What Channel Is Thursday Night Football On?

TNF on Amazon Prime Video. This move to a digital streaming service marks a pivotal shift in how live sports are accessed, moving away from traditional broadcast networks. Let’s dive into the specifics of this transition, how to watch Thursday Night Football, and what this shift means for sports broadcasting.

1. The Evolution of Thursday Night Football Broadcasting

For many years, Thursday Night Football was broadcast on traditional television networks, like CBS, NBC, and Fox, and was available on NFL Network. This arrangement allowed viewers to watch TNF games on either cable or satellite TV. However, as streaming services began reshaping how viewers access entertainment, the NFL saw an opportunity to expand its reach through these platforms.

In 2021, Amazon acquired exclusive streaming rights to Thursday Night Football, starting from the 2022 NFL season. This multi-year deal grants Amazon Prime Video exclusive broadcasting rights, which means viewers who want to catch TNF games will now need an Amazon Prime subscription. This change marks Amazon as the first streaming service to carry exclusive rights for an NFL game package.

2. How to Watch Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video

To watch Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video, you need an Amazon Prime subscription, which includes access to Prime Video. Here’s a quick guide to ensure you’re ready to tune in to TNF:

• Amazon Prime Membership: If you’re already an Amazon Prime member, you automatically have access to Thursday Night Football on Prime Video. If not, you can sign up for Amazon Prime, which comes with a monthly or annual fee. Amazon also offers a 30-day free trial for new members.
• Accessing the Game: On game day, simply log in to your Amazon Prime Video account on your preferred device. You can access Prime Video through smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, computers, and compatible streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast.
• Game Time: Thursday Night Football games usually kick off at 8:15 PM ET. The Prime Video app will feature TNF prominently on game day, making it easy to find the broadcast.
• Additional Viewing Features: Amazon offers interactive features, such as X-Ray for stats, play-by-play analysis, and alternate commentary options. Some games may also have multiple viewing angles and real-time data overlays to enhance the viewing experience.

3. Why Did the NFL Move Thursday Night Football Exclusively to Amazon?

The NFL’s partnership with Amazon reflects a growing trend of sports leagues moving to streaming services. There are several reasons behind this decision:

• Expanding the Audience: By streaming on a platform like Amazon, the NFL can reach a younger demographic accustomed to consuming content online rather than through traditional cable. With the ability to stream TNF globally, Amazon also helps the NFL grow its international audience.
• Increasing Revenue: The deal with Amazon is valued at $1 billion per season. This influx of revenue is significant for the NFL and helps the league maintain its financial health and fund other initiatives.
• Enhanced Viewing Options: Streaming platforms allow for more flexibility in providing additional features. Amazon’s X-Ray technology offers real-time statistics, insights, and player data, which enriches the experience for fans who want more than a basic broadcast.

4. Is Thursday Night Football Available on Traditional TV?

Since Amazon acquired exclusive streaming rights to Thursday Night Football, games are no longer available on traditional broadcast networks. However, there are a few exceptions:

• Local Broadcasts: Fans in the home markets of the competing teams can still watch TNF games on local television stations. For instance, if the Dallas Cowboys are playing on Thursday night, viewers in the Dallas area will have access to the game through a local TV station. The same goes for fans in the away team’s local market.
• NFL Network: In some cases, TNF games may be simulcast on NFL Network, though this is not a consistent arrangement. Checking with local listings or the NFL Network’s schedule is the best way to confirm availability.

5. Alternatives to Watch TNF Without Amazon Prime

For those who don’t have Amazon Prime but still want to watch Thursday Night Football, there are a few alternative options:

• NFL Mobile App: The NFL app may offer in-market streaming options for certain games, although availability can vary by region and device.
• Local Market Broadcasts: As mentioned, fans in the local markets of the teams playing can access the game on a local broadcast channel.
• Sports Bars and Restaurants: Many sports bars and restaurants purchase subscriptions to multiple streaming services to offer a full game-day experience for patrons. Checking with local venues may be an option to watch TNF without a personal Prime subscription.

6. The Future of Sports on Streaming Platforms

Amazon’s exclusive deal for TNF is indicative of a broader trend of sports moving to digital platforms. As traditional cable subscriptions decline and streaming services rise in popularity, more sports leagues are exploring partnerships with streaming platforms.

In recent years, platforms like Peacock, ESPN+, and Apple TV+ have signed deals to stream games and events, and this trend is likely to continue. For example, Apple TV+ now streams Major League Baseball games, and ESPN+ has secured rights to UFC fights and some NHL games. For fans, this means they may need multiple streaming subscriptions to catch all of their favorite sports events, a shift that mirrors the unbundling of traditional cable packages.

7. Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Thursday Night Football

The transition of Thursday Night Football to Amazon Prime Video reflects a broader shift in how fans watch live sports. While some may miss the simplicity of turning on a traditional TV channel, the streaming approach offers enhanced interactivity, accessibility on multiple devices, and the opportunity to reach a broader audience.