Understanding Your Options to Watch Dallas Cowboys Games
The landscape of live sports broadcasting has evolved dramatically, moving beyond traditional cable into a rich ecosystem of streaming platforms. For dedicated fans eager to watch Dallas Cowboys games, understanding these options is crucial. Your choice will depend on several factors, including your budget, preferred viewing device, and geographical location.
Live TV Streaming Services: Your Cable Alternative
For many, live TV streaming services have become the go-to for catching NFL action. These platforms offer bundles of channels, often including those that broadcast NFL games like CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Subscribing to one of these services is often the most straightforward way to ensure you can stream Dallas Cowboys games without missing a beat.
NFL+ Premium: Stream Cowboys on Mobile
NFL+ is the league’s official streaming service, offering a unique proposition for fans. While it doesn’t provide live out-of-market games on TVs or connected devices, NFL+ Premium allows you to watch Cowboys live local and primetime games on your mobile phone or tablet. It also includes live out-of-market preseason games, game replays, and NFL RedZone.
International Options & VPNs (For Out-of-Market Fans)
If you’re an international fan or frequently travel, geo-restrictions can make it challenging to watch Dallas Cowboys games. Services like NFL Game Pass International cater to fans outside the U.S., offering comprehensive access to all games. In some cases, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used to bypass geographical restrictions, allowing you to access streaming services from other regions, but this approach has varying degrees of reliability and legality depending on the service’s terms.
Popular Streaming Services to Stream Dallas Cowboys
To help you decide which service is best for your Dallas Cowboys streaming needs, here’s a breakdown of the most popular options available in the U.S. Each offers distinct features, pricing, and channel lineups.
| Streaming Service |
Key Channels for NFL |
Free Trial? |
Notes for Cowboys Fans |
| YouTube TV |
CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, NFL RedZone (add-on) |
Yes |
Often has local channels needed to watch Dallas Cowboys games. Unlimited DVR. |
| Hulu + Live TV |
CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network (add-on) |
Yes |
Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle. Good for comprehensive entertainment. |
| Sling TV (Orange & Blue) |
ESPN (Orange), FOX, NBC (Blue), NFL Network (Sports Extra) |
No (often discounts) |
More customizable, potentially cheaper if you only need specific channels to stream Cowboys. |
| fuboTV |
CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, NFL RedZone (add-on) |
Yes |
Sports-centric service with many regional sports networks. |
| DIRECTV Stream |
CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network (choice of package) |
Yes |
Often a good choice for regional sports networks. Multiple packages available. |
YouTube TV
YouTube TV has emerged as a top contender for sports fans. It provides a robust channel lineup that typically includes all the local affiliates (CBS, FOX, NBC) necessary to watch Dallas Cowboys games, along with ESPN and NFL Network. Its unlimited DVR feature is a significant advantage, allowing you to record games and watch them later.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers a compelling package, bundling live television with the vast on-demand library of Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. This makes it an excellent choice for households looking for both live sports and extensive entertainment. You’ll find the major networks here to stream Dallas Cowboys matchups.
Sling TV
Sling TV is often lauded for its affordability and customization. You can choose between the ‘Orange’ package (with ESPN) and the ‘Blue’ package (with FOX and NBC in select markets), or combine both for a more comprehensive selection. Adding the ‘Sports Extra’ package will give you NFL Network, making it a viable option for budget-conscious fans to watch Cowboys.
fuboTV
If sports are your priority, fuboTV should be high on your list. It boasts a wide array of sports channels, including those vital for NFL coverage. While it has traditionally focused heavily on international sports, its U.S. offerings are strong, making it easy to stream Cowboys games, especially if you also follow other leagues.
DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV Stream offers a premium viewing experience with various packages that can include all the essential channels for NFL football. It’s often praised for its channel lineup, especially for regional sports networks. This service ensures you have access to the necessary broadcasts to watch Dallas Cowboys games.
Dealing with Blackouts when you Watch Cowboys
Regional blackouts can be a frustrating reality for NFL fans, especially when trying to stream Cowboys games. These occur when a game is not available for local broadcast due to market restrictions, often to protect local TV agreements.
How Blackouts Affect Dallas Cowboys Streaming
If you live in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, most Cowboys games will be broadcast on your local CBS or FOX affiliate. However, if you’re out of market, you might encounter blackouts for nationally televised games if those channels aren’t available through your chosen streaming service or if another game is prioritized in your local market. NFL+ Premium bypasses local blackouts for mobile viewing of local and primetime games, but this doesn’t extend to connected TV devices.
Potential Workarounds for Dallas Cowboys Streaming
For out-of-market fans, NFL Sunday Ticket (now primarily on YouTube TV) is the definitive solution to watch Dallas Cowboys games that aren’t broadcast locally. This service provides access to all out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. As mentioned, a VPN *might* offer a workaround by masking your location, potentially allowing access to streams that would otherwise be geo-restricted, but this depends on the service’s terms of service and can be unreliable.
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Free Ways to Watch Dallas Cowboys Games
While most reliable methods to watch Dallas Cowboys games involve a subscription, there are a couple of legitimate free options, primarily for local broadcasts.
Over-the-Air Antenna for Local Broadcasts
The most reliable free method to stream Dallas Cowboys games is often not a “stream” at all, but rather using a good old-fashioned over-the-air (OTA) antenna. Many Cowboys games are broadcast on local CBS, FOX, or NBC affiliates, which can be picked up for free with an antenna. This provides high-definition coverage without any monthly fees.
Additionally, some services like Locast (though its status can change) or even trials of paid services can offer temporary free access. Always be cautious of unofficial or illegal streams, as they often come with security risks and poor quality.
With the right streaming service or a simple antenna, you’ll be well-prepared to watch Dallas Cowboys games throughout the season, cheering on your favorite team from anywhere. Make sure to check the specific channel lineups and blackout rules for your chosen service and location to avoid any surprises.
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Conclusion – Watch Dallas Cowboys Games: Your Streaming Guide
Successfully navigating the world of sports streaming to watch Dallas Cowboys games doesn’t have to be complicated. By choosing the right streaming service that aligns with your viewing habits and budget, you can ensure you never miss a moment of the action. Whether it’s through a comprehensive live TV service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, a budget-friendly option like Sling TV, or a dedicated sports platform like fuboTV, there’s a solution for every Cowboys fan. Remember to factor in potential blackouts and explore options like NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market games. With this guide, you’re now equipped to confidently stream Dallas Cowboys games, enjoying every touchdown and tackle as the season unfolds. Get ready to cheer on America’s Team!
Q: Can I watch all Dallas Cowboys games with NFL+ Premium?
A: NFL+ Premium allows you to watch live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your mobile phone or tablet. It does not provide live out-of-market games on TVs or connected devices.
Q: What is the best way to watch Dallas Cowboys games if I live out of market?
A: For out-of-market Sunday afternoon games, NFL Sunday Ticket (available through YouTube TV) is the most comprehensive and reliable option. International fans can use NFL Game Pass International.
Q: Do local blackouts affect Dallas Cowboys streaming on all services?
A: Yes, local blackouts can affect local broadcasts on most streaming services, often depending on your geographical location and the specific game. NFL+ Premium offers a mobile solution for local games that bypasses this.
Q: Are there any free, legal ways to watch Dallas Cowboys games?
A: The most reliable free and legal method is using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to pick up local CBS, FOX, or NBC affiliates that broadcast Cowboys games in your area.
Q: Which streaming services include NFL Network to stream Cowboys news and analysis?
A: YouTube TV, fuboTV, and DIRECTV Stream typically include NFL Network in their base packages or as an add-on. Sling TV offers it as part of its Sports Extra add-on.
