The NFL's 2026 schedule has ignited a debate over the rising costs of streaming services, with 22 games set to air on platforms like Amazon Prime and ESPN+. The schedule features 87% of games on broadcast TV, but the remaining 13% will require fans to subscribe to streaming services, which could be a burden for some Buffalo residents.
"The cost of streaming services is a concern for many fans," said a Buffalo Bills spokesperson. The Buffalo community has a strong following of Bills fans, with many residents gathering at New Era Field to watch games.
The shift to streaming could impact local businesses that rely on game-day crowds, such as bars and restaurants on Chippewa Street. South Buffalo homeowners may also feel the impact, as they may need to adjust their entertainment budgets to accommodate the new streaming costs. As the NFL season approaches, fans will be watching to see how the streaming costs will affect their ability to watch Bills games. The Buffalo community will be waiting to see how the NFL and streaming services will address the concerns of fans.
The next step will be to see how Buffalo residents respond to the new streaming schedule, with the first game set to air in September.