The Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals meet in Week 2 of the 2026 NFL preseason on Saturday, August 22. The game will be shown on local television in the Chicago and Cincinnati markets, while out-of-market viewers can stream it with NFL+.
Bears vs. Bengals game information
- Matchup: Chicago Bears at Cincinnati Bengals
- Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT
- Venue: Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio
- Chicago TV channel: FOX 32
- Cincinnati TV channel: FOX 19
- Out-of-market streaming: NFL+
What channel is Bears vs. Bengals on?
The Bears-Bengals preseason game is not scheduled for a national television broadcast. Instead, it will air through each team’s regional preseason network.
Viewers in the Chicago area can watch the game on FOX 32, the flagship station of the Chicago Bears Network. In Cincinnati, the matchup will air on FOX 19 through the Bengals Preseason TV Network.
Additional regional affiliates may carry the broadcast in surrounding markets. Fans should check their local TV listings closer to kickoff to confirm availability.
How to stream Bears vs. Bengals
Fans who live outside the Bears’ and Bengals’ local television markets can watch the game live with an NFL+ subscription. NFL+ carries live out-of-market NFL preseason games on supported devices.
Local viewers may also be able to stream the broadcast through the official Bears or Bengals website and mobile app. Availability is location-dependent.
NFL+ blackout restrictions apply to preseason games. If a local station is showing Bears vs. Bengals in your area, the live NFL+ video stream may be unavailable. In that case, use the local television broadcast or check the appropriate team website or app.
How to listen to Bears vs. Bengals
Bears fans can listen through ESPN Chicago and the Chicago Bears Radio Network. Spanish-language coverage is available through WVIV in the Chicago market.
In Cincinnati, coverage is available through the Bengals Radio Network, led by 700 WLW, ESPN 1530 and 102.7 WEBN. NFL+ also provides live home and away radio broadcasts.
Can you watch Bears vs. Bengals for free?
Viewers with access to FOX 32 in Chicago or FOX 19 in Cincinnati can watch the game over the air with a compatible antenna. This may provide a free viewing option depending on location and signal availability.
Some in-market viewers may also receive a free stream through the Bears or Bengals website or app. Geographic restrictions and device requirements may apply.
Bears vs. Bengals preseason preview
The August 22 matchup is Chicago’s second game of the 2026 preseason. The Bears open against the Cleveland Browns before traveling to Cincinnati, then conclude their preseason schedule on the road against the Tennessee Titans.
Cincinnati opens its preseason against the Detroit Lions. After hosting Chicago, the Bengals visit the Philadelphia Eagles for their preseason finale.
Preseason games give coaches an opportunity to evaluate rookies, developing players and roster-bubble candidates before the regular season. Playing time for established starters may be limited and is generally announced closer to game day.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Bears vs. Bengals preseason game?
The Chicago Bears play the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
What time does Bears vs. Bengals start?
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern or 6 p.m. Central.
Where is the game being played?
The game will take place at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
What TV channel is the game on in Chicago?
The game will air on FOX 32 through the Chicago Bears Network.
What TV channel is the game on in Cincinnati?
FOX 19 will carry the game as part of the Bengals Preseason TV Network.
Is Bears vs. Bengals on NFL Network?
The game is currently listed as a local broadcast rather than a live national NFL Network telecast.
Can I watch Bears vs. Bengals on NFL+?
Yes. NFL+ offers live access to out-of-market preseason games, although local blackout restrictions apply.
Broadcast arrangements can change, so viewers should confirm their local listings before kickoff. Official schedule information is available from the Chicago Bears and Cincinnati Bengals.