Fans can catch the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals in action on August 6
Category: Sports
The 2026 NFL preseason is set to begin with the Hall of Fame Game on August 6 at 8 p.m. ET, featuring the Carolina Panthers against the Arizona Cardinals. The game will take place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, and will air on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock.
This year’s preseason offers fans a chance to see the latest talent from the 2026 NFL Draft as they compete for starting positions on their respective teams. As excitement builds for the upcoming regular season, which kicks off on September 9, fans can scout potential players for their fantasy teams and enjoy the thrill of early exhibition games.
The official preseason schedule will run from August 13 through August 29, leading up to the regular season. In total, there will be 48 games during the preseason, with 32 of them broadcast on ESPN, ESPN Unlimited, or NFL Network. Other games will be available on Prime Video and local CBS, ABC, NBC, and Fox stations. Fans should be aware that blackout restrictions will apply to local broadcasts, similar to those during the regular season.
For fans wanting to catch all the action, there are several options available. A digital antenna can provide access to local networks, including CBS, NBC, and Fox, with an average purchase cost of $30 to $40. To access the 32 games on ESPN and NFL Network, fans will need an ESPN Unlimited subscription with the NFL+ Premium add-on, costing approximately $39.99 per month. If you also want Prime Video, that will add another $8.99 per month to the total, bringing the initial investment to around $80 to $90 for the first month.
Another option is to sign up for a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Fubo. YouTube TV recently introduced a more affordable Sports Plan that includes NBC, CBS, FOX, NFL Network, and ESPN, available for $54.99 per month for the first year. This option, combined with a Prime Video subscription, totals about $64 for the month. This deal allows fans to enjoy a wide range of channels necessary to follow the NFL preseason.
The Hall of Fame Game marks the unofficial start of the NFL season, providing fans with their first glimpse of new talent as teams begin to finalize their rosters. This year, the game is particularly notable as it includes several players being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, such as Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri, and Roger Craig. Their induction ceremonies will occur in conjunction with the game, adding an extra layer of excitement for fans.
As the NFL continues to grow in popularity, the preseason has become an important time for teams to showcase their players and for fans to engage with the sport. The 2026 NFL Draft has brought a fresh crop of talent, and teams will be looking to identify their stars during these exhibition games. Fans are eager to see how new recruits perform against established players.
In recent years, the NFL has expanded its broadcasting options to cater to a wider audience. The shift to streaming platforms has made it easier for fans to access games, but it has also complicated the viewing experience due to the number of subscriptions required. This year’s preseason is no exception, with various options available for fans depending on their preferences and budget.
Following the Hall of Fame Game, the official preseason schedule kicks off, with teams competing in a series of exhibition matches. The regular season is set to begin on September 9, and fans will be closely watching how teams perform in the lead-up to this date. With 48 games scheduled, there will be plenty of opportunities for teams to solidify their rosters and for fans to witness the development of players.
For fans who wish to watch out-of-market preseason games, an NFL+ subscription will be necessary. This subscription service offers a way to access games that are not broadcast locally, ensuring that fans can follow their favorite teams regardless of geographical restrictions. The NFL+ Premium subscription also includes additional features, enhancing the viewing experience for dedicated fans.
As anticipation builds for the regular season, fans are encouraged to prepare their viewing plans early. Whether it’s investing in a digital antenna, signing up for a live TV streaming service, or subscribing to NFL+, being proactive will help fans catch all the action of the preseason and beyond. The excitement of football is just around the corner, and the Hall of Fame Game will likely be an exciting kickoff to the 2026 NFL season.