How to watch the Tampa Bay Lightning without cable

Local Lightning games are on The Spot – Tampa Bay 66. Stream them with Lightning app ($66/season). National games are on ESPN, ABC and TNT. Fans outside the area can use NHL Power Play.

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Quick answer

Local channel	The Spot – Tampa Bay 66
Stream local games	Lightning app: $66/season
Free with an antenna	Not this season.
Live TV services that carry local games	Check with your provider, or use the option above.
National games	ESPN & ABC, TNT & truTV
Out of market	NHL Power Play (ESPN Select)

If you live in the Lightning home area

Your local Lightning games are on The Spot – Tampa Bay 66. The cheapest way to stream them without cable is Lightning app ($66/season).

National TV games

National games aren't on your team's local channel. This season:

ESPN and ABC: ESPN Unlimited ($31.99/mo). ABC games are free with an antenna. Some games are only on ESPN Select, Disney+ or Hulu.
TNT and truTV: HBO Max ($18.49/mo, Standard plan with live sports).
NHL Network: select games, on live TV services.
The 2027 Stanley Cup Final is on TNT and truTV (streaming on HBO Max).

If you live outside the Lightning market

NHL Power Play on ESPN Select ($13.99/mo) streams every out-of-market game, and it's also included in ESPN Unlimited. Games of the Lightning in your area and national TV games are blacked out.

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WiFi check

Is your WiFi ready for live games?

Live sports buffer more than movies because there's no time to preload. Enter the speed you get at the TV (try fast.com on a phone next to it).

Enter your speed to check.

Weak WiFi where the TV is? Read the best mesh WiFi for streaming sports →

Free help

Stuck on your setup? Ask us.

Not sure which plan to get, why your stream keeps buffering, or how to get a game on your TV? Send us your question and we'll reply by email.

Lightning streaming FAQ

What channel are Lightning games on in 2026–27?

Local Lightning games are on The Spot – Tampa Bay 66. National games are on ESPN, ABC, TNT and truTV.

Can I stream the Tampa Bay Lightning without cable?

Yes. Local Lightning games are on The Spot – Tampa Bay 66. Stream them with Lightning app ($66/season). Add ESPN Unlimited and HBO Max to cover national games.

Can I watch Lightning games for free?

National games on ABC are free with an HDTV antenna.

How do I watch the Lightning if I live outside their market?

With NHL Power Play on ESPN Select ($13.99/mo), which streams out-of-market games. National TV games are blacked out.