What Channel Is Monday Night Football On, and How Can You Watch It?

Few sporting traditions in the United States are as enduring or as widely recognized as Monday Night Football (MNF). From the opening kickoff to the closing whistle, millions of fans tune in each week to watch their favorite teams battle it out under the lights. Yet a common question arises every season: What channel is Monday Night Football on, and how can you ensure you never miss a game?

In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Monday Night Football, where you can watch the games, and even explore additional football programming options for Monday evenings. We’ll also list ten channels or networks that regularly feature football content on Mondays—whether that’s the NFL or other leagues—so you can stay informed no matter what kind of football action you crave. (Word count so far ~130)

1. A Brief History of Monday Night Football

To understand why Monday Night Football is so iconic, it helps to know a bit about its origins. Launched in 1970 on ABC, Monday Night Football quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Viewers who were accustomed to weekend games suddenly had an additional marquee matchup to look forward to each week. The Monday format allowed more casual fans to watch prime-time football, creating a new tradition that melded sports and entertainment. Legendary broadcasters like Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, and Frank Gifford helped shape its reputation, adding personality and flair to the telecasts.

In 2006, Monday Night Football moved from ABC to its sister network, ESPN. Since then, ESPN has been the primary home of MNF. Occasionally, select games may also air on ABC, especially if they carry broader appeal or if there are special scheduling circumstances. However, most fans associate Monday Night Football with ESPN’s coverage, led by prominent commentators and former NFL players who bring expertise and entertainment to the broadcast. (Word count so far ~300)

2. The Definitive Answer: ESPN for Monday Night Football

For NFL regular-season games, the most direct and definitive answer to “What channel is Monday Night Football on?” in the United States is ESPN. Since 2006, ESPN has held the exclusive rights to most MNF matchups, airing them in the coveted prime-time slot that typically starts around 8:15 PM Eastern Time. This arrangement has solidified ESPN as the go-to channel for Monday-night NFL action throughout the fall and winter months.

In recent years, viewers have also had the option of tuning into alternative broadcasts. For instance, ESPN2 sometimes features the “ManningCast,” an alternate telecast hosted by former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and his brother Eli Manning. This broadcast offers a more informal, conversational tone, inviting special guests and delivering unique insights for fans who appreciate a fresh perspective on the game. The simultaneous airing on ESPN and ESPN2 allows you to choose between a traditional play-by-play style or the more relaxed Manning-led commentary. (Word count so far ~465)

3. Ten Channels or Networks for Monday Football Programming

While ESPN is the mainstay for the NFL’s Monday Night Football, other channels and networks also offer football-related programming on Mondays, whether it’s additional NFL coverage, college football games, or international football (soccer) broadcasts. Below is a list of ten channels or networks that may feature football content on Monday evenings, along with some notes on what you might find:

1. ESPN
   • Time: ~8:15 PM ET (NFL Kickoff)
   • Main Attraction: The official Monday Night Football game (NFL)
   • Notes: This is your primary channel for the marquee NFL matchup each week.
2. ESPN2
   • Time: Same as ESPN, alternative broadcast
   • Main Attraction: ManningCast (some weeks) or other alternate telecasts
   • Notes: Ideal for those looking for a more casual or personality-driven approach to the Monday Night Football experience.
3. ESPN Deportes
   • Time: Simulcast of Monday Night Football in Spanish
   • Main Attraction: Spanish-language commentary for the NFL
   • Notes: Perfect for Spanish-speaking fans or those who prefer different commentary styles.
4. ABC
   • Time: Occasional simulcasts
   • Main Attraction: Select MNF games, especially if they have playoff implications or special significance
   • Notes: Not every Monday game will be on ABC, but the network does feature a few games each season.
5. NFL Network
   • Time: Throughout Monday (replays, analysis)
   • Main Attraction: While they don’t usually show live Monday games, they offer GameDay Highlights, reruns, and in-depth analyses of Sunday’s action, plus previews for Monday Night Football.
   • Notes: A great resource for NFL diehards who want continuous coverage and analysis.
6. CBS Sports Network
   • Time: Varied times, depending on college football schedules
   • Main Attraction: Occasional college football matchups on Monday holidays or special events
   • Notes: If you’re more interested in the college scene, keep an eye on CBS Sports Network for mid-major conference games or bowl previews.
7. NBC Sports (Regional Affiliates)
   • Time: Local times may vary
   • Main Attraction: Pre-game coverage and talk shows recapping Sunday’s action or previewing Monday’s NFL game
   • Notes: May not carry live NFL games on Monday, but sometimes hosts regional sports content or talk shows discussing the upcoming matchup.
8. FS1 (FOX Sports 1)
   • Time: Occasional Monday night college football or soccer
   • Main Attraction: If a college game or an international match (soccer) falls on a Monday, FS1 might carry it
   • Notes: FOX does Thursday Night Football in the NFL, not Monday, but FS1 sometimes slots in college or other football content.
9. BeIN Sports
   • Time: Varies, often afternoons or evenings
   • Main Attraction: International soccer matches or highlight shows (in some regions)
   • Notes: For fans of “the other football,” Monday matches from certain European or South American leagues may appear here.
10. Local Collegiate Sports Networks (e.g., SEC Network, ACC Network)

• Time: Typically evenings, scheduled by conference
• Main Attraction: Occasionally air Monday college football if there’s a postponed or special game
• Notes: While not common, holiday weekends or weather rescheduling sometimes shift games to Monday nights.

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4. Tuning In: Times and Options

NFL Monday Night Football

• Kickoff: Usually 8:15 PM ET, though special holiday games may have different times.
• Where: ESPN (primary), with the possibility of ESPN2 (alternate broadcast) or ABC (select simulcast).

College Football on Mondays

• Occasional Games: Bowl season or weather-related postponements might push a college game to a Monday night.
• Where: CBS Sports Network, FS1, or conference-specific networks like SEC Network or ACC Network.

International Football (Soccer)

• Matches: Some European leagues schedule Monday games (e.g., the English Championship or lower tiers, occasionally a top-division fixture).
• Where: BeIN Sports, ESPN+ streaming, or local sports channels.

Post-Game Analysis and Highlights

• NFL Network: Offers comprehensive wrap-ups, player interviews, and next-day replays or condensed “Game in 60” episodes.
• Local Sports Channels: May provide post-game talk shows focusing on local teams and storylines.

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5. Streaming and Digital Alternatives

For those who prefer streaming, many of these channels have corresponding digital platforms:

• ESPN App: Live-stream Monday Night Football on mobile or connected devices (requires cable or streaming subscription).
• Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, FuboTV: Popular streaming services that include ESPN, ESPN2, and sometimes conference-specific networks, depending on the package.
• NFL Game Pass (NFL+ in some regions): Offers replays of every game, including Monday Night Football, although live coverage may be subject to regional restrictions.

As streaming gains popularity, more fans are cutting the cord and relying on these services. Just ensure the package you select includes ESPN if your main goal is to watch Monday Night Football live. (Word count so far ~1,100)

6. Insider Tips and Considerations

1. Check Local Listings: Depending on your region, the exact channel number for ESPN or ESPN2 can vary. If there is a simulcast on ABC, that station might differ by city.
2. Blackout Rules: Historically, some blackout rules applied if stadiums didn’t sell enough tickets, but these are less common today. Still, always double-check for any restrictions.
3. Special Start Times: Holidays like Labor Day or Christmas might feature earlier or later start times, so keep an eye on official NFL announcements.
4. International Viewers: If you’re outside the U.S., you may have alternative broadcasters (such as Sky Sports in the UK or DAZN in Canada) who carry Monday Night Football.
5. Alternate Feeds: Beyond ESPN2’s ManningCast, you might find Spanish-language coverage (ESPN Deportes) or other specialized commentary streams.

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7. Conclusion

So, what channel is Monday Night Football on? In the United States, the straightforward answer remains ESPN, supplemented by ESPN2 for alternative broadcasts, and sometimes simulcasts on ABC. However, the football content on Monday evenings isn’t limited to the NFL alone. Other networks such as NFL Network, CBS Sports Network, FS1, local conference channels, and international sports networks can fill your Monday schedule with college or international football.

Whether you’re an avid NFL fan who never misses a snap or a casual viewer tuning in for the social atmosphere, there’s plenty of football to watch on Mondays. From the early days of Monday Night Football on ABC to the modern, multi-platform coverage ESPN offers, the tradition of prime-time pigskin is alive and well. You can pick from classic commentary or a laid-back ManningCast, check out post-game analysis on NFL Network, or even catch a college or European match if the NFL isn’t your style. Streaming services like Hulu, YouTube TV, or Sling TV further broaden your choices.

The variety of channels underscores football’s status as a cultural giant—a sport that not only commands massive viewership but also shapes Monday-night rituals for many households. If you’re planning a watch party or just settling in for a quiet evening at home, all it takes is a quick check of your local listings or streaming service lineup to confirm who’s playing and on which channel. Add some snacks, good company (or a comfy couch if you prefer solo viewing), and you’ve got a perfect recipe for an exciting Monday night.

Ultimately, this weekly event isn’t just about the game itself—it’s about community, shared excitement, and the stories that unfold on the field. Whether the match is a defensive slugfest or an offensive shootout, Monday Night Football delivers drama that can resonate long after the final whistle. With a bit of planning and the right channel lineup, you’ll be ready to immerse yourself in one of sports’ most beloved traditions, week in and week out. And who knows? You might just witness an unforgettable performance or a record-breaking play that becomes an integral part of football lore. (Approx. 1,450 words)