if you have Sling Blue and want Sling TV NFL RedZone and the Big Ten Network, the Sports Extra is a must-consider.
Total TV Deal (or similar bundle)
Sling TV often offers bundles that combine multiple Extras at a discounted price. Keep an eye out for these as they can offer significant savings if you’re interested in a broad range of channels.
Specific Football Viewing on Sling TV
Let’s break down how you can catch specific football events on Sling TV.
Watch NFL on Sling
For NFL fans, Sling Blue or Sling Orange + Blue are your primary routes.
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Sunday NFL Games:
- Fox: Most Sling Blue and Orange + Blue subscribers get local Fox, which airs many Sunday afternoon games.
- CBS: Availability varies. Check your local listings on Sling TV to see if you get CBS for its Sunday afternoon slate.
- NBC: Sling Blue and Orange + Blue subscribers get NBC for its Sunday Night Football broadcast.
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Sling TV Sunday Night Football: NBC is available with Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue.
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Sling TV Thursday Night Football: This can be a bit more complex. Historically, TNF has aired on NFL Network and Fox.
- NFL Network: Available with Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue.
- Fox: Available with Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue.
- Amazon Prime Video: If a game is exclusively on Amazon Prime, you won’t be able to watch it directly through Sling TV.
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Sling TV Monday Night Football: ESPN is included in Sling Orange and Sling Orange + Blue. This is your primary way to watch Monday Night Football.
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Sling TV NFL RedZone: This premium channel, which shows every touchdown from every Sunday game from 1 PM to 8 PM ET, is not included in the base packages. You’ll need to add the Sports Extra package to get Sling TV NFL RedZone. This is a significant factor for dedicated NFL fans who want to stay on top of all the action.
Sling TV College Football
College football is widely covered, especially if you opt for Sling Orange or Sling Orange + Blue.
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ESPN and ESPN2: These are your go-to channels for a vast majority of college football games, including Power Five conference matchups and bowl games. They are included in Sling Orange and Sling Orange + Blue.
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Conference-Specific Channels:
- ACC Network & SEC Network: Included in Sling Orange and Sling Orange + Blue. Essential for fans of these conferences.
- Big Ten Network: Available with the Sports Extra add-on. Crucial for Big Ten supporters.
- Pac-12 Network: Also available with the Sports Extra add-on.
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Other College Football Channels: FS1, FS2, and CBS Sports Network carry a good number of games and are available with Sling Blue or Sling Orange + Blue.
Getting Local Channels for Sling TV Football
As mentioned, local channels (Fox, CBS, NBC) are critical for watch NFL on Sling and many college games.
How Sling TV Delivers Local Channels
Sling TV uses internet-based delivery for these channels.
- Check Your Zip Code: The first and most important step is to visit the Sling TV website and enter your zip code. This will show you precisely which local channels are available in your area.
- Package Inclusion:
- Sling Blue: Generally includes local Fox and NBC.
- Sling Orange + Blue: Includes local Fox and NBC, plus often CBS.
- Over-the-Air (OTA) Antennas: If Sling TV doesn’t offer your local channels, or if you want a backup, a digital OTA antenna is a fantastic, one-time purchase solution. You can connect it to your TV and receive many of the same local channels (Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC, PBS) in high definition for free. Some smart TVs and streaming devices (like Roku and Fire TV) can even integrate OTA channels into their channel guides, making for a seamless experience alongside your Sling TV channels.
Comparing Sling TV to Other Streaming Services for Football
When considering Sling TV football, it’s useful to see how it stacks up against competitors.
- YouTube TV: Generally offers a more comprehensive package with all major local networks (Fox, CBS, NBC, ABC) included nationwide, plus ESPN and NFL Network. It’s often more expensive but provides broader local channel access.
- Hulu + Live TV: Similar to YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV typically includes all major local networks, ESPN, and NFL Network in its base package. It also offers the flexibility of bundling with Hulu’s on-demand library.
- FuboTV: Known for its extensive sports channel lineup, FuboTV includes many local channels and sports-specific networks. It’s a strong contender for sports fans but can be pricier.
- DirecTV Stream: Offers various packages, some of which include all local channels and sports networks. It can be one of the more expensive options but mirrors a traditional cable experience closely.
Sling TV’s advantage is its affordability and customization. If you’re strategic about which base package and add-ons you choose, you can get the football channels you need at a lower price point than many competitors. However, you need to be more diligent about checking local channel availability and potentially supplementing with an OTA antenna.
Tips for the Best Sling TV Football Experience
- Verify Local Channels: Before subscribing, always check Sling TV’s website with your zip code to confirm local channel availability for Fox, CBS, and NBC. This is paramount for watch NFL on Sling.
- Choose the Right Package:
- For Sling TV college football, especially ACC and SEC, Sling Orange or Orange + Blue is essential.
- For Sling TV NFL RedZone, Sling TV Sunday Night Football, and Sling TV Thursday Night Football via NFL Network/Fox, Sling Blue or Orange + Blue is necessary, plus the Sports Extra add-on.
- Bundle Smartly: Look for deals that combine base packages with popular Extras like the Sports Extra.
- Internet Speed: Ensure you have a stable internet connection with sufficient speeds (at least 5 Mbps for Sling TV, but 15-25 Mbps is recommended for multiple streams or higher quality) for a smooth viewing experience, especially for Sling TV live football.
- Device Compatibility: Sling TV is available on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), gaming consoles, smartphones, and tablets.
- Consider an OTA Antenna: If local channels are missing or unreliable via Sling TV, an OTA antenna is a cost-effective way to ensure you don’t miss any games broadcast on Fox, CBS, or NBC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Sling TV Football
Q1: Can I watch all NFL games on Sling TV?
A1: You can watch many NFL games on Sling TV, including Sling TV Sunday Night Football (NBC), many Sunday afternoon games (Fox, CBS depending on your local channels), and games on NFL Network. However, if games are exclusive to other platforms (like Amazon Prime Video or Peacock), you won’t be able to watch them on Sling TV.
Q2: How do I get Sling TV NFL RedZone?
A2: To get Sling TV NFL RedZone, you need to subscribe to the Sports Extra add-on for either Sling Orange, Sling Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
Q3: Is Sling TV good for college football?
A3: Yes, Sling TV is very good for college football, especially with Sling Orange or Sling Orange + Blue, which include ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, and SEC Network. The Sports Extra add-on further enhances college football coverage with channels like the Big Ten Network.
Q4: Do I need Sling Orange or Sling Blue for football?
A4: For the most comprehensive football coverage, including both NFL and major college football, the Sling Orange + Blue package is recommended. If you are primarily an NFL fan, Sling Blue might suffice, but you’ll miss out on ESPN’s college football coverage. If you are primarily a college football fan following the ACC or SEC, Sling Orange is a good starting point.
Q5: How does Sling TV’s local channel availability work?
A5: Sling TV provides local channels like Fox and NBC based on your geographic location. You must enter your zip code on their website to see which local channels are available in your area. CBS availability can vary more significantly.
Q6: Can I watch Thursday Night Football on Sling TV?
A6: Sling TV Thursday Night Football can typically be watched if the game is broadcast on Fox or the NFL Network, both of which are available on Sling Blue and Sling Orange + Blue.
Q7: What’s the difference between Sling Orange and Sling Blue for sports?
A7: Sling Orange is strong for college football due to ESPN and conference networks. Sling Blue is better for NFL and other sports due to Fox, NBC, and FS1/FS2, but lacks ESPN. The Orange + Blue combo offers the most complete sports offering.
In conclusion, Sling TV football is a very real and viable option for many fans. By carefully selecting your base package and considering add-ons like the Sports Extra, you can build a streaming lineup that keeps you in the game all season long, from the early days of Sling TV college football to the intense matchups of Sling TV Sunday Night Football and beyond. Just remember to check your local channel availability and understand which channels are included in each offering.