ESPN Unlimited streams five NFL preseason games on Aug 23

ESPN Unlimited will stream five preseason games on August 23 with detailed viewing options and blackout notes.

NFL preseason Saturday schedule anchors ESPN Unlimited streaming

Five NFL preseason games are set for Saturday, August 23. The matchups are Ravens vs Commanders at 12 noon, Colts vs Bengals at 1 p.m., Texans vs Lions at 1 p.m., Bills vs Buccaneers at 7:30 p.m., and Chargers vs 49ers at 8:30 p.m. All games will stream on ESPN Unlimited.

Blackouts may affect pockets of viewers. If a blackout applies, fans can watch on their local station. ESPN provides maps and a FAQ page with details on how to watch and sign up for ESPN streaming plans. Fans can also explore the ESPN hub page for more NFL coverage.

The move to streaming for all five games shows ESPN's push toward direct to consumer access. It marks a shift away from traditional broadcast windows and adds a new layer to how fans follow football during the late preseason. The result is more control for subscribers but more complexity for casual viewers.

This path raises questions about affordability and access. Regions with blackouts and the need for a subscription could limit who can watch live. If streaming becomes the default, the sport risks leaving behind those without reliable internet or the budget for extra services. The trend matters beyond football as media firms test the balance between value and access.

Highlights

A season that leans on streaming tests how audiences follow the game this fall.