Some Kansas City Chiefs fans are upset about only getting to see one of the team’s three preseason games. Their final preseason matchup against the Chicago Bears won’t be televised in Kansas City due to the Democratic National Convention.
The Chiefs-Bears game was supposed to air on KMCI, not the usual KSHB. But the DNC will be on TV instead.
While the NFL Network is airing the game, blackout restrictions prevent Kansas City fans from streaming it locally.
"For the second time this pre-season, Channel 41 is moving their coverage of the Chiefs game to Channel 38," a Reddit user wrote, via The Kansas City Star. "YouTube TV does not carry Channel 38, so once again, I will not have access to watch this game. Why is Channel 41 paying for the rights to broadcast these games when it is not accessible for many in their market? Does the Chiefs front office care?"
Kansas City fans faced a similar issue with the first preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That game was moved from KSHB to KMCI due to the Summer Olympics in Paris.
DirecTV customers couldn’t watch the game on KMCI, and NFL Network blacked out its feed, leaving fans frustrated.
More fans voiced their concerns on X.
"I’m trying to figure this out," one user wrote. "Thursday’s game is blocked in my area on YouTube TV, even though I live local to KC. It’s on 38 the spot, which doesn’t have its own app or channel on YouTube TV. But why can’t I watch it on NFL Network’s broadcast of this? Can anyone explain?"
Chiefs fans were looking forward to watching their team, especially at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri, during the Super Bowl LVIII victory parade. But now, they might miss this preseason game.
If there's any consolation, Chiefs starters aren’t expected to play in the preseason finale. Head coach Andy Reid doesn’t want any injuries before the season starts.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes played in Week 2 against the Detroit Lions, where he made a behind-the-back pass to tight end Travis Kelce. But with their track record, players like Mahomes and Kelce don’t need the extra playing time before Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.
Similarly, most Bears starters, including No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, won’t be playing Thursday night.
Though Chiefs fans may be disappointed about missing this preseason game, their regular season opener on Sept. 5 will be nationally televised, so there’s nothing to worry about then.
The DNC in Chicago wraps up Thursday night, with main programming starting at 5:30 p.m. CT.