Look, being a Steelers fan isn't just a weekend hobby; it’s basically a full-time job. You’ve got the Terrible Towel ready, the fridge is stocked, and the nerves are already shot. But there is nothing more frustrating than sitting down at kickoff only to realize you have no clue what channel the game is actually on.
Whether it's a playoff run or just a gritty AFC North battle, finding the right network can feel like trying to block T.J. Watt one-on-one—nearly impossible if you aren't prepared.
The NFL’s TV deals are a mess. Honestly, they change so often that even the most hardcore fans get confused. Between the traditional networks and the new streaming-only exclusives, you really need a map.
The Core Networks for the 2025-2026 Season
If you are asking what channel is steelers on for most of the year, you’re usually looking at the heavy hitters. Historically, because the Steelers are in the AFC, CBS is your best friend. They handle the bulk of the afternoon games.
But it's never that simple, right?
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- CBS: Usually handles the 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM ET slots.
- FOX: Occasionally picks up games if the Steelers are playing an NFC opponent at home.
- NBC: The home of Sunday Night Football. If it’s a primetime game on a Sunday, it’s here.
- ESPN/ABC: These two share Monday Night Football duties.
- Amazon Prime Video: The exclusive home for Thursday Night Football.
If you’re looking for the game right now, specifically for the January 2026 postseason, the situation has changed because of how the playoffs shook out. The Steelers ended their 2025 regular season with a solid 10–7 record, clinching the AFC North.
However, their playoff journey hit a massive wall.
Where to Watch the Recent Playoff Matchup
The Steelers' last game of the 2025-2026 cycle was a Wild Card matchup against the Houston Texans. That game aired on Monday, January 12, 2026, and was broadcast nationally on ESPN and ABC.
Unfortunately, Pittsburgh lost that game 30–6. Because of that loss, the Steelers are no longer active in the current Divisional Round happening today, Sunday, January 18, 2026. If you see people watching football today, they are likely watching the Texans vs. Patriots on ESPN/ABC or the Rams vs. Bears on NBC.
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How to Stream the Steelers Without Cable
Maybe you cut the cord. Join the club. Honestly, it makes finding the game a bit trickier, but you’ve got plenty of options that don't involve a two-year contract with a satellite company.
Paramount+ is a lifesaver for most Sunday games. Since it carries the live local CBS feed, you can catch almost every afternoon game there as long as it's being shown in your market. For those Sunday Night games, Peacock is the move. It’s NBC’s streaming wing, and they show every game that airs on the main network.
If the Steelers are playing on Monday night, you’ll need the ESPN app, but keep in mind you usually need a cable login for that—unless the game is also being simulcast on ABC, which happens more often lately.
Then there's the big one: NFL+. This is the league's own service. It’s pretty cool because it lets you watch live local and primetime games on your phone or tablet. The catch? You can't watch it on your big-screen TV. It’s mobile-only for the live stuff.
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The YouTube TV Revolution
If you live outside of Pennsylvania and want to know what channel is steelers on for every single game, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV is basically the only way to go. It is expensive. I won't sugarcoat that. But if you're a Yinzer living in California or Florida, it’s the only way to guarantee you see the out-of-market broadcasts.
What Happened to Mike Tomlin and the 2026 Outlook?
Things are looking a little different in Pittsburgh right now. After that playoff loss to Houston, a huge era ended. Mike Tomlin stepped down as head coach on January 13, 2026.
He left with 193 wins, tying the legendary Chuck Noll for the most in franchise history. It’s a weird feeling for the city. We haven't had a coaching search in nearly two decades.
As we look toward the 2026 season, the "channel" you’ll be looking for might be more about the new identity of the team. With Aaron Rodgers having led the team through 2025 and Mike Tomlin gone, the broadcast narratives are going to be wild next year.
Actionable Steps for the Next Kickoff
Since the Steelers' season is officially over, you don't have to worry about the channel for a few months. But you should prep for the 2026 season opener now so you aren't scrambling in September.
- Check the 2026 Opponents: The NFL already released the list of who Pittsburgh will play. They’ve got the usual AFC North rivals plus games against the AFC West and NFC West divisions.
- Audit Your Subs: If you only have Paramount+, you'll miss the Thursday night games on Amazon. Take the offseason to see which services you actually need.
- Get an Antenna: Seriously. A cheap digital antenna can pull in CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC in high definition for free. It is the best backup plan for when your internet goes down right before a game-winning drive.
- Mark the Schedule Release: The actual dates and times for the 2026 season usually drop in mid-May. That is when you can finally circle the dates on your calendar.
The Steelers might be out of the hunt for Super Bowl LX, but the rebuild—or "retool," as the front office likes to call it—is already underway. Stay tuned to local Pittsburgh sports radio or the official team app for updates on the new coaching hire, as that will dictate the primetime schedule for next year.