32 preseason games to air live on ESPN, NFL Network, ESPN App
A look at all the preseason games that will air live on ESPN, NFL Network and the ESPN App for subscribers.
A look at all the preseason games that will air live on ESPN, NFL Network and the ESPN App for subscribers. This report comes from Yahoo Sports. The
Read Full Story at Yahoo Sports →Why This Matters
The NFL’s expanded preseason broadcast slate reflects a strategic pivot toward keeping fans engaged during the offseason, a period historically dominated by speculation rather than live action. By guaranteeing 32 preseason games on major platforms, the league and its broadcast partners are doubling down on a model that prioritizes accessibility over traditional gatekeeping, ensuring even casual viewers can sample emerging talent without financial or logistical barriers.
Background Context
Preseason games have long been a secondary product in the NFL’s revenue ecosystem, often treated as afterthoughts sandwiched between the draft and regular-season hype. However, the league’s shift toward a more inclusive viewing experience coincides with the rise of digital platforms like the ESPN App, which now compete with traditional TV for audience attention—especially among younger demographics who consume sports episodically rather than through linear broadcasts.
What Happens Next
This expanded slate could pressure local broadcasters to lobby for a greater share of preseason content, particularly in markets where teams have historically relied on regional sports networks for exposure. Meanwhile, the NFL may use viewership data from these games to refine its broader media strategy, potentially accelerating the decline of traditional preseason-only broadcasts in favor of hybrid digital-television models.
Bigger Picture
The move aligns with a broader trend of sports leagues using preseason and exhibition events as content anchors for subscription services and second-screen experiences. As the NFL grapples with the post-Disney/Amazon rights era, these preseason games could serve as a proving ground for how live sports integrate with the fragmented, digital-first media landscape that increasingly defines fan engagement.
