How to watch College Basketball | TV, Streaming and Prices

College basketball runs from early-season nonconference matchups all the way through the NCAA Basketball Tournament (March Madness).  With hundreds of teams playing in big games every night, it can be very difficult to keep on top of it all. Let alone the fact that several major broadcasters share the action, including ESPN, CBS Sports, FOX, and various conference networks.

This guide breaks down how to watch college basketball across the main TV channels and streaming services. You will learn which networks show which games, what you can stream without cable, and how to choose the right service based on your budget

Want game times and channels for specific matchups? Visit our College Basketball TV schedule for up-to-date listings, including tip-off times and broadcast information.

What channels carry NCAA Basketball?

College basketball games air across a mix of national networks and conference channels. The biggest matchups are often on major broadcasters like ESPN, FOX, and CBS, while many regular-season games also appear on conference networks such as the Big Ten Network, ACC Network, and SEC Network. Because rights vary by conference and game, the best setup is usually one that includes the major national channels plus the conference coverage you need.

Is College Basketball on ESPN?

Yes, college basketball is shown on ESPN throughout the season. ESPN is one of the main homes for college hoops, airing games across ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU, with additional coverage often appearing on conference channels like SEC Network and ACC Network.

To watch ESPN’s live channels, you typically need a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming subscription that includes ESPN. You can also use the ESPN App to stream those channels by signing in with your TV provider, which is a convenient way to watch on mobile devices, streaming sticks, and smart TVs.

Note: ESPN also streams additional college basketball games through its standalone streaming offering, which we cover in the streaming services section below.

Is College Basketball on CBS? 

Yes, college basketball will be on CBS during the season, as well as during the March Madness tournament at the end of the season. CBS will typically be showing games hosted by teams from the ACC, American, Big 12, Big Ten, and Mountain West conferences.

Is College Basketball on FOX?

Yes, FOX carries college basketball games across FOX, FS1, and FS2, including many high-profile matchups. FOX’s college hoops coverage often features teams from the Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, and Mountain West, so fans who follow those conferences will want a TV or streaming plan that includes FOX and the Fox Sports channels.

Are any games on local or regional channels?

Yes, some games may air on local or Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), depending on where you live, especially for certain non-conference games or smaller broadcasts. You will also see plenty of games on conference networks like Big Ten Network, ACC Network, and SEC Network, which often carry a large share of regular-season matchups.

To confirm where a specific game is airing, check our College Basketball TV schedule for the latest channel and broadcast information.

Can I watch College Basketball without cable?

Yes, there are various different services that allow you to watch college basketball without cable. Comprehensive streaming providers like Hulu+ Live TV or Fubo TV offer the vast majority of channels that you need, while also boasting a wide array of other sports, entertainment, and news channels. However, if you want to keep things simple, and a bit cheaper, there are network specific streaming service options as well to consider.

What streaming service has NCAA Basketball?

You can stream NCAA college basketball through a mix of live TV streaming services and standalone apps. Some of the most common options include ESPN’s streaming service (ESPN Select, formerly ESPN+), Peacock, and Paramount+, along with live TV bundles like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo that carry multiple sports channels in one place.

The best choice depends on which teams and conferences you follow, since coverage is split across different broadcasters and networks. Below are the most popular streaming options for college basketball, plus what each one is best for.

Is College Basketball on Hulu + Live TV? 

Yes, Hulu features ESPN, FOX, and CBS in its channel portfolio. On top of that, subscribers will be able to watch the entirety of the 2026 March Madness tournament, which will feature on CBS Sports and TNT. From the First Four all the way to the Final Four, Hulu will have every dunk, steal and rebound from the tournament, as the country’s 68 best teams battle it out for the right to become champions.

The Hulu + Live TV package, which starts at $89.99 a month, also includes ESPN Select and Disney+.

Is College Basketball on Paramount+?

Yes, Paramount+ will have college basketball rights to games that are also on CBS. With a Paramount+ subscription, you’ll be able to access select games during the regular season as well as several key March Madness matchups. The cost of Paramount+ is $8.99 a month for the Essential plan, and $13.99 a month for the Premium plan, which will give fans access to games throughout the year.

Is College Basketball on Peacock?

Yes, Peacock has exclusive access to select NCAA college basketball games. These are typically featuring teams from the Big Ten and Big East Conferences, so fans of Purdue, Nebraska and UConn might want to keep an eye out.

The Peacock subscription is $10.99 a month for the Premium service, and $16.99 a month for the Premium Plus service.

What is the best live TV streaming service for College Basketball?

Note: Here, “best” means the most games for the buck, based on overall channel coverage and typical conference availability.

If you are looking for the best live TV streaming service for college basketball, Hulu + Live TV is a strong all-in-one pick. It includes the major national channels that carry college hoops, along with a solid mix of add-on sports coverage, and it also bundles Disney+ and ESPN Select for extra streaming content. Hulu + Live TV currently starts at $89.99 per month, with pricing subject to change.

If you want to focus more on streaming than live TV channels, ESPN Unlimited can be a good alternative because it offers a large volume of live college sports content. It will not cover every game across every network, but it can be a cost-effective way to access a high number of matchups if ESPN carries the teams or conferences you follow. ESPN Unlimited is listed at $29.99 per month, with prices subject to change.

What is the cheapest way to watch College Basketball?

Depending on which conferences and teams you want to keep track of, a subscription to a specific service for a single conference could be the way to go to find the cheapest way to watch college basketball. Sling TV also offers one-day passes for $5 and weekend passes for $10 if you are only looking for access to a specific clash involving your own favorite team.

However, in order to get access to all of the action across the country, options like ESPN Unlimited offer a wide range of basketball, allowing you to watch plenty of action, any day of the week.

Can I watch NCAA Basketball for free?

NCAA basketball is available through free trials of certain streaming services such as Fubo TV, DIRECTV Stream and YouTube TV. If there are specific games involving your favorite team, this could be the way to go, as a way to watch NCAA college basketball for free.

A limited selection of games will also be available on free-to-air TV, with CBS and ABC having games that you can access with a TV antenna. This will allow you to watch key March Madness games for free on your television set, provided you are in range of the relevant channels.