If you are wondering where to watch college basketball in the 2026-27 season, most games land on four groups of networks: ESPN and ABC, Fox (FOX and FS1), CBS (with CBS Sports Network and Paramount+), and NBC with Peacock, with TNT Sports adding Big 12 and Big East games. March Madness stays on CBS and TNT Sports. The right subscription depends on which conference your team plays in, so start with the table below.
The men’s and women’s seasons tip off in early November, so September is a good time to plan. Unlike football, basketball has thousands of games, and many smaller conferences stream exclusively online, which makes app choice especially important.
College basketball TV partners by conference
This table shows each major conference’s main media partners. Home team contracts usually decide where a game airs, so a non-conference road game may show up on a different network.
| Conference | Main TV partners | Streaming apps to know |
|---|---|---|
| SEC | ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network, ABC | ESPN app |
| ACC | ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, ACC Network Extra, ABC, The CW | ESPN app |
| Big Ten | FOX, FS1, CBS, NBC, Big Ten Network, Peacock | Fox One, Paramount+, Peacock |
| Big 12 | ESPN networks, FOX, FS1, CBS, CBS Sports Network, TNT Sports | ESPN app, Fox One, Paramount+, HBO Max |
| Big East | FOX, FS1, Peacock, TNT Sports | Fox One, Peacock, HBO Max |
| American, Sun Belt, C-USA, MAC and many mid-majors | ESPN networks and ESPN+, some CBS Sports Network | ESPN app |
| Mountain West, WCC, A-10 and others | Mix of CBS Sports Network, FS1, ESPN networks, TNT and conference streams | Varies by conference |
The Big East’s current deals run from 2025-26 through 2030-31, with FOX as lead partner, Peacock carrying more than 60 men’s and women’s games per season, and TNT Sports adding more than 65. CBS’s expanded Big 12 agreement runs through the 2026-27 season and puts at least 26 Big 12 men’s games per year on CBS and CBS Sports Network.
How the big conferences break down
SEC and ACC fans
Both conferences are almost entirely on ESPN-owned networks. SEC Network and ACC Network carry many conference games, while marquee matchups move to ESPN or ABC. ACC Network Extra and ESPN+ games stream in the ESPN app. Some ACC games also air on The CW.
Big Ten fans
The Big Ten spreads games across FOX, FS1, CBS, NBC, Big Ten Network and Peacock. Peacock has a large Big Ten basketball package, including exclusive games, so a Big Ten fan should plan on Peacock plus a way to get BTN and FS1.
Big 12 and Big East fans
These two conferences use the widest mix of partners. Big 12 games are split between ESPN, FOX, CBS and TNT Sports, while Big East games are on FOX, FS1, Peacock and TNT Sports. TNT Sports games stream on HBO Max.
Where to watch March Madness 2027
The NCAA men’s tournament stays with CBS and TNT Sports (TBS, TNT and truTV). The 2027 tournament expands to 76 teams, with an opening round on March 16 and 17, first and second rounds March 18 to 21, and the Final Four at Ford Field in Detroit on April 3 and 5. CBS holds the Selection Show, the Final Four and the national championship game in 2027.
- CBS games: watch free with an antenna, on a live TV service, or on Paramount+.
- TBS, TNT and truTV games: watch on cable, a live TV service with those channels, or HBO Max.
- NCAA March Madness Live: the official app streams games, but you usually need to sign in with a TV provider for games on cable channels.
The women’s NCAA tournament airs on ESPN networks and ABC, so an ESPN subscription covers it.
Streaming services that carry the most games
Prices below are current U.S. advertised rates at the time of writing and can change.
| Service | Best for | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN Unlimited | SEC, ACC, AAC, most mid-majors, women’s tournament | $31.99/month |
| Fox One | Big East, Big Ten and Big 12 games on FOX, FS1, BTN | $19.99/month |
| Peacock Premium | Big Ten and Big East exclusives on Peacock | $12.99/month |
| Paramount+ Essential | CBS games, including March Madness on CBS | $8.99/month |
| HBO Max Basic with ads | TNT Sports games and March Madness on TBS, TNT, truTV | $10.99/month |
| YouTube TV | Most national channels plus locals in one package | $82.99/month |
Note that CBS Sports Network is a cable channel and is not included in Paramount+. If your team plays a lot of CBSSN games, you need a live TV service or cable package that carries it. Our guide to the cheapest way to watch ESPN explains the ESPN options in more detail.
Three sample setups by fan type
- SEC or ACC fan: ESPN Unlimited, or a live TV service with ESPN, SEC Network and ACC Network. Add an antenna for ABC.
- Big Ten fan: Fox One (for FOX, FS1 and BTN) plus Peacock, and Paramount+ or an antenna for CBS games.
- Fan who follows many teams: A full live TV service such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream or Fubo, plus Peacock. Check that the package includes BTN, SEC Network, ACC Network and CBS Sports Network.
Many live TV services and sports apps run on the same devices. If you are choosing hardware, see our guide to the best streaming devices, and if you watch on an older TV, our guide for non-smart TVs helps too.
Where IPTV fits in
Some viewers prefer a single IPTV subscription that bundles many sports channels. Whatever you choose, use services that are licensed for the channels they provide in your area. IPTV is a legal technology, but unlicensed rebroadcasting of networks is not, so check rights and local law first.
Which option should you choose?
Start with your conference, not with the service. Fans of ESPN-heavy conferences can keep it simple with ESPN Unlimited, while Big Ten, Big 12 and Big East fans usually need two or three apps or a full live TV package. Plan for March Madness separately, since it needs CBS plus TBS, TNT and truTV.
FAQ
What channel is college basketball on tonight?
On a typical weeknight, games air on ESPN networks, FS1, CBS Sports Network, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, ACC Network and Peacock. Check your team’s schedule page or the ESPN, Fox and CBS listings for the exact channel.
Can I watch March Madness without cable?
Yes. CBS games are available with an antenna or Paramount+, and TBS, TNT and truTV games are available through HBO Max or live TV services that carry those channels. The 2027 Final Four and title game are on CBS.
When does the 2026-27 college basketball season start?
The regular season tips off in early November. Conference play generally begins in December or January, and the 2027 NCAA tournament starts on March 16.
Is Peacock worth it for college basketball?
It is if you follow the Big Ten or Big East. Peacock carries a sizable package of games from both conferences, including streaming exclusives. Fans of other conferences will see little value from it for basketball.
Does Paramount+ include CBS Sports Network?
No. Paramount+ streams games that air on the main CBS network, but CBS Sports Network is a separate cable channel. You need cable or a live TV service that includes CBSSN.
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