The Detroit Lions officially begin their 2026 preseason Thursday night with a road matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Here is everything Lions fans need to know to watch, stream or listen to the preseason opener.

Lions vs. Bengals: Date, Time and TV

Game: Detroit Lions at Cincinnati Bengals
Date: Thursday, August 13, 2026
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
TV: Lions TV Network / FOX 2 Detroit (WJBK)

The Lions TV Network will carry the game throughout Michigan and portions of Ohio. Affiliates include FOX 2 WJBK in Detroit, FOX 17 WXMI in Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo, WNEM in Flint/Saginaw, FOX 47 WSYM in Lansing, WFQX in Traverse City/Cadillac, WJMN in Marquette and FOX 36 WUPW in Toledo.

Jack Kizer will handle play-by-play for Detroit’s television broadcast with former Lions offensive lineman T.J. Lang providing analysis and Patti Cesarini reporting from the sideline.

How to Stream Lions vs. Bengals

Fans in the Lions’ local market can stream the game free on a phone or tablet through DetroitLions.com or the Detroit Lions mobile app once the game begins. FOX 2 also streams Lions preseason games within its designated Detroit viewing area through FOX LOCAL.

Out-of-market fans can watch live with NFL+. Geographic restrictions apply to preseason streaming, so the available service depends on where you are watching.

Internationally, the Lions list TSN2 in Canada, DAZN and NFL Game Pass in Germany, and SPORTV2/NFL Game Pass International in Brazil.

Fans who prefer radio can listen on the Lions Radio Network, with Dan Miller calling the action alongside analyst Lomas Brown.

Thursday’s matchup is Detroit’s first of three 2026 preseason games, followed by Washington at Ford Field on August 22 and a road game against Indianapolis on August 29.