The Carolina Panthers are a beloved NFL team with a dedicated fan base in North and South Carolina. As the team gears up for another exciting season, fans are eager to catch their games on local TV. However, with the ever-changing landscape of sports broadcasting, it’s not always easy to determine which games will be televised locally. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of NFL broadcasting and explore the factors that determine which Panthers games will be on local TV.
Understanding NFL Broadcasting Rights
The NFL has a complex system of broadcasting rights, which can be confusing for fans. The league has deals with several major networks, including CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, to broadcast games nationally. However, local broadcasting rights are a different story. Each NFL team has its own local broadcasting rights, which are typically held by a regional network or a local affiliate of a major network.
In the case of the Carolina Panthers, their local broadcasting rights are held by WSOC-TV (Channel 9) in Charlotte, North Carolina, and WSPA-TV (Channel 7) in Spartanburg, South Carolina. These stations broadcast Panthers games to a local audience, but the availability of these games on local TV depends on several factors.
NFL Blackout Policy
One of the main factors that determines which Panthers games will be on local TV is the NFL’s blackout policy. The policy states that if a game is not sold out 72 hours before kickoff, it will be blacked out on local TV. This means that if the Panthers are playing at home and the game is not sold out, it will not be broadcast on local TV.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the Panthers are playing a road game, it will be broadcast on local TV regardless of whether the game is sold out or not. Additionally, if the Panthers are playing a prime-time game on Thursday, Sunday, or Monday night, it will be broadcast nationally on NFL Network, NBC, or ESPN, and will also be available on local TV.
Secondary Broadcasting Rights
In addition to the primary broadcasting rights held by WSOC-TV and WSPA-TV, the Panthers also have secondary broadcasting rights deals with other networks. For example, the team has a deal with FOX Sports Carolinas to broadcast preseason games and other Panthers programming.
These secondary broadcasting rights can sometimes lead to conflicts with the primary broadcasting rights. For example, if a Panthers game is broadcast on FOX Sports Carolinas, it may not be available on WSOC-TV or WSPA-TV. However, these conflicts are relatively rare and usually only occur during the preseason.
Streaming Options
In recent years, the NFL has expanded its streaming options, making it easier for fans to watch games online. The league has deals with several streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV, to broadcast games nationally.
However, these streaming options are subject to the same blackout rules as local TV broadcasts. If a game is not sold out, it will not be available on streaming services for fans in the local market. However, fans can use a VPN (virtual private network) to bypass these blackout restrictions and watch games on streaming services.
Panthers App
The Panthers also have their own app, which allows fans to watch games and other team programming on their mobile devices. The app is available for both iOS and Android devices and provides a convenient way for fans to stay up-to-date with the team.
However, the Panthers app is subject to the same blackout rules as local TV broadcasts and streaming services. If a game is not sold out, it will not be available on the app for fans in the local market.
Conclusion
In conclusion, determining which Carolina Panthers games will be on local TV can be a complex process. The team’s local broadcasting rights are held by WSOC-TV and WSPA-TV, but the availability of games on local TV depends on several factors, including the NFL’s blackout policy and secondary broadcasting rights deals.
Fans can also watch Panthers games on streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV, but these services are subject to the same blackout rules as local TV broadcasts. The Panthers app provides a convenient way for fans to watch games and other team programming on their mobile devices, but it is also subject to blackout restrictions.
By understanding the factors that determine which Panthers games will be on local TV, fans can plan ahead and make sure they don’t miss a minute of the action.
| Network | Broadcasting Rights |
|---|---|
| WSOC-TV (Channel 9) | Primary broadcasting rights for Panthers games in Charlotte, NC |
| WSPA-TV (Channel 7) | Primary broadcasting rights for Panthers games in Spartanburg, SC |
| FOX Sports Carolinas | Secondary broadcasting rights for Panthers preseason games and other programming |
| Amazon Prime Video | National broadcasting rights for Thursday Night Football games |
| YouTube TV | National broadcasting rights for Sunday Night Football games |
| Hulu with Live TV | National broadcasting rights for Monday Night Football games |
By referencing this table, fans can quickly determine which network has the broadcasting rights for a particular Panthers game.
Will the Carolina Panthers game be on local TV?
The Carolina Panthers game will be broadcast on local TV, but the availability of the game depends on the network broadcasting it. If the game is broadcast on a major network such as CBS, FOX, NBC, or ABC, it will likely be available on local TV. However, if the game is broadcast on a cable network such as ESPN or NFL Network, it may not be available on local TV unless the viewer has a cable subscription.
In addition, the NFL has a blackout policy that prohibits the broadcast of games on local TV if the game is not sold out. However, this policy has been suspended since 2015, so it is unlikely that a Panthers game will be blacked out on local TV. It’s always a good idea to check the Panthers’ website or the website of the local TV station to confirm whether the game will be broadcast on local TV.
What channel will the Carolina Panthers game be on?
The channel that the Carolina Panthers game will be on depends on the network broadcasting it. If the game is broadcast on a major network such as CBS, FOX, NBC, or ABC, it will be available on the corresponding local channel. For example, if the game is broadcast on CBS, it will be available on the local CBS affiliate. If the game is broadcast on a cable network such as ESPN or NFL Network, it will be available on the corresponding channel.
In the Charlotte area, the local channels that typically broadcast Panthers games are WSOC (ABC), WBTV (CBS), WCCB (FOX), and WCNC (NBC). However, the channel that the game will be on may vary depending on the network broadcasting it. It’s always a good idea to check the Panthers’ website or the website of the local TV station to confirm which channel the game will be on.
Can I stream the Carolina Panthers game on my computer or mobile device?
Yes, it is possible to stream the Carolina Panthers game on your computer or mobile device. The NFL offers a variety of streaming options, including NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL Game Pass. These services allow you to stream live games on your computer or mobile device, but they typically require a subscription.
In addition, many TV networks offer streaming options for their broadcasts. For example, CBS offers a streaming service called CBS All Access that allows you to stream live games on your computer or mobile device. FOX also offers a streaming service called FOX Sports Go that allows you to stream live games on your computer or mobile device. It’s always a good idea to check the Panthers’ website or the website of the TV network broadcasting the game to see if streaming options are available.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch the Carolina Panthers game on TV?
It depends on the network broadcasting the game. If the game is broadcast on a major network such as CBS, FOX, NBC, or ABC, you do not need a cable subscription to watch the game on TV. These networks are available over-the-air, which means that you can receive them for free with an antenna.
However, if the game is broadcast on a cable network such as ESPN or NFL Network, you will need a cable subscription to watch the game on TV. These networks are only available to subscribers, and you will need to have a cable package that includes these channels in order to watch the game. It’s always a good idea to check the Panthers’ website or the website of the TV network broadcasting the game to see if a cable subscription is required.
Can I watch the Carolina Panthers game on satellite TV?
Yes, it is possible to watch the Carolina Panthers game on satellite TV. DirecTV and DISH Network are two popular satellite TV providers that offer NFL games, including Panthers games. If you have a subscription to one of these providers, you can watch the game on your satellite TV.
In addition, DirecTV offers a service called NFL Sunday Ticket that allows you to watch live games on your satellite TV. This service is available to subscribers who live in areas where the game is not broadcast on local TV. It’s always a good idea to check the Panthers’ website or the website of the satellite TV provider to see if the game will be available on satellite TV.
Can I watch the Carolina Panthers game on a streaming device such as Roku or Chromecast?
Yes, it is possible to watch the Carolina Panthers game on a streaming device such as Roku or Chromecast. Many TV networks offer streaming apps for these devices, which allow you to stream live games on your TV. For example, CBS offers a streaming app for Roku and Chromecast that allows you to stream live games on your TV.
In addition, the NFL offers a streaming app for Roku and Chromecast that allows you to stream live games on your TV. This app is available to subscribers who have a cable subscription that includes NFL games. It’s always a good idea to check the Panthers’ website or the website of the TV network broadcasting the game to see if streaming options are available on your streaming device.
How can I find out if the Carolina Panthers game will be broadcast on local TV?
You can find out if the Carolina Panthers game will be broadcast on local TV by checking the Panthers’ website or the website of the local TV station. The Panthers’ website typically lists the broadcast information for each game, including the network broadcasting the game and the local channel that will carry the game.
In addition, you can check the website of the local TV station to see if they will be broadcasting the game. The local TV station’s website typically lists their broadcast schedule, which will include information about the Panthers game. You can also check the TV listings in your local newspaper or online to see if the game will be broadcast on local TV.