Yes, Monday Night Football is expected to be on ABC in 2026, though the exact games and broadcast arrangements depend on the NFL schedule and network announcements. ABC has carried Monday night games alongside ESPN, so viewers should expect ABC coverage to continue.
This guide explains what is known, how to find the game in your area, and which viewing options may work. It also covers the difference between watching ABC on television and streaming a broadcast, plus what to check before kickoff.
Will monday night football be on abc in 2026?
Most likely, yes. ABC is expected to carry Monday Night Football games during the 2026 NFL season as part of the established ESPN and ABC arrangement. However, the complete 2026 schedule and the exact split between ABC and ESPN should be confirmed when the league and networks publish their lineup.
That distinction matters: a yes about ABC carrying games does not necessarily mean every Monday night game will air on ABC. ABC may simulcast a game being shown on ESPN, carry a game exclusively, or have a different selection from week to week. The networks determine the details for each season.
For planning purposes, expect ABC to be one of the main places to watch, but do not assume a particular matchup will be on your local ABC station until the schedule or a current TV listing confirms it. The game can also be available on ESPN, depending on that week’s broadcast arrangement.
ABC and ESPN are both Disney-owned networks, and the NFL’s media agreements support continued Monday night coverage across those outlets. The arrangement makes ABC a practical option for viewers who receive local broadcast television, including people without a cable subscription.
Why ABC is part of the Monday night broadcast
Monday Night Football has a long association with ESPN, while ABC provides a broadcast-network outlet for selected games and simulcasts. A simulcast means the same live game is shown on two networks at the same time. It does not mean that ABC has a separate game or a different broadcast crew in every case.
The relationship between the networks can make the schedule look more complicated than it is. A game listed under Monday Night Football may be carried on ESPN, ABC, or both. Some weeks may have more than one Monday game, and special scheduling can affect which channel shows each matchup.
ABC’s role also helps reach households that use an antenna rather than pay television. If the game is assigned to your local ABC affiliate, viewers within the station’s broadcast area can often watch without a monthly TV package. The station’s signal strength and local reception conditions still matter.
The specific arrangement can change from season to season, so old channel guides are not a guarantee for 2026. Use them as background, not as a substitute for the current schedule.
How to find the 2026 game and channel
Once the NFL releases its season schedule and the networks publish their broadcast details, use these steps to confirm where a game will appear:
- Look up the matchup and date. Check the NFL schedule or the official listings from the teams and broadcasters. Confirm the week, kickoff time, and whether the game is on a Monday.
- Check the network listing. Look for ABC, ESPN, or both beside the game. A listing for ESPN alone does not automatically mean your local ABC station will show it.
- Enter your location in a TV guide. Local station listings can differ by market, especially when programming changes or a local affiliate has a special schedule.
- Confirm your access method. If you watch over the air, verify that your antenna receives the local ABC station. If you use a provider or streaming service, search its live channel guide for ABC and ESPN.
- Recheck near game day. Listings can be updated, and kickoff times or programming details may change. Check again before relying on a recording or travel plan.
For a quick answer, search the matchup plus the date and the phrase ABC or ESPN. Then verify the result against a current broadcaster or provider listing. Search results can surface old schedules, so make sure the page refers to the 2026 season.
Ways to watch Monday Night Football
The best option depends on whether the game is on ABC, ESPN, or both in your area. Compare the main choices before kickoff:
| Viewing option | What you need | Best for | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Over-the-air antenna | A compatible TV or tuner and a usable local ABC signal | Watching an ABC broadcast without a monthly TV subscription | Local station availability, reception, and the game’s ABC listing |
| Cable or satellite TV | A package that carries the relevant network | Households that already subscribe to live television | Whether ABC and ESPN are included in the package and local channel lineup |
| Live TV streaming service | A service carrying ABC, ESPN, or both in your market | Viewers who want live channels without traditional cable | Local ABC availability, ESPN access, blackout terms, and current package details |
| Network or provider app | Compatible device and any required account or subscription | Watching on a phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV | Whether the live game is included and what sign-in is required |
An antenna can be enough for an ABC game. It does not provide ESPN, and it will not help if the game is not airing on your local ABC station. A streaming subscription that includes ESPN may be necessary for an ESPN-only broadcast.
Streaming rights and packages can change before the 2026 season. Before paying for a service, check its current channel list for your ZIP code and confirm that it carries the specific live network you need. A service’s on-demand NFL highlights are not the same as a live game feed.
Can you stream an ABC broadcast?
Often, yes, but the path depends on your location, device, and account. A live TV streaming service may carry the local ABC affiliate and ESPN in one package. Some network apps may also offer live access after you sign in with an eligible TV provider or subscription.
Do not assume that every app carrying NFL content includes every live Monday game. Some apps provide clips, replays, or selected programming rather than the full ABC or ESPN channel. Check the event listing itself and look for a clear live-broadcast indicator.
Availability can also depend on local rights. A service may offer ABC in one city but not another, or it may carry a different local affiliate based on your billing address. If you plan to stream while traveling, confirm whether access follows your home market or changes with your current location.
For reliable viewing, sign in and test the app before kickoff. Update it, connect your device to a stable internet connection, and check that your subscription is active. If several people plan to watch at once, review the service’s rules on simultaneous streams.
Does ESPN+ include every Monday night game?
Do not count on ESPN+ by itself to provide every Monday Night Football game. ESPN+ is a streaming service, but access to ESPN’s live cable network and a game’s live broadcast can depend on the package, event, and current rights. A service that carries some football content may not carry the full ESPN channel.
For 2026, verify the live event and subscription details directly with the service before purchasing. Look specifically for the game listed as a live event, rather than relying on a general description that mentions NFL coverage. If the game is airing on ABC, an antenna or service with local ABC may be another route.
Some viewers may have access through a broader ESPN streaming plan or a live TV service. Names, features, and prices for streaming packages can change, so check the current terms. The key question is whether the plan includes the live network showing your game, not whether it carries football programming in general.
This is a common source of confusion: an NFL subscription, a highlight library, and a live network feed are different things. Confirm the precise game and channel before assuming a subscription will work.
When will the 2026 games be announced?
The NFL generally releases its regular-season schedule in the spring before that season begins. The schedule identifies opponents, dates, and kickoff times, while the networks’ listings clarify which games will appear on ABC, ESPN, and other outlets. Special flex scheduling can still affect some games later.
Until those details are published, no reliable guide can promise the full list of ABC matchups or the broadcast time for a particular game. Announcements may arrive in stages: the league schedule first, followed by more detailed network, affiliate, and streaming information.
Keep an eye on official NFL schedule information, ABC and ESPN programming announcements, and the listings from your local station or TV provider. If a page does not identify the season or date, it may describe an earlier year’s lineup.
When planning a watch party, use the date and matchup as the starting point, then confirm the network closer to the event. That small check can prevent a last-minute scramble for a channel or subscription.
What to know about local ABC coverage
ABC is a broadcast network, but the channel number and reception depend on your local affiliate. In some areas, the station is available over the air; in others, buildings, distance, terrain, or antenna placement can weaken the signal. A national announcement that a game is on ABC does not guarantee perfect reception at every home.
If you use an antenna, check the station’s coverage in your area and scan for channels after connecting it. Place the antenna near a window or higher location when practical, then test reception before game night. Avoid waiting until kickoff to discover that the signal breaks up.
If your local affiliate has a programming interruption or unusual schedule, check its own listings. A live TV service’s local channel lineup can also vary by ZIP code. Confirm both that the service carries the station and that the station is showing the game.
For viewers outside the United States, ABC’s domestic broadcast availability may not apply. International NFL rights are handled by market, so local broadcasters and streaming services can differ. Check the official NFL viewing information for your country rather than assuming a U.S. channel will be available.
Common mistakes to avoid before kickoff
- Assuming every game is on ABC. ABC is expected to carry games, but the channel can vary by matchup and week.
- Confusing ABC and ESPN access. A provider may include one network but not the other. Check the precise channel listing.
- Relying on last season’s schedule. Broadcast assignments and packages can change. Confirm the 2026 listing.
- Buying a subscription based on highlights. Clips or replays do not guarantee a live feed of the game.
- Forgetting local availability. ABC access through an antenna or streaming service depends on your area and signal.
- Waiting until kickoff to test streaming. Sign in early, verify the live channel, and check your internet connection.
One useful detail is that the game listing matters more than the service’s broad sports label. If the matchup is on ABC, you need a way to receive that local broadcast; if it is on ESPN, you need access to ESPN’s live feed. Check both possibilities when the networks list the game on both channels.
How to make a simple viewing plan
Start with the viewing method you already have. If you have a working antenna, find your local ABC station and confirm the matchup is assigned to it. If you have cable, satellite, or live TV streaming, check the channel guide for both ABC and ESPN before considering a new subscription.
If you need to choose a service, compare the cost and channels against your actual needs. A package that includes both networks may be convenient, but it may cost more than an antenna if the game is on ABC and reception is good. Avoid paying for a full season of service based on one unconfirmed game listing.
Finally, decide how you will watch. A television may provide the simplest setup, while a phone or computer can help when you are away from home. Test the selected device, account, and channel in advance, and keep a backup option in mind if local reception or internet access is unreliable.
Monday Night Football is expected to appear on ABC in 2026, but the exact games and channel assignments still need confirmation from the NFL and broadcasters. Some games may be on ABC, ESPN, or both, so check the listing for the specific matchup.
Your practical next step is to confirm the game and local channel when the schedule is released, then test your antenna, TV package, or streaming access before kickoff. That way, you will know whether your setup is ready instead of guessing on game night.