The 2026/27 NFL preseason brings a familiar broadcast landscape to German fans, as league rights remain largely unchanged according to reports from sports media outlets. Free-TV viewers will continue to see regular games through commercial broadcaster RTL, while paid streaming options span RTL+, DAZN, and the dedicated NFL Game Pass.
American football continues to experience significant growth in Germany. According to data cited by Sportfive and reported by news.de, the number of Super Bowl viewers in German free-TV surged from 580.000 in 1999 to more than 2,12 Millionen by 2024.
Free-TV Coverage and Schedule Channels
For fans following the action without a subscription, RTL and its sister channel NITRO anchor the weekly schedule. According to broadcast rights details, RTL features two Sunday matchups during primetime—typically scheduled for 19.00 and 22.20 local German time—depending on specific weekly pairings and network designations. In addition to regular weekly windows, the free-TV package includes the season-opening kickoff game, selected playoff fixtures, and the Super Bowl.
Additional live streaming options extend beyond the primary free-to-air broadcasts. RTL+ offers an exclusive 19.00 matchup each week as part of its subscription tier. Meanwhile, DAZN provides a broader selection of games per week, including multiple Sunday afternoon windows, the popular “RedZone” channel tracking every touchdown live, and all primetime fixtures. For dedicated purists seeking complete coverage, the official NFL Game Pass delivers every matchup live and on-demand in its original United States broadcast feed.
Broadcast Options At a Glance
Reviewing where to watch specific games helps fans map out their viewing schedules ahead of kickoff:
- RTL / NITRO: Two games per week in free-TV, plus the season opener and the Super Bowl.
- RTL+: One exclusive 19.00 game per week via paid subscription.
- DAZN: Multiple Sunday games, RedZone coverage, and all primetime games on a subscription basis.
- NFL Game Pass: Complete access to every matchup live and on-demand in the US original feed.
As networks finalize specific broadcast assignments for the opening preseason fixtures—including early exhibition matches often overseen by Jana — viewers should check local station listings and official network schedules closer to kickoff for precise channel allocations between RTL and NITRO. Share your thoughts on the upcoming broadcast schedule in the comments below.
