After months of offseason hype, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will finally play a football game tonight. Bucs fans will get their first look at the 2026 team, with no shortage of offseason additions suiting up for the first time in a Bucs uniform.
While most key players, such as Baker Mayfield and rookie Rueben Bain Jr., won’t play much, if at all, during the preseason opener, there’s still plenty to watch as key position battles and storylines begin to unfold.
An offseason of hard work through OTAs, minicamp and training camp has culminated in tonight’s game. While the preseason doesn’t mean much from a win-loss perspective, this game is incredibly important for players fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster.
For Bucs fans, tonight is a celebration of finally seeing their favorite team back on the field. That’s why we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know about how to watch and listen to the game, so you don’t miss a snap.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New York Jets game details
- Date: Friday, August 14
- Location: MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, NJ)
- Kickoff time: 7:00 pm ET
How to watch Buccaneers vs. Jets preseason Week 1 game on TV
The Buccaneers will kick off the preseason in front of a national audience. Friday night’s game will be broadcast on NFL Network with Ian Eagle on play-by-play, Anthony Becht as an analyst and Otis Livingston and Caroline Hendershot reporting from the sideline.
Local fans can also tune in to the WFLA-TV Channel 8 broadcast with Chris Myers, Rondé Barber and Jeff Dubrof.
In case you’re unable to catch the game live, local fans can tune into a rebroadcast on WTTA-TV Channel 38 Saturday at 1 p.m.
For out-of-market fans, NFL Network will rebroadcast the game Saturday at 9 a.m. and Monday at 3 a.m.
How to stream Buccaneers vs. Jets
Fans can stream the game live on their mobile Buccaneers app by using this direct link. That stream is only available in-market, however.
Out-of-market preseason games are available with a paid NFL+ subscription. Click here to sign up.
This contest can also be streamed through the NFL Network app.
How to listen to Buccaneers vs. Jets on the radio
The flagship radio broadcast will take place on WXTB 97.9 FM with Tony Castricone making his Buccaneers play-by-play debut alongside Dave Moore as the color commentator.
In-market fans can access both English and Spanish radio broadcasts via the official Buccaneers app or Buccaneers.com.
Here is the full list of radio stations where you can listen to the Buccaneers vs. Jets game.
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