How to watch Buccaneers vs Panthers Live: FOX TV, kickoff time, and coverage

The NFC South title race will be decided on the field in Week 16 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers clash with identical 7-7 records for sole possession of first place. This pivotal divisional matchup carries significant weight beyond the standings, as the Buccaneers look to extend their five-game winning streak against the Panthers, a dominant run that dates back to the 2022 season. A victory for Tampa Bay would be a crucial step toward securing a fifth consecutive division crown, while Carolina aims to snap the streak and seize control of its own playoff destiny.

Both rosters enter the game managing key injuries that could impact the outcome. The Buccaneers' secondary will be tested after the team placed starting cornerback Zyon McCollum (hip) on Injured Reserve, ending his regular season. The Panthers' offense faces its own challenges, as starting left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (knee) and rookie wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan (foot/ankle) did not participate in practice this week. Kickoff is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, at 1:00 PM EST. The game will air regionally on FOX and will be available to stream via the FOX Sports App.

Game information: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers

Game information	Details
Game information	Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers
Date	Sunday, December 21, 2025
Time	1:00 PM (ET) / 10:00 AM (PT)
Venue	Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV	FOX
Channel guide	DirecTV: Local FOX channel, check guide for numberDish Network: Local FOX channel, check guide for numberComcast Xfinity: Local FOX channel, check guide for numberSpectrum: Local FOX channel, check guide for numberVerizon Fios: Local FOX channel, check guide for number
Stream	FOX Sports app (with cable TV login), NFL+ (mobile only, with subscription), YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV
Radio	Buccaneers: WXTB 97.9 FMPanthers: WRFX 99.7 The FOX
Coverage	Regional. The game will be shown in the home markets of both teams.
Free Stream	7plus (Australia)

How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers for free

Some NFL games are broadcast for free on official international streaming services. For example, 7plus in Australia streams every Thursday Night Football matchup and two Sunday Afternoon games each week. In the UK, Channel 5 shows one Sunday Afternoon game and all Monday Night Football games, while TVNZ+ in New Zealand offers a rotating selection of Sunday games.

This week, the Buccaneers vs Panthers game will be available for free on 7plus (Australia). Together, these international broadcasters provide fans with access to as many as five free Sunday NFL games every week. However, these streaming services are geo-restricted, meaning you can only access them from within their respective countries. Fans traveling abroad can use a reliable VPN such as NordVPN to securely access their home-country stream and not miss any of the action.

Free NFL broadcasts this week

Game	Free platform	Date
Buffalo Bills @ Cleveland Browns	TVNZ+ (NZ)	December 21, 2025
Kansas City Chiefs @ Tennessee Titans	TVNZ+ (NZ)	December 21, 2025
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Denver Broncos	TVNZ+ (NZ), 7plus (AU)	December 21, 2025
Los Angeles Rams @ Dallas Cowboys	Channel 5 (UK)	December 21, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers	7plus (AU)	December 21, 2025

Watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers for free with NordVPN

Where to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers

The Week 16 matchup between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers will air on FOX with kickoff set for 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, December 21, 2025. This is a regional broadcast, meaning availability depends on your local FOX affiliate. National pregame coverage begins with FOX NFL Kickoff at 11:00 AM ET, followed by FOX NFL Sunday at 12:00 PM ET. Viewers can check the 506Sports.com coverage map closer to kickoff to confirm whether the game will be shown in their area.

Home-market affiliates:

• Tampa Bay: WTVT (FOX 13) – Tampa
• Carolina: WJZY (FOX 46) – Charlotte

The broadcast team for both markets will be Chris Myers (play-by-play), Mark Schlereth (analyst), and Jen Hale (sideline reporter).

Note on streaming options

Fans in the local broadcast areas have several ways to stream the game. The most direct method is through FOX’s direct-to-consumer service, FOX One, which costs $19.99/month and simulcasts local affiliate stations. However, be aware that streaming on FOX One is subject to the same regional restrictions and blackouts as traditional TV broadcasts.

For in-market viewing, another free option is to use a digital over-the-air antenna to pick up the local FOX station signal. Viewers with a valid cable or satellite subscription can also stream the game using TV Everywhere credentials by logging into the FOX Sports app, although this is also subject to local blackouts. For fans on the go, NFL+ offers live local and primetime games on mobile and tablet devices for $6.99/month.

How to listen to Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers on the radio

You can listen to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers game live on the radio through each team’s official local stations. Radio coverage is a reliable option if you’re on the move or can’t watch the game on TV.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers radio stations

The official flagship radio station for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is 97.9 FM WXTB (98ROCK). The broadcast features Gene Deckerhoff handling play-by-play, Dave Moore as the analyst, and T.J. Rives reporting from the sideline. Fans can find a full list of affiliate stations on the Buccaneers' official website.

The Spanish-language broadcast is available on 96.1 FM WTMP-FM and 1470 AM WMGG in Tampa. The announcing team includes Martín Gramática, Carlos Bohórquez, and Santiago Gramática.

• Online streaming of the local radio call is available for free on Buccaneers.com and through the official Buccaneers Mobile App (iOS and Android). These streams are free but are typically restricted to listeners within the Tampa market.
• Third-party platforms also carry the station's stream, often requiring a subscription. You can find 98ROCK on iHeartRadio, which offers paid plans like iHeartRadio Plus (starting at $4.99/month) and All Access (starting at $9.99/month). The station is also on TuneIn, which requires a TuneIn Premium subscription ($9.99/month) for live NFL games, and is subject to geo-restrictions. Live game audio on Audacy is not confirmed, so check the team website.

Carolina Panthers radio stations

The flagship station for the Carolina Panthers is WRFX 99.7 The FOX in Charlotte. The broadcast team features Anish Shroff on play-by-play, Panthers Legends providing analysis, and Jim Szoke as the host. A complete list of affiliates can be found on the Panthers' official website.

The Spanish-language broadcast, featuring announcers Jaime Moreno and Antonio Ramos, airs on WGSP 102.3 FM. More information is available on the team's Spanish broadcast page.

• You can listen to the radio broadcast for free online at Panthers.com, which is available on desktop browsers nationwide and on mobile devices for fans within the local market. The Carolina Panthers Official Mobile App (iOS and Android) also offers live radio streams, though they are subject to NFL geo-restriction rules.
• Third-party streaming options include iHeartRadio, which requires a subscription such as iHeartRadio Plus (from $4.99/month) or All Access (from $9.99/month) for game audio. TuneIn also carries the station, with live game access requiring a TuneIn Premium plan ($9.99/month) and subject to geo-restrictions. Availability on Audacy is not confirmed, so check the team website.

National and digital options

• SiriusXM offers live radio feeds for both the home and away teams for every NFL game, along with 24/7 coverage on SiriusXM NFL Radio (Channel 88). A subscription is required, with plans like the streaming-only option for $12.99/month or a car and app plan for $17.99/month.
• NFL+ provides subscribers with live audio of every NFL game nationwide, including home, away, and national calls. An NFL+ subscription costs $6.99/month and allows you to listen on the NFL app across various devices.

How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers without cable

If you've cut the cord, you can still catch the Buccaneers vs Panthers game. Live TV streaming services provide a reliable alternative to cable, bundling local channels like FOX so you won't miss any of the action in your market.

Here are the best streaming services for watching the game:

• YouTube TV – for $82.99/month, you get access to FOX in the Tampa Bay and Charlotte markets, along with over 100 other channels. The service includes unlimited cloud DVR storage and allows for three simultaneous streams, making it a great option for households. A free trial is usually available for new subscribers.
• Hulu + Live TV – priced from $89.99/month, this service includes the local FOX affiliate in both Tampa and Charlotte. A major perk is the inclusion of the Disney Bundle, which gives you access to Disney+ and ESPN+, providing extensive NFL content and other entertainment.
• Fubo – known for its sports-centric approach, Fubo’s Pro plan starts at $84.99/month and includes FOX in both markets. While it offers a vast number of channels and 4K streaming options, it notably lacks Turner networks like TNT and TBS.
• Sling TV – as the most budget-friendly choice, the Sling Blue plan offers FOX in select markets, including Tampa and Charlotte, for around $45.00/month. This package is more limited, doesn't include CBS, and only allows for one stream at a time on its Orange plan, but the Blue plan allows three.

Stream on the FOX One app

You can also stream the game directly through FOX’s own subscription service. This option provides narrower access focused solely on the network's content, but it is a direct and simple way to watch the game.

• FOX One – this direct-to-consumer service from FOX streams local FOX stations live in supported areas. For $19.99/month or $199.99/year, you can watch all NFL games broadcast on FOX, including the Buccaneers vs Panthers matchup. A seven-day free trial is available, and you can access it via the FOX One website or app.

How to watch Buccaneers vs Panthers on cable or satellite

For viewers with a traditional cable or satellite subscription, watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers game is straightforward. The game will be broadcast live on your local FOX affiliate. While the specific channel number for FOX will vary depending on your location and provider, it is included in all standard cable and satellite packages.

Most providers require a contract and may add extra charges to your monthly bill, such as a Broadcast TV Fee or a Regional Sports Fee, which cover the costs of carrying local and sports-focused networks. Below is a guide to watching the game on major providers.

• Xfinity – Xfinity customers can watch the game on their local FOX station, which is included in all television packages, such as Popular TV and Ultimate TV. The Popular TV plan starts at around $70.00/month and offers over 125 channels. Xfinity’s current plans often feature all-in pricing, which means no additional fees for equipment or broadcast TV access. Other channels for comprehensive NFL coverage, like ESPN, FS1, and NFL Network, are also available in these tiers.
• Spectrum – Spectrum includes the local FOX affiliate in its primary TV package, TV Select Signature. This plan typically starts at $100.00/month for the first 12 months and provides over 150 channels, including essential sports networks like ESPN and FS1. Spectrum plans do not require a long-term contract, offering more flexibility for subscribers. The exact channel for FOX will depend on your specific market.
• DirecTV – as a satellite service available nationwide, DirecTV provides local channels, including FOX, in all its packages, starting with the base ENTERTAINMENT plan. This package begins at $89.99/month plus taxes and fees and comes with a two-year price guarantee. While a contract is required, all packages include access to ESPN and FS1. To get regional sports networks, you will need the CHOICE package or higher, which includes a Regional Sports Fee.
• DISH – DISH is another national satellite provider that includes local channels like FOX in all its core America's Top packages. The America's Top 120 plan starts at $96.99/month and delivers 190 channels, including ESPN and FS1. DISH plans require a two-year contract but come with a two-year price guarantee. For fans wanting regional sports, DISH offers a Multi-Sport Pack as a monthly add-on.
• Verizon Fios – available in select East Coast markets, Verizon Fios includes FOX in all its TV plans. The Your Fios TV package, starting around $95/month, offers more than 125 channels and allows you to customize your lineup with your five favorite channels. Fios plans do not require an annual contract, but a Regional Sports Network fee is applied to your bill. Depending on your package, you will also get FS1, ESPN, and NFL Network.
• Cox – Cox subscribers can find their local FOX station in every TV plan, from Contour TV Starter to Contour TV Ultimate. For a balance of channels and price, the Contour TV Preferred plan offers over 140 channels for around $125.00/month. This package includes key sports channels like FS1 and ESPN. A regional sports surcharge may apply depending on your location, and contract terms can vary.

How to watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Carolina Panthers out of market

If you're an NFL fan living outside of the Tampa Bay and Carolina broadcast areas, watching the Buccaneers vs Panthers game can be tricky. Standard streaming options, such as Paramount+ or live TV services like Hulu + Live TV, are geo-restricted and will only show you what’s airing on your local FOX and CBS affiliates. To watch this specific out-of-market matchup, you'll need one of the NFL's official streaming packages designed for fans in your situation, with different options available for US and international viewers.

• NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube TV) – for fans within the United States, NFL Sunday Ticket is the only official way to watch every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game. Available as a standalone subscription on YouTube Primetime Channels or as an add-on for YouTube TV subscribers, it provides comprehensive access to the Sunday slate. For the 2025 season, pricing is set at $480.00 for the standalone pass or a discounted $378.00 for those with a YouTube TV Base Plan.It's important to understand the blackout rules: if the Buccaneers vs Panthers game is being broadcast on your local FOX or CBS station, it will be blacked out on Sunday Ticket. The service is exclusively for games that are not available in your ZIP code. NFL Sunday Ticket is supported on most modern devices, including smart TVs, streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV), smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles (PlayStation and Xbox). Service availability and specific broadcast rules may vary in certain US territories and markets like Hawaii or Alaska.
• NFL Game Pass International (DAZN / Prime Video) – for viewers located outside of the United States, NFL Game Pass International is the all-in-one streaming solution. This service, distributed primarily through DAZN, offers live access to every NFL game, including all regular season matchups, the playoffs, and the Super Bowl, with no blackouts. It also includes NFL RedZone and a live feed of the NFL Network. In select countries such as the UK, Germany, and Brazil, NFL Game Pass is also available as an add-on channel through Amazon Prime Video.Pricing varies by region, with yearly plans typically costing around £170 in the UK or being included with a standard DAZN subscription in Canada for CA$24.99 per month. You can stream Game Pass on all major devices, including smart TVs, streaming sticks, gaming consoles, and mobile devices. Subscriptions are geo-restricted, but travelers can access their home subscription abroad using a VPN. See our guide on how to watch out-of-market NFL games with a VPN.