Arizona Cardinals Preview Preseason Broadcast Schedule on ESPN

Arizona Cardinals open the 2026 preseason on Aug. 13 against the Las Vegas Raiders, streaming live on the ESPN App at 8 p.m. ET. The game kicks off the league’s 32‑game preseason broadcast slate across ESPN, NFL Network and the ESPN App, giving fans multiple ways to watch the Cardinals' first look before the regular season.

When and where can fans watch the Cardinals preseason?

The Cardinals' first preseason contest arrives Thursday, Aug. 13, when they travel to Allegiant Stadium to face the Raiders. The matchup streams exclusively on the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers. A second appearance lands on Saturday, Aug. 22, when the Dallas Cowboys host the Cardinals at AT&T Stadium, airing on NFL Network at 10 p.m. ET. Those two games bookend a week‑long schedule that also features the Hall of Fame Game, where the Cardinals face the Carolina Panthers.

How does the overall preseason schedule break down?

ESPN announced that one game will air on its main network, 19 will be shown live on NFL Network and 12 will stream on the ESPN App. Every preseason contest will also be available on replay via NFL Network. Week 1 includes matchups like Packers @ Steelers on NFL Network and Broncos @ Falcons on the ESPN App. Week 2 adds Raiders @ Texans on ESPN and 49ers @ Chargers on NFL Network. The slate continues through Week 3 with games such as Steelers @ Bills on NFL Network and Commanders @ Ravens on the same channel.

Why does the broadcast lineup matter for Cardinals fans?

Live coverage gives Arizona supporters a chance to evaluate rookie QB Kyler Murray and new offensive pieces before the regular season. Streaming on the ESPN App also means fans can watch from mobile devices, a boon for those on the road. With the Cardinals currently sitting 8th in the AFC with an 8‑9 record and a seven‑game losing streak, every preseason snap is a chance to reset the narrative before they head into a crucial matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sep. 13.

What’s the broader impact on the NFL’s preseason viewership?

The multi‑platform approach aims to boost ratings after a dip in traditional TV numbers. By splitting games across ESPN, NFL Network and the ESPN App, the league hopes to capture cord‑cutters and younger fans who prefer streaming. For the Cardinals, this means higher visibility for their new roster moves and coaching tweaks, potentially drawing more national attention to a team that has struggled to find consistency.

Where can fans get more Cardinals coverage?

Listeners can tune into the Rise Up, See Red podcast, hosted by Cards Wire’s Jess Root, for deeper analysis and insider interviews. The show streams on Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts, offering a daily dose of Cardinals news beyond the preseason broadcast schedule.