Monday Night Football is on ESPN, which is channel 206 on DIRECTV, 140 on DISH, 570 on Fios. But that is not the whole answer. Of the 17 Monday night games in 2026, 10 are also simulcast on ABC, which is free over the air. And on many Mondays a third version airs on ESPN2 with Peyton and Eli Manning. Same game, up to three channels.
One Game, Three Different Channels
This is the part that confuses people, and understanding it can save you a subscription. Monday Night Football is not simply “on ESPN.” In 2026 a single Monday night can be broadcast three separate ways at once:
| Version | Channel | What it is | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main broadcast | ESPN | The standard telecast | All 17 games |
| Broadcast simulcast | ABC | Identical feed, free over the air | 10 of 17 games |
| Manning alternate | ESPN2 | Peyton and Eli calling the game | 12 games |
The practical takeaway is significant. Because 10 of the 17 games are simulcast on ABC, and ABC is free over the air, you can watch well over half the Monday Night Football season with an antenna and no subscription at all. Seven of those ABC simulcasts fall in the first nine weeks, so the early season is especially antenna-friendly. For the Thursday and Sunday games, see what channel football is on today.
Monday Night Football Channel Numbers
| Provider | ESPN | ESPN2 | ABC |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV | 206 | 209 | Local channel |
| DISH | 140 | 143 | Local channel |
| Verizon Fios | 570 | 571 | Local channel |
| Xfinity | Varies | Varies | Local channel |
| Spectrum | Varies | Varies | Local channel |
| Antenna | Not available | Not available | Free, usually ch. 7 |
Satellite and Fios numbers are national and reliable. Cable numbers are assigned market by market, so press Guide and search ESPN, or use our Channel Finder. For your local ABC number, see our ABC channel guide by city.
How to Tell Which Kind of Monday It Is
There is no simple rule. ESPN and the NFL decide the simulcast schedule in advance based on the matchup, and bigger national games are the ones most likely to land on ABC. The reliable way is to check the listing for that specific week. If ABC appears next to the Monday game, you can watch it free.
Streaming Monday Night Football
- Sling TV Orange is the cheapest route to ESPN and ESPN2. Note that Sling Orange has ESPN and Sling Blue does not, so the plan colour matters here.
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and DIRECTV Stream all carry ESPN, ESPN2 and local ABC in their base plans.
- An antenna covers the 10 ABC simulcast weeks for free.
ESPN Now Owns NFL Network
A change most guides have not caught up with: ESPN completed its acquisition of NFL Network in early 2026, along with distribution rights to NFL RedZone, in a deal that gave the NFL an equity stake in ESPN. NFL Network still exists as its own channel, but it is now owned and programmed by ESPN. Seven of ESPN’s 26 games this season air on NFL Network rather than ESPN itself.
When Does Monday Night Football Start?
The 2026 Monday Night Football season begins on September 14, the Monday after the NFL’s opening weekend. Games generally kick off at 8:15 PM ET. The Manning alternate telecast starts in Week 1 and runs for 12 games before the brothers return for the Super Bowl.
Note: The ABC simulcast schedule and the Manning telecast schedule are set by ESPN and can change during the season. Cable channel numbers vary by market. Check your provider guide for the specific week.
The author specializes in U.S. cable, satellite, and streaming TV services, with hands-on experience analyzing channel lineups, regional restrictions, equipment requirements, and contract terms. All the content is written with clear, easy-to-understand explanations to help readers compare services accurately and make informed decisions.