The AFN Now video-on-demand app will feature preseason NFL games, along with all regular-season games leading up to the Super Bowl, available either live or 24 to 48 hours after airing. This marks the first time that Department of Defense personnel and their families stationed abroad can access every NFL game for free without needing a subscription to a paid streaming service. (Jennifer H. Svan/Stars and Stripes)
Military members, civilians, and their families stationed internationally will be able to view all the games of the 2024 NFL season through American Forces Network’s complimentary video-on-demand app.
The coverage on AFN Now includes both live broadcasts and previously recorded games, ensuring that all 272 regular-season games and the postseason are available, even if some are shown on a tape-delay basis.
Following a successful full season of NFL programming in 2023, AFN is expanding its offerings to allow more access to popular content, as stated by Kim Antos, the network’s digital platforms chief.
“Our team believed we could offer every game, every touchdown, and every moment of the season,” she explained.
Additionally, plans are in place for more exclusive streaming content, made possible through collaboration with the NFL, including access to the NFL Channel as noted by Antos.
The NFL Channel, owned by the league, primarily features archived games and highlights, providing consistent football-related content around the clock.
The kickoff for the 2024 NFL season is set for September 5, with the Baltimore Ravens hosting the Kansas City Chiefs, the current Super Bowl champions. This opening game will be streamed live on one of AFN’s satellite sports channels and will also be available on the app.
As in previous years, AFN sports programmers will select which NFL games to air live, with decisions generally made the week of each game based on factors such as team standings and audience interest. This year, there will also be added flexibility, allowing games not shown on AFN television to be accessible on a tape-delay basis via the app about 24 to 48 hours post-game.
AFN Now, which is open for use by all Department of Defense personnel and their families overseas, supports streaming on multiple devices, including smartphones, computers, and smart TVs, at no cost. This year’s services maintain a similar number of college football games, with possible increases based on the NFL coverage’s reception.
While viewers abroad typically face high costs for NFL access through commercial services like DAZN, the AFN Now app provides these resources free of charge. Currently, over 71,000 mobile devices globally have access to this app since its launch, with support available for users facing connection issues. Antos also advised that using unauthorized VPNs might hinder access to app content, suggesting users switch off the VPN for optimal usage.
