Some Browns fans might not see today’s playoff game due to carrier dispute

Sports bars could be the answer or could be dealing with the same issue

Saturday should be a day of celebration for the city of Cleveland. The result of the game will decide how long that positivity continues but having the Cleveland Browns open this year’s playoffs with their game against the Houston Texans is huge for fans.

That the Browns can win the game and go on to the divisional round of the playoff is everyone’s hope but the Texans will have a lot to say about that.

Thankfully, Cleveland avoided the Saturday night game that is only streaming on Peacock.

Unfortunately, the Browns game is not without a concern for some fans:

The latter is in play this weekend with the Cleveland Browns-Houston Texans playoff game for customers of DirecTV, DirecTV Stream and U-verse. Those services have been locked in a carriage dispute with TEGNA, owner of the local NBC (WKYC) affiliate and are in danger of being blacked out of viewing the Browns NFL wild card game.

As of Saturday morning, there has been no sign of resolution in the dispute.

DirecTV, which used to have the exclusive Sunday Ticket, and U-verse will likely feel the blowback from Cleveland fans as few know that TEGNA owns the local NBC station.

For some, seeking out their local Browns Backers chapter could help them find a place that is holding a watch party but some local bars and restaurants will also face the blackout issue with NBC based on their chosen carrier.