Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, watching
College Basketball games on TV has never been easier. With a variety of TV packages and streaming options available, you can catch all the action from the comfort of your home. So, gear up, tune in, and get ready for some exciting college basketball games today on tv!
Broadcast Rights and Networks
Broadcast rights for college basketball games are held by major networks that cover hundreds of games each season.
ESPN is a dominant player, broadcasting a substantial portion of college basketball games, and it operates several related channels, including the
ACC Network and
SEC Network, which each cover conference games throughout the season. The
Big Ten Network is another major broadcaster, offering comprehensive coverage of Big Ten matchups.
The
FanDuel Sports Network, formerly known as Bally Sports, also plays a key role in regional broadcasts, covering games across various conferences and providing dedicated coverage to certain areas. These networks collectively ensure that fans have access to a broad range of college basketball games across the country, making it easy to follow their favorite teams.
Main Channels for Watching College Basketball
College basketball games air across various networks, with primary broadcasters including
CBS Sports,
ESPN, and
FOX Sports. The best channel options may vary based on team schedules, so checking your favorite team’s official schedule for exact channel listings is recommended.
March Madness
The Men's NCAA Tournament, commonly called
March Madness, airs on
CBS,
TBS,
TNT, and
truTV.
ESPN networks broadcast the Women’s NCAA Tournament, giving fans extensive tournament coverage.
Local Channels and Conference Networks
Local channels like
ABC,
CBS,
FOX, and
NBC provide notable coverage of NCAA basketball. For comprehensive coverage, a TV plan that includes conference networks and regional sports networks (RSNs) is ideal. Key conference channels include:
Regional Sports Networks
- FanDuel Sports Network
- MSG Network
- NBC Sports Regional Networks
- New England Sports Network (NESN)
- ROOT SPORTS
Streaming Major College Basketball Conferences
Most major college basketball conferences can be streamed online.
ESPN owns and operates
ACC Network (ACCN) and the
SEC Network, airing over 150 men’s and women’s college basketball games annually. Similarly, the
Big Ten partnership with
CBS Sports,
FOX Sports, and
NBC Sports offers many streaming options.
For Big 12 fans, many games are accessible through
Big 12 Now on ESPN+. Pac-12 games require the
Pac-12 Network in your TV plan.
FanDuel Sports Network offers regional streaming options for various conferences, making it easier for fans to catch live college basketball games.
Best TV Packages for College Basketball
- DIRECTV: Known for comprehensive college basketball coverage, DIRECTV’s CHOICE package ($84.99/month) combines extensive sports and entertainment channels with a two-year price lock. However, it requires a two-year contract and satellite installation.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu’s Live TV option includes essential basketball networks like ESPN, FS1, and CBS Sports Network, despite a smaller channel selection.
- Sling TV: Sling offers a budget-friendly alternative with customizable add-ons for sports.
- ESPN+: This standalone option costs $10.99/month and covers over 25 college conferences, providing ample college sports content.
Watching College Basketball for Free
A
digital antenna is an easy way to access live college basketball games for free on
ABC,
CBS,
FOX, and
NBC.
Watching NCAA College Basketball on Your Phone
The
NCAA March Madness Live app allows mobile viewing of every tournament game for users with a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming subscription.
A Brief History of College Basketball Broadcasts
College basketball’s broadcasting history began with the first televised game on February 28, 1940, featuring a doubleheader from
Madison Square Garden. Popularity surged after the "Game of the Century" in 1968, when
UCLA faced
Houston. This landmark game helped drive televised college basketball’s growth.
Today, college basketball enjoys high ratings across major networks. Coverage depends on broadcaster deals with conferences, with prominent match-ups and rivalry games drawing large national audiences and extensive airtime.