NFL 2026 Schedule Adds Netflix and Peacock Games While Some Fans Face Higher Costs

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell said the NFL must keep games accessible to all fans as the league adds more streaming platforms to its 2026 schedule. He spoke to Fox News Digital at a Thursday news conference for the American Century Championship golf tournament. O'Connell stated that the shift aligns with broader media trends where consumers choose different entertainment options.

"I think it's important that we continue to make it something that, you know, all fans can have a pathway to watching our games," he said. He added that the league is trying to find pathways to new fans while hoping supporters attend games at venues such as U.S. Bank Stadium or SoFi Stadium.

Fox News reported that the NFL’s 2026 schedule places games on traditional broadcast networks, cable and multiple streaming services. Prime Video will carry Thursday Night Football. Netflix will stream games in Week 1, on Thanksgiving Eve and on Christmas Day.

Peacock will exclusively stream one regular-season game in January 2026. The NFL states that its games remain available free over the air in local markets and that it is the only sports league presenting all regular-season and postseason games on free over-the-air television in those markets.

Fox News reported that some fans still combine over-the-air, cable and streaming services to watch a full season.

In June the House Judiciary Committee released an interim staff report on the Sports Broadcasting Act and the NFL’s media model. The report stated that some fans must pay more than $600 per season to watch all of one team’s games. Sen.

Mike Lee, R-Utah, asked the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission to examine whether the NFL’s distribution practices still fit within the Sports Broadcasting Act’s limited antitrust protection. Lee said fans spent nearly $1,000 last season when cable, streaming and internet costs were combined.