How to Watch College Basketball Live in 2026
Compare 5 streaming services with College Basketball coverage. Prices start at $7.99/month.
Quick Answer: Best Ways to Watch College Basketball
Where to Stream College Basketball in the United States
College basketball's regular season and March Madness tournament are spread across CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV. Streaming options include Paramount+, Max, and various conference networks.
| Service | Monthly Price | Coverage | Free Trial | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Paramount+
|
$7.99/mo | Partial March Madness CBS games | No | Visit Site |
ESPN+
|
$11.99/mo | Partial ESPN+ exclusive games | No | Visit Site |
Sling TV
|
$46.00/mo | Partial ESPN networks only | No | Visit Site |
YouTube TV
|
$72.99/mo | Full March Madness, ESPN, CBS coverage | 7 days | Visit Site |
Hulu + Live TV
|
$76.99/mo | Full March Madness included | 7 days | Visit Site |
College Basketball Streaming Options Explained
Paramount+
Paramount+ is essential for Champions League fans and provides NFL on CBS games. The service offers good value for soccer enthusiasts.
Pros
- NFL on CBS
- Champions League
- Affordable tiers
- Original content bonus
Cons
- Limited sports beyond soccer
- No live TV package
- Streaming delays possible
ESPN+
ESPN+ provides access to thousands of live events not available on traditional ESPN channels, plus exclusive content and the only way to purchase UFC PPV events.
Pros
- Affordable monthly price
- UFC PPV access
- Exclusive content
- No commitment
Cons
- Limited live event coverage
- No ESPN linear channels
- Supplementary service only
Sling TV
Sling TV offers the most affordable entry into live TV streaming, with Orange and Blue packages that can be combined or kept separate.
Pros
- Lowest base price
- Flexible packages
- No contract
- A la carte add-ons
Cons
- Limited DVR storage
- No local channels in most markets
- Split packages confusing
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a comprehensive live TV streaming experience with all major broadcast networks and most sports channels. It's often the simplest choice for cord-cutters who want traditional TV coverage.
Pros
- No contract required
- Unlimited DVR storage
- Up to 6 accounts
- Wide channel selection
Cons
- Higher price point
- No standalone sports package
- Regional sports networks vary by market
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV combines on-demand streaming with live television. The Disney Bundle option adds significant value for families.
Pros
- Includes Hulu library
- Disney+ and ESPN+ bundle option
- Good channel selection
- Unlimited DVR
Cons
- Most expensive option
- Base tier has ads
- Complex pricing tiers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to watch College Basketball?
The most affordable option to watch College Basketball is ESPN+ at $11.99/month.
Can I watch College Basketball without cable?
Yes! You can stream College Basketball without a traditional cable subscription through services like Paramount+, ESPN+, Sling TV. These streaming services offer live coverage that works on smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers.
Which streaming service has the best College Basketball coverage?
The best service depends on your needs. For comprehensive coverage, we recommend comparing the services above based on game availability, price, and additional features like DVR and simultaneous streams.
Are there any free ways to watch College Basketball?
Some College Basketball games may be available on free broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX) which you can access with a digital antenna. Additionally, most streaming services offer free trials for new subscribers.
Can I watch College Basketball on my phone or tablet?
Yes, all the streaming services listed above have mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. You can watch College Basketball games live on your phone or tablet with any of these services.
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