Chicago Fire fans wondering when Chicago Fire will air again need to track both MLS national broadcasts and local Chicago broadcasts. Streaming options and time zones play a big role in how and when you can watch each match.
Below is a quick reference for upcoming Chicago Fire windows, key broadcast windows, and how to secure access on your devices.
| Upcoming Match | Date (Local) | National Broadcast Window | Local Chicago Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Columbus Crew | Sat, 17 Aug 2025 | Apple TV MLS Core (English) | WGN TV & NBC Sports Chicago |
| vs NYCFC | Sat, 23 Aug 2025 | MLS Season Pass (Apple) | WGN TV |
| vs Philadelphia Union | Sat, 30 Aug 2025 | Apple TV MLS Core (English) | NBC Sports Chicago |
| vs Atlanta United | Sat, 06 Sep 2025 | MLS Season Pass (Apple) | WGN TV |
MLS National Broadcast Windows For Chicago Fire
National windows on Apple TV MLS Core and MLS Season Pass carry most Chicago Fire matches when not on local TV. These windows are consistent across the league and include both English and Spanish audio options.
Check the MLS app or Apple TV guide shortly before kickoff to confirm which national channel has the specific match in your region.
Local Chicago Television Schedule
Local over-the-air channel WGN and regional NBC Sports Chicago hold primary local rights for Fire home and away games that are not blacked out regionally. Not every match appears on local broadcast due to league restrictions.
Use the TV listings tab on the official Chicago Fire site to see whether a game will air on WGN or cable in your ZIP code.
Streaming Options And Blackout Rules
MLS Season Pass on Apple TV remains the primary stream for most out-of-market viewers, while local Chicago fans rely on the Fire app and verified TV Everywhere login on NBC Sports Chicago or WGN apps.
Geographic blackouts apply heavily for in-market games, so you may need to authenticate through a participating provider even on digital platforms.
How To Find The Next On TV Listing
Navigate to the Chicago Fire official website and select the Schedule or TV Listing tab to see the next on TV listing updated in real time. You can filter by home or away and by broadcast partner.
For mobile users, the Fire app push notifications can remind you when a game switches from cable to local air or when streaming availability changes.
Plan Your Viewing Across Devices
- Check the official Chicago Fire schedule for the next on TV listing before kickoff.
- Verify local blackout status on the league TV map for your ZIP code.
- Set up authenticated access through your TV provider on the NBC Sports or WGN apps.
- Enable push notifications in the Fire app for last-minute channel or stream changes.
- For out-of-market matches, activate MLS Season Pass on Apple TV or your preferred streaming device.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will regional blackouts affect my ability to watch Chicago Fire on TV in my area?
Yes, in-market blackouts apply to both local over-the-air and cable feeds. If you live in the Chicago TV market, you must watch through an authenticated provider on NBC Sports Chicago or use the Fire app with TV Everywhere credentials.
Can I watch Chicago Fire games for free on over-the-air television?
When games are scheduled for WGN TV, you can receive them for free with an antenna in the Chicago market. Away games may appear on national over-the-air channels only when league agreements allow.
What time do Chicago Fire games typically kick off during the summer months?
Home matches often start at 7:30 PM CT in the summer, while away matches vary widely between early afternoon and evening Eastern Time slots depending on opponent and national scheduling.
If I subscribe to MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, will I still need a local TV provider?
No, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV is designed for out-of-market viewers and does not require a local TV provider, though in-market blackouts still steer Chicago fans toward authenticated TV Everywhere access.