Some Chiefs fans irked to miss preseason game again because of streaming issue
When the NFL added a 17th game to the regular-season schedule, it reduced the preseason slate to three games.
But some Chiefs fans will end up only being able to watch one preseason game this year. That’s because Thursday’s Chiefs-Bears game will be on KMCI (Ch. 38) in Kansas City instead of KSHB (Ch. 41). The Democratic National Convention will be on KSHB instead of football.
The game is airing on the NFL Network, but blackout restrictions mean it won’t be shown in Kansas City.
For the Chiefs’ first preseason game at Jacksonville, KSHB was carrying the Summer Olympics in Paris, moving the broadcast to KMCI. That NFL Network feed also was blacked out in KC.
Sandy Sherman of Olathe streams DirecTV and can get KSHB, but won’t be able to watch the game because KMCI is not available on DirecTV.
“You (would) think that KSHB would waive the blackout and let the NFL Network carry the KC feed because all of the major streaming services don’t carry 38 (KMCI),” Sherman wrote in an email. “Just a thought.”
Sherman isn’t alone. A fan on Reddit shared the frustration of the situation.
“For the second time this pre-season, Channel 41 is moving their coverage of the Chiefs game to Channel 38. Youtube TV does not carry Channel 38, so once again I will not have access to watch this game,” the fan wrote. “Why is Channel 41 paying for the rights to broadcast these games when it is not accessible for many in their market? Does the Chiefs front office care?”
A few other Chiefs fans shared messages on X about not being able to watch Thursday’s game on YouTube TV.
I'm trying to figure this out. Thursday's game is blocked in my area on YouTube TV, even though I live local to KC It's on 38 the spot, which doesn't have it's own app or channel on YouTube TV.
But why can't I watch it on NFL network's broadcast of this? Can anyone explain? pic.twitter.com/zuaXbsnSYX— how bout those CHIEFS (@hbtCHIEFS) August 19, 2024
and we can't watch it because 38TheSpot (hah) is NOT on @YouTubeTV !!! is this going to happen when the REAL games start? what a joke!
— Miztrniceguy aka Dude (@miztrniceguy) August 20, 2024
That last fan acknowledged there is one option: use an antenna. That would allow a viewer to see all the local channels in Kansas City.
Other viewing options
An antenna would be the easiest way to watch Thursday’s game for people who stream. But fans shared some other ideas.
Download the chiefs app and cast to your tv, easiest and fastest solution I have found for this scenario. I did this during the Jax game and worked like a charm.
— Joseph Daniels (@jdofdamo9891) August 19, 2024
Use a firestick. Search 38 the spot.
— Travis Cummins (@Travis_Cummins) August 19, 2024
An antenna should work near a north-west window. Alternatively, $7 NFL+ and a tablet, pic.twitter.com/VPgLOvmm7E
— Altavistagoogle (@Altavistagoogle) August 19, 2024
