Buccaneers vs. Jets: Kickoff Time, TV Channel & Free Live Stream Options
Buccaneers Kick Off 2026 Preseason Against the Jets: Everything You Need to Know
Game Details at a Glance
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting ready to start their 2026 preseason with a road game against the New York Jets. Here are the key facts:
- Who: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets
- Where: MetLife Stadium (often called "the Meadowlands") in East Rutherford, New Jersey
- When: Thursday, August 14, 2026
- Kickoff Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time
Important Points to Remember
- This is the first preseason game of the 2026 season for the Buccaneers.
- The game will be played at MetLife Stadium, home of the Jets (and also the New York Giants).
- Kickoff is at 7:00 p.m. ET — perfect for evening viewing!
A Little History: Buccaneers vs. Jets in the Preseason
This matchup isn’t new — these two teams have a bit of a preseason tradition:
- This will be the ninth time the Buccaneers and Jets have met in the preseason.
- It’s the Bucs’ second trip to the Meadowlands in the last four years for a preseason game.
- Preseason games don’t count toward the regular-season record, but they’re super important for players fighting for roster spots and coaches testing strategies.
How to Watch the Game Live
You’ve got several ways to catch all the action — whether you’re on your couch, at a sports bar, or on the go.
Watching Options
| Platform | Where It Works |
|---|---|
| Buccaneers Official App | Locally (in approved markets) |
| Buccaneers.com | Locally (in approved markets) |
| WFLA (TV) | Local broadcast in specific Florida and nearby markets |
Markets Where WFLA Will Air the Game
If you live in or near any of these areas, you can watch on WFLA:
- Tampa / St. Petersburg
- Orlando
- Fort Myers
- West Palm Beach
- Gainesville
- Mobile / Pensacola
- Panama City Beach
Pro Tip: If you’re outside these markets, check the Buccaneers app or website — they often stream preseason games live for fans in the local broadcast area.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Sure You Don’t Miss It
- Mark your calendar — Thursday, August 14 at 7:00 p.m. ET.
- Decide how you’ll watch — TV (WFLA), the Bucs app, or Buccaneers.com.
- Check your location — Make sure you’re in one of the listed markets for local access.
- Download the Buccaneers app (free on iOS and Android) ahead of time.
- Tune in early — Pregame coverage usually starts 30 minutes before kickoff.
Summary
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open their 2026 preseason on August 14 at 7:00 p.m. ET against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. This is the ninth preseason meeting between the teams and the Bucs’ second visit to the Meadowlands in four years. Fans in Tampa/St. Pete, Orlando, Fort Myers, West Palm Beach, Gainesville, Mobile/Pensacola, and Panama City Beach can watch on WFLA, while others in those areas can stream live via the Buccaneers app or Buccaneers.com. Preseason games are a great chance to see rookies, backups, and new schemes in action — so don’t miss the first look at the 2026 Bucs!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Q: Do preseason games count toward the regular-season standings?
A: Nope! Preseason games are exhibition matches. They don’t affect the win-loss record that determines playoff spots, but they’re vital for player evaluation and team preparation.
Q: Can I watch the game if I don’t live in Florida?
A: Only if you’re in one of the listed local markets (like Mobile/Pensacola or Panama City Beach). Otherwise, you may need NFL+ or a national broadcast — but this game is only confirmed for local streaming and WFLA TV.
Q: Is the Buccaneers app free to download?
A: Yes! The official Tampa Bay Buccaneers app is free on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Q: Why do teams play preseason games if they don’t count?
A: Think of them like practice scrimmages — but against another team. Coaches use them to test plays, evaluate new players, and decide who makes the final 53-man roster.
Q: Will starters play in this game?
A: Usually, starters play limited snaps in the first preseason game — maybe a series or two. The real action often comes from players trying to make the team!