In years past NBC would stream NFL games for free through its apps if you had a streaming service such as DIRECTV NOW or PlayStation Vue even if your local NBC affiliate was not included.
This year NBC has decided to block anyone from streaming NBC games if they do not have a streaming service that includes their local NBC. This does not stop with NFL games but includes other sports such as golf that also airs on NBC.
The good news is you can still watch the game with an antenna or, if you are lucky to live in an area with NBC streaming on a service such as Sling TV, DIRECTV NOW, or PlayStation Vue, you will be able to watch the game.
We reached out to several streaming services about this new issue. According to them this change was made by NBCUniversal, which is owned by Comcast.
There is one last glimpse of hope here. Recently it was announced that more NBC stations will be coming to streaming services soon. Hopefully that happens in the next few weeks for the official start of the NFL season.
The other good news is this seems to only be effecting the NBC games. Other networks such as CBS are working hard to bring more streaming options to cord cutters from NFL. Hopefully NBC will change its mind about blocking access to the NFL games that already air free over the air with an antenna.
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