Finding exactly where to watch the Kansas City Chiefs game has become a bit of a headache lately. Honestly, it used to be so simple. You’d just turn on CBS or maybe NBC if it was a big night game, and that was it. Now? You’ve got a dozen different apps, local blackouts, and exclusive streaming deals that feel like they change every single week.
It’s frustrating.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce are basically the biggest stars in the world, and that means the NFL puts them behind as many paywalls as possible. If you’re sitting there wondering if the game is on Paramount+, Amazon Prime, or just regular old cable, you aren’t alone. The schedule is a moving target.
The Local Broadcast Reality
If you live in Kansas City or the immediate surrounding areas like Independence or Overland Park, you usually have it the easiest. Most games still land on KCTV (CBS) or WDAF (FOX). Even when a game is technically "exclusive" to a streaming service like Amazon Prime Video or ESPN+, the NFL has a rule that local markets must broadcast the game on free, over-the-air television.
It’s a lifesaver.
But what if you’re a Chiefs fan living in Denver? Or New York? Then you’re at the mercy of the "regional map." This is where things get annoying. CBS and FOX decide which games to show based on geography. If the Chiefs are playing at the same time as the Giants and you’re in New Jersey, you’re probably out of luck on local TV. You’ll need a specialized service.
Digital Antennas are Still King
Don't overlook the humble digital antenna. For about twenty bucks, you can pick up a Mohu Leaf or a similar brand at a tech store, plug it into the back of your TV, and get 1080p high-definition signals for free. No monthly sub. No buffering. It’s the most reliable way to catch the Sunday afternoon games without worrying about your internet speed dropping right when Mahomes is scrambling out of the pocket.
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Streaming the Chiefs Without Cable
Most people have cut the cord. We get it. If you’re trying to figure out where to watch the Kansas City Chiefs game online, your best bets are the big-name streaming "skinny bundles."
YouTube TV is arguably the most popular choice right now, mostly because it’s the current home of NFL Sunday Ticket. If you want every single Chiefs game regardless of where you live, Sunday Ticket is the only official way to do it. It’s expensive, though. You’re looking at several hundred dollars a season.
FuboTV is another heavy hitter. It’s built for sports fans. It carries CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, which covers almost the entire Chiefs schedule. The downside is the "regional sports fee" they tack on in certain zip codes, which can make the bill jump higher than you expected.
Then there's Hulu + Live TV. It's solid. It includes Disney+ and ESPN+ in the package, which is a nice bonus since some Chiefs games have actually moved exclusively to ESPN+ in recent seasons.
The Specific App Shuffle
Sometimes, the game isn't on a "channel" at all.
- Amazon Prime Video: They own Thursday Night Football. If the Chiefs are playing on a Thursday, this is usually the only place to find them unless you're in the local KC market.
- Peacock: NBC’s streaming service has started snagging exclusive rights to certain games, including high-profile playoff matchups.
- Paramount+: If the game is on CBS, you can usually stream it live here, provided you have the "Essential" or "With SHOWTIME" plan.
The International Fan’s Strategy
For the Kingdom members living abroad, the options change entirely. DAZN is now the global distributor for NFL Game Pass. If you’re in the UK, Germany, or Australia, this is your one-stop shop. You get every snap, every touchdown, and the full broadcast without the weird American regional blackouts.
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It’s actually a better experience than what we get in the States, which is a bit ironic.
Why Your "Go-To" Site Might Be Down
We have to talk about the "gray market" streams. You know the ones—the sites with fifty pop-up ads for casinos and sketchy VPNs. While it's tempting to try and find a free link, these are increasingly unreliable. The NFL has been aggressive about DMCA takedowns in 2024 and 2025. You’ll be mid-drive, the Chiefs will be on the 10-yard line, and suddenly the video player turns into a "This content is no longer available" screen.
It’s not worth the stress.
Plus, the lag is usually about two minutes behind the real-time action. If you have friends on Twitter or a group chat, they’ll spoil the touchdown before you even see the ball snapped. Stick to the official apps if you can afford the subscription for the month.
Radio: The Old School Alternative
If you’re stuck in the car or just can't get a stream to work, the Chiefs Radio Network is legendary. Mitch Holthus is the voice of the Chiefs, and his "Touchdown, Kan-zas City!" call is iconic. You can find the broadcast on 106.5 The Wolf (WDAF-FM) in Kansas City.
If you aren't local, the Audacy app often carries the feed, or you can listen via SiriusXM. There’s something special about listening to a game on the radio; it forces you to visualize the play in a way that television doesn't.
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Watching at a Sports Bar
Sometimes you just want the atmosphere. If you're looking for where to watch the Kansas City Chiefs game with a crowd, you need a spot with the "Sunday Ticket" logo in the window.
In Kansas City, places like Kelly's Westport Inn or Johnny’s Tavern are basically holy ground on game day. If you’re outside of Missouri or Kansas, look for a "Chiefs Bar." There are organized fan chapters in almost every major city—from the "Chiefs Kingdom DC" to bars in London. These places will always have the game on, usually with the sound turned up loud, which is way better than watching a silent screen at a generic Buffalo Wild Wings.
Dealing with Blackouts and Tech Issues
Technology fails. It happens.
If you’re using an app like Paramount+ and it says the game isn't available in your area, it’s usually because of your device's location services. Check your phone or smart TV settings. Make sure you aren't using a VPN that's set to a different city, as that will confuse the broadcast rights.
Also, keep an eye on the weather. If there’s a massive storm in the Midwest, satellite providers like DirecTV can sometimes lose the signal. This is another reason to have a backup streaming app logged in and ready to go on your tablet or phone.
Summary of Actionable Steps
Stop scrambling five minutes before kickoff. Do this instead:
- Check the Official Schedule: Go to the Chiefs' official website or the NFL app to see exactly which network (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN/ABC, or Amazon) has the rights for that specific week.
- Verify Your Subscriptions: If it’s a Thursday, make sure your Amazon Prime is active. If it’s a Monday, check your ESPN access.
- Set Up an Antenna: Buy a cheap digital antenna today. It’s the ultimate backup for 80% of the Chiefs' Sunday games.
- Download the Team App: The Chiefs Mobile App provides real-time updates and, in some cases (depending on your location and phone provider), live local streaming.
- Locate a Chiefs Bar: Use the "Chiefs Kingdom" fan map online to find a dedicated bar near you if you’re traveling. It beats watching alone in a hotel room.
The landscape of NFL broadcasting is messy and fragmented. It's all about corporate contracts and "windowing" content. But with a little bit of prep, you won't miss a single play from the quest for another Three-peat. Keep your apps updated, keep your antenna pointed toward the local tower, and you're good to go.
Practical Next Steps:
- Check the broadcast map: Every Wednesday, visit 506 Sports. They post color-coded maps showing exactly which NFL games will be televised in which parts of the country. This is the most accurate way to know if the Chiefs are on your local CBS or FOX affiliate.
- Audit your streaming costs: If you're paying for multiple services just for football, see if a single "Live TV" service like YouTube TV is cheaper in the long run than piecing together Peacock, Paramount+, and ESPN+.
- Test your gear: Don't wait until Sunday at noon to see if your antenna works or if you remember your Paramount+ password. Do a dry run on Saturday.