How to watch Bears vs. Panthers in Week 1: Channel, kickoff time and streaming info

The Chicago Bears will officially begin their 2026 season Sunday when Ben Johnson's squad travels to Charlotte to face the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.

The Bears enter Year 2 under Johnson after an 11-6 season that produced an NFC North championship and a playoff victory over the Green Bay Packers. Now comes the first opportunity to see whether Chicago can build on that breakthrough.

Here's everything Bears fans need to know about how to watch, stream, and listen to Sunday's Week 1 matchup.

What time is the Bears-Panthers game?

The Bears and Panthers will kick off at noon CT (1 p.m. ET) on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte.

Game: Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers
Date: Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026
Kickoff: Noon CT / 1 p.m. ET
Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C.
TV: FOX
Streaming: FOX One; NFL+ in the Chicago market
Radio: ESPN Chicago (1000 AM, 100.3 FM HD2)
Spanish radio: Latino Mix 93.5 FM

Who is calling Bears vs. Panthers on FOX?

Adam Amin will handle play-by-play alongside former New Orleans Saints quarterback and Pro Football Hall of Famer Drew Brees as the analyst. Kristina Pink will report from the sideline.

FOX announced that Amin and Brees are beginning their first full season together, with Bears-Panthers serving as their Week 1 assignment.

How to stream Bears vs. Panthers

The game will also be available through FOX One, FOX's streaming service. FOX lists Bears-Panthers among the Week 1 NFL games available on the platform.

NFL+ will provide live streaming in the Chicago market. Availability and device restrictions can apply.

How to listen to Bears vs. Panthers on the radio

Bears fans can hear the game on ESPN Chicago (1000 AM and 100.3 FM HD2).

Jeff Joniak returns as the voice of the Bears and will handle play-by-play. Former Bears offensive lineman Tom Thayer will provide analysis, with Jason McKie working the sideline.

The Spanish-language broadcast is available on Latino Mix 93.5 FM, with Omar Ramos handling play-by-play.

ESPN Chicago's pregame show begins at 10 a.m. CT, two hours before kickoff.

Bears begin one of the most anticipated seasons in years

Sunday represents something considerably different from a typical Bears season opener. Chicago isn't entering 2026 hoping to prove it can become a playoff team. The Bears already did that.

Johnson's first season produced an 11-6 record, an NFC North championship and a Wild Card victory. Caleb Williams established a franchise single-season record with 3,942 passing yards, and Chicago enters his third season with expectations significantly higher than they were a year ago.

But the Carolina Panthers shouldn't be dismissed, either.

The Panthers went 8-9 last season but won the NFC South and reached the playoffs. Bryce Young enters his fourth NFL season after throwing 23 touchdown passes in 2025, while second-year receiver Tetairoa McMillan is coming off a 1,014-yard rookie season.

Both teams will enter Sunday 0-0, but the Bears won't have to wait long to find out whether they're ready to handle the expectations that followed last season's breakthrough.

The 2026 season is finally here.