Finding out what station is the saints game on used to be simple. You’d grab the remote, flip to Channel 4 or Channel 8 in New Orleans, and crack a cold one. Done. But things have gotten weirdly complicated lately. Between the NFL’s massive streaming deals with Amazon and Netflix, and the constant shuffling of kickoff times, tracking down the Who Dat Nation's broadcast is basically a part-time job.
Honestly, the answer depends entirely on the day of the week and who they’re playing. Most of the time, the Saints live on FOX or CBS. That’s your bread and butter for those 12:00 PM or 3:05 PM Sunday slots. But if it's a "Primetime" game? You’re looking at a whole different animal involving apps, subscriptions, and occasionally a digital antenna that you have to tape to your window just right.
The Standard Sunday Shuffle: FOX vs. CBS
For the vast majority of the schedule, you’re looking for your local FOX or CBS affiliate. In the New Orleans market, that’s WVUE-TV (FOX 8) and WWL-TV (Channel 4).
Because the Saints are in the NFC, FOX is usually the home base. They handle most of the intra-conference matchups. If the Saints are playing the Falcons, Panthers, or Bucs, start your search at FOX 8. However, the NFL changed its "cross-flexing" rules a few years ago. This means CBS can now snatch up NFC games to balance out their ratings. It's annoying. You might think you're headed for FOX, only to realize Jim Nantz and Tony Romo are calling the game over on CBS because the league wanted a specific window filled.
Always check the network logo on the schedule about 48 hours before kickoff. Don't trust the schedule you printed out in August; it's probably wrong by November.
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Primetime Is Where It Gets Tricky
Monday Night Football is still the king of the "Where do I find this?" struggle. For years, it was just ESPN. Now? It might be on ABC, or it might be a split broadcast. If you’re in the New Orleans local TV market, there’s a federal rule—the "Local Broadcast Catch-Up"—that requires these games to be shown on a free, over-the-air station. Usually, a local channel like WDSU or FOX 8 will buy the rights to simulcast the ESPN feed so people without cable aren't left in the dark.
Then there’s Thursday Night Football.
If you’re asking what station is the saints game on for a Thursday night, the answer is likely Amazon Prime Video. This is where a lot of older fans get frustrated. You can’t just "tune in" to a channel number. You have to open the app on your smart TV or Roku. Again, if you live in the immediate New Orleans area, a local station will carry it. If you live in Baton Rouge, Mobile, or anywhere else outside that immediate "home" radius, you're stuck behind the Amazon paywall.
The New Players: Netflix and Peacock
The NFL is chasing the money, and that money is in streaming. Starting recently, we've seen high-stakes games—including Christmas Day matchups—move exclusively to Netflix.
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Peacock (the NBC streaming service) also has exclusive rights to certain "wild card" or international games. If the Saints head to London or Germany, don't be shocked if the game isn't on traditional TV at all. You’ll need a login. It's a hassle, but it's the reality of the modern NFL landscape.
How to Check Without Losing Your Mind
If you're sitting on your couch ten minutes before kickoff wondering where the game is, here’s the quick-fire checklist:
- Check the NFL App: It’s actually pretty reliable for showing the broadcast logo right on the scoreboard.
- The 506 Sports Maps: This is a cult-favorite website among NFL nerds. Every Wednesday, they release color-coded maps showing which parts of the country get which games on which stations. It is the gold standard for factual accuracy.
- Social Media: Follow the official New Orleans Saints Twitter (X) account. They post a "How to Watch" graphic for every single game.
Radio: The Great Backup
Sometimes the power goes out. Or you're stuck in traffic on the Causeway. When you can't find the TV station, the Saints Radio Network is your best friend. WWL 870 AM / 105.3 FM is the flagship. Mike Hoss and Deuce McAllister bring a level of passion you just won't get from the national guys on FOX or CBS. Plus, there’s no lag—unlike streaming apps which can be up to 45 seconds behind the real action.
Out-of-Market Problems
If you’re a Saints fan living in, say, Seattle or New York, the question of what station is the saints game on has a very different answer: NFL Sunday Ticket.
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Since 2023, Sunday Ticket moved to YouTube TV. It’s expensive. If you don't have it, and the Saints aren't the "national" game of the week, your local FOX station will show the Seahawks or the Giants instead. In those cases, your best bet is a local "Saints Bar" where they have the satellite package, or using a service like NFL+ (which lets you watch out-of-market games on your phone or tablet after they conclude).
Practical Steps for Game Day
Don't wait until the kickoff whistle to find your station. Television rights are more fragmented than they've ever been in the history of the sport.
- Verify the local affiliate via the 506 Sports map on the Wednesday prior to the game.
- Ensure your streaming apps are updated if the game is on Prime, Peacock, or Netflix; there is nothing worse than a "Mandatory Update" bar when the Saints are in the red zone.
- Invest in a high-quality digital antenna. If you're in New Orleans or the surrounding parishes, you can get FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC in HD for free. It’s the most reliable way to avoid "buffering" issues during a game-winning drive.
- Confirm the kickoff time. The NFL's flexible scheduling policy means a game originally slated for noon can be moved to 3:25 PM or even the Sunday Night Football slot with only a few days' notice.
The broadcast world is changing fast, but the goal remains the same: seeing that fleur-de-lis on the screen. Keep your apps ready, your antenna pointed toward the city, and your WWL radio dial set.