Finding out what channel do the packers play on used to be simple. You’d grab a cold one, flip to Channel 6 or 11 in Wisconsin, and settle in. Those days are basically over. The NFL’s current TV deals are a spiderweb of cable networks, local affiliates, and about four different streaming apps that all want ten bucks a month.
If you’re staring at your remote wondering why the game isn't on FOX, you aren't alone. Between "flexible scheduling" and exclusive streaming windows, Green Bay’s schedule is a moving target.
The Core Networks: Where the Pack Usually Lives
For most Sunday afternoon games, you’re looking at FOX or CBS. Since the Packers are an NFC team, FOX is their primary home. They handle the lion’s share of those 12:00 PM and 3:25 PM starts.
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However, the "cross-flex" rule means CBS steals a few Packers games every year, especially when they play AFC opponents like the Ravens or Bengals. Honestly, if it’s a Sunday afternoon and you don’t see the "G" on FOX, flip to CBS immediately.
Then you have the primetime heavyweights.
- NBC: The home of Sunday Night Football. If the Packers are playing a high-stakes divisional game or a marquee matchup against Dallas, Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth are usually the ones calling it.
- ESPN/ABC: These networks share Monday Night Football. Sometimes the game is only on ESPN; other times, it's simulcast on ABC.
- Amazon Prime Video: This is the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football. You won't find these games on traditional cable unless you live in the local Green Bay or Milwaukee markets.
What Channel Do the Packers Play On This Week?
The 2025-2026 season has been a wild ride for TV listings. Because the Packers are a ratings magnet, the league loves to move them into better time slots.
If you are looking for the most recent or upcoming matchups, here is how the broadcast rights typically shake out:
- Local Broadcasts (Wisconsin Residents): If you live in Green Bay, Milwaukee, or Madison, Federal law basically mandates that games be shown on free, over-the-air TV. Even if a game is "exclusive" to Amazon or Peacock, local stations like WGBA (NBC 26) in Green Bay or WITI (FOX 6) in Milwaukee usually carry the feed.
- National Windows: For fans in California or Florida, you are at the mercy of the "map." Check 506 Sports on Wednesdays—it’s the gold standard for seeing which parts of the country get the Packers game on their local FOX or CBS affiliate.
- The Streaming Exclusives: This is where it gets annoying. The NFL has started selling individual games to Peacock and Netflix. For example, the Week 17 clash against the Baltimore Ravens was a Peacock exclusive, while the Christmas Day games moved over to Netflix.
Watching Without Cable: The Best Apps for Packers Fans
You don't need a $150 cable bill to watch Jordan Love lead the offense. But you do need a plan.
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YouTube TV is arguably the best "all-in-one" replacement. It carries FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN. Plus, it’s the only place you can get NFL Sunday Ticket, which is a godsend for out-of-market fans who need to see every single snap.
If you’re trying to go the cheaper route, Paramount+ gets you the CBS games, and Peacock handles the NBC games. Sling TV is a decent middle ground, but be careful—it often misses local channels in certain markets, meaning you might lose those crucial Sunday afternoon FOX games.
Pro Tip: Use an over-the-air antenna. It’s a one-time $30 purchase. It catches FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC in high definition for free. It’s the most reliable way to answer "what channel do the packers play on" without paying for a subscription.
Regional Affiliates: The "Packers Television Network"
The team actually has its own curated network for preseason games and coaches' shows. This is often branded as the Packers Television Network.
- Milwaukee: WTMJ (Channel 4)
- Green Bay: WGBA (Channel 26)
- Madison: WKOW (Channel 27)
- Wausau: WAOW (Channel 9)
During the regular season, these stations revert to their network identities, but they remain the primary hubs for all things Green Bay. If you're in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or parts of Iowa and Illinois, you'll often see the Packers as the "default" game because of your proximity to Wisconsin.
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Why Can’t I Find the Game? (The Blackout & Flex Issue)
Sometimes, you’ll check the guide and see a different game listed. This usually happens for two reasons. First, NFL Blackout rules are mostly dead regarding stadium sellouts, but "market protection" is very real. If the Chicago Bears are playing at the same time on the same network, and you live closer to Chicago, you're getting the Bears.
Second is Flex Scheduling. The NFL can move Sunday games to different times (and different channels) with as little as 12 days' notice. Later in the season, this window shrinks to 6 days. Always double-check the kickoff time on the Friday before a game.
Actionable Steps for Gameday
To make sure you never miss a kickoff, follow these steps:
- Download the Packers App: They send push notifications about 48 hours before the game confirming the exact local channel and streaming options.
- Check the 506 Sports Map: Visit the site every Wednesday. It shows a color-coded map of the US. If your city is in the "Packers color," you'll get the game on your local FOX/CBS station.
- Set Up NFL+: If you are okay with watching on a phone or tablet, NFL+ is the cheapest way to get local and primetime games. It won't let you cast to a TV, but it's a great backup for when you're stuck at a wedding or running errands.
- Verify Your Streaming Login: If the game is on Amazon Prime or Peacock, log in at least 15 minutes early. There’s nothing worse than missing a first-quarter touchdown because you had to reset your password.
The landscape of sports media is changing fast. While the answer to "what channel do the packers play on" used to be a single number, it's now a mix of digital platforms and traditional broadcasters. Staying updated on these weekly shifts ensures you stay connected to the Frozen Tundra, no matter where you're watching from.