Authorized DIRECTV Stream dealerWatch the Tampa Bay Lightning outside Tampa Bay
Moved away, or just a fan from afar? Here is exactly how Lightning games reach you when you live outside the Tampa Bay area, and what it costs.
Inside Tampa Bay versus everywhere else
In the Tampa Bay area, most Lightning games are on Lightning local broadcast partner (DIRECTV Stream channel Varies), included with DIRECTV Stream Choice or MySports + MyHome Team. Outside that area the network is not sold, so the games move to ESPN+ (NHL out-of-market).
- Out of market: ESPN+ (NHL out-of-market), ESPN+ subscription, sold separately
- National games: ESPN, ABC, TNT and truTV on DIRECTV Stream
- Playoffs: national broadcasts, no package needed
- Living in Tampa Bay? See the local channel guide
How ESPN+ (NHL out-of-market) works
NHL Center Ice is only sold to DIRECTV satellite customers. Streaming fans watch out-of-market NHL games on ESPN+, alongside DIRECTV Stream for national and local games.
Blackouts apply to games in your home area and national exclusives. Full ESPN+ (NHL out-of-market) guide
Lightning out-of-market questions
Straight answers. Anything else, ask our team.
Can I watch the Lightning if I live outside Tampa Bay?
Yes. Regular-season games are on ESPN+ (NHL out-of-market) (ESPN+ subscription, sold separately), and national games are on ESPN, ABC, TNT and truTV, all carried by DIRECTV Stream. Playoff games are national broadcasts wherever you live.
Is Lightning local broadcast partner available outside Tampa Bay?
Live Lightning games on Lightning local broadcast partner are only sold inside the Tampa Bay area, by ZIP code. Outside it, the DIRECTV Sports Pack may carry the network’s studio shows, but games follow league blackouts.
What is the cheapest way to watch the Lightning out of market?
ESPN+ (NHL out-of-market) for the regular season plus a DIRECTV Stream package for the national games and playoffs. If you also follow a local team where you live, choose Choice or MySports + MyHome Team so its network is included too.
Have a building? Bulk DIRECTV Stream starts at $25 a unit
Owners and managers get the same lineup for every resident at bulk pricing.
Already an Elink resident? Get support here instead.