Atlanta News First and ESPN have reached an agreement to simulcast select Atlanta Falcons games locally, beginning with two confirmed games during the 2026 NFL season and potentially games in 2027.
This agreement with ESPN for NFL games gives Atlanta News First broadcast rights to four of Atlanta’s major professional sports franchises, adding the Falcons to a portfolio that already includes the NBA’s Hawks, MLB’s Braves and WNBA’s Dream, further expanding the station’s local sports presence.
ESPN will produce the Falcons simulcasts, which will air locally in Atlanta on WANF.
The confirmed schedule starts in Week 4, when the Atlanta Falcons visit the New Orleans Saints in a primetime matchup Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET. The game also will air nationally on ESPN.
Atlanta News First also will air the Falcons’ Week 9 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. ET. The Falcons and Bengals will play in Madrid, Spain, and the game also will air nationally on NFL Network.
A third game in 2026 is possible, including the Falcons December 26 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should it air on NFL Network. Then in 2027, if the Falcons are to play nationally on ESPN or NFL Network, Atlanta News First will carry it locally.
“Falcons football is part of the fabric of Atlanta, and we’re proud to bring these games to fans on Atlanta News First,” said WANF-TV GM Erik Schrader. “This partnership strengthens our commitment to local sports and gives viewers another way to watch some of the biggest games on the Falcons’ schedule. From the Falcons to the Hawks, Braves and Dream, we’re focused on widening access and delivering coverage that matters to Atlanta fans.”
Atlanta News First will share additional information about broadcast coverage, pregame programming and a potential third selected game as details are finalized.
