Cord-cutters can watch NCAA Basketball live without cable using one of the following five options: Sling TV, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Vidgo and DirecTV Stream. In this article, we’ll help you decide which streaming option is best for NCAA Basketball. We’ve also created a user-friendly channel schedule for every cord-cutting service, and most individual channels you may want to use for NCAA games.
Watch NCAA Basketball on Sling TV
Sling TV is going to be a great, low-cost option for college basketball fans. With a 3-day trial available to new subscribers, it’s an excellent choice to try before you buy. It offers a huge list of channels and many of the channels you need for NCAA games.
Sling TV Pricing and Packages
There are three base streaming packages available through Sling TV.
| Sling Orange Great Value $40.00/ month | 30+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 1 simultaneous stream | Try Sling |
| Sling Blue Great Value$40.00/ month | 40+ channels Fox, NBC, CNN, MSNBC New subscriber special 3 simultaneous streams | Try Sling |
| Sling Orange + Blue Best Value $55.00/ month | 45+ channels ESPN New subscriber special 4* simultaneous streams | Try Sling |
Sling TV Channels
The majority of NCAA college basketball games air on the following channels: ABC, CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC Sports Network, TBS, and TNT. Some games will also air on ESPN3, ESPNU, CBS Sports Network, Big Ten Network (BTN), Pac-12 Network, ACC Network, beIN Sports, and SEC Network.
Sling Orange includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and Stadium. Sling Blue, on the other hand, only includes FS1.
The Sports Extra plan costs an additional $11/month and carries SEC Network, beIN Sports, Pac-12, Longhorn Network, and ACC Network. Sports Extra can only be added to Sling Orange, however. The best way to watch all the NCAA games is to sign up for either Orange plus the Sports Extra package or Oramge+Blue with the Sports Extra package, which would add up to a pricey $61/month package.
To learn more about Sling TV channels, check here.
Sling TV Supported Devices
You can use Sling TV with a large number of devices, including directly from your web browser, or through apps for Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, iOS and Android Devices, some smart TVs and more. The full list of options includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV (all versions), Chromecast, Roku (LT and up), AirTV, TiVo Stream 4K
- Smart TVs: LG TV (Web OS 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0, and 4.5 as well as select 2016-2019 models), Samsung TV (2016 through 2019 models), Android TV (OS 5 and up), Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (4.4 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets), Oculus, Portal from Facebook,
- Game consoles: Xbox Series X or Series S
- Desktop browsers: Chrome on Mac and Windows recommended
Check here for more info on Sling TV‘s supported devices.
Sling TV Simultaneous Streams
The simultaneous devices are where things are a bit confusing. Sling TV Orange channels can only be streamed on one device at a time, while Sling TV Blue channels can be streamed on up to 3. This doesn’t change even when you combine the two packages under Sling Orange+Blue. You also can’t increase your streaming limit. To learn more about Sling TV’s simultaneous streams, click here.
Sling TV DVR
Sling TV offers a 50-hour cloud DVR with every subscription. Increased storage space is available with an add-on to your package. To learn more about Sling TV‘s DVR, check here.
Sling TV On-Demand Library
Sling TV has a decently-sized on-demand library, which is maximized if you opt for Sling Orange+Blue. Most channels provide some of their content, with the majority of it locked by their individual channel websites and apps. Click here to learn more about Sling TV‘s on-demand library.
Watch NCAA Basketball on FuboTV
For those who want as much NCAA coverage as possible, fuboTV is a good option. This sports-streaming-focused service has a large number of the networks you’re going to want, with one huge exception
FuboTV Pricing and Packages
The base Fubo Pro package comes with over 100 channels in most locations, and includes several channels you’ll need for NCAA basketball.
You can watch NCAA Basketball games on fuboTV‘s various plans through ABC, CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, FOX, FS1, FS2, beIN Sports, Eleven Sports, and more. Stadium is available for an additional $11/month alongside a dozen other networks with the Sports Plus add-on or included with the Elite package.
To learn more about fuboTV’s pricing and packages, click here.
FuboTV Channels
The Fubo Starter package offers Fox Sports, CBS Sports, NBC Sports, and beIN Sports. That’ll get you coverage of most NCAA basketball games. ABC, CBS, NBC and FOX are available in certain markets.
To learn more about fuboTV‘s channels, click here.
fuboTV Supported Devices
You can stream this service directly from the web, or on dedicated apps for Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and iOS or Android phones and tablets. The full list of apps includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick (1st gen and up), Chromecast and Roku (2, 3 and 4)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (4.4 and up)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android and iOS
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Click here to learn more about fuboTV‘s device support.
FuboTV Simultaneous Streams
You’ll get up to 10 simultaneous streams per account at home and up to 2 on the go through FuboTV. That’s more than most other services of its kind.
To learn more about fuboTV’s simultaneous streaming policy, check here.
FuboTV DVR
Every fuboTV package offers 1,000 hours of cloud DVR space, more than enough to record your favorite games.
To learn more about fuboTV’s DVR, click here.
FuboTV On-Demand Library
There’s a 72-hour rewind feature available through fuboTV that gives it a rather beefy on-demand library. Outside of that, you’ll get hundreds of hours of content from most of the channels, to include new and past TV series episodes, movies, and sports content.
Want more? You can use your fuboTV account information to log in to many channels’ separate apps and websites. Click here to learn more about fuboTV‘s on-demand library.
NCAA Basketball on Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is one of the best cord-cutting services on the market and a decent option for those who want NCAA basketball without cable (although it’s far from perfect).
Hulu + Live TV Pricing and Packages
Unlike fuboTV and Sling TV, you’ll get one channel package available through Hulu with Live TV, as well as a minimal number of add-ons. For $69.99 per month, you’ll get 75+ channels, including a large sports channel offering.
| Hulu + Live TV No Hassle TV $69.99/ month | 75+ Live TV Channels 2 simultaneous streams Unlimited DVR Disney+ and ESPN+ Included | SIGN UP |
| Hulu + Live TV No Ads $79.99/ month | 75+ Live TV Channels 2 simultaneous streams Unlimited DVR Disney+ and ESPN+ Included | SIGN UP |
To learn more about Hulu + Live TV‘s pricing, click here.
Hulu + Live TV Channels
That line-up of Hulu + Live TV channels include must-haves for NCAA games: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, CBS, CBS Sports Network, NBC Sports Network, TBS, TNT, SEC Network, and Big Ten Network. That’s pretty good coverage, though you’ll miss out on some smaller conferences. Hulu doesn’t offer beIN Sports, Eleven Sports, ESPN3 or Stadium, for example.
Click here to learn more about Hulu with Live TV‘s channel options.
Hulu + Live TV Supported Devices
Hulu’s device coverage is among the best on the market, as you’ll be able to stream on most of the expected devices (Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, web browser, iOS and Android devices), but you can also stream on apps for Xbox One and the Nintendo Switch. The full list of devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Amazon Fire TV and TV Stick, Chromecast and Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: LG TV (select models), Samsung TV (select models), Android TV and Roku TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (11 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Game consoles: Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox 360
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
- Smart home devices: Amazon Echo Show (video and voice controls)
- Desktop operating systems: Windows 10 (dedicated app)
To learn more about Hulu with Live TV‘s supported devices, click here.
Hulu + Live TV Simultaneous Streams
You’ll get two simultaneous streams through this service. You can use the Unlimited Screens add-on to get an unlimited number of device streams on the same WiFi network for $9.99/month, and up to three off-network.
To learn more about Hulu with Live TV‘s simultaneous streaming policy, click here.
Hulu + Live TV DVR
By default, Hulu + Live TV offers 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. You can up that to 200 hours with an add-on. To learn more about Hulu + Live TV‘s DVR storage options, click here.
Hulu + Live TV On-Demand Library
Hulu comes with not just live TV, but the original Hulu on-demand service. That means you’ll get the most expansive on-demand option on the market for this type of service (think combining any other service on this list with Netflix). Most channels also offer their original content on-demand, and you can use your Hulu account information to log in to separate channel website and apps for even more content.
You can learn more about Hulu + Live TV‘s on-demand library by checking here.
Watch NCAA Basketball on DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is actually one of the worst options on the list, with a huge lack of college sports channels and an unimpressive set of features. It’s an okay option if you just need coverage of the most major NCAA conferences, though.
DirecTV Stream Pricing and Packages
Through DirecTV Stream, you can get over 140 channels, but the two cheapest subscription options include:
- Entertainment: 65+ channels, $69.99/month
- Choice: 90+ channels, $84.99/month
Both will include some sports channels necessary for NCAA basketball, but neither are the best, or cheapest, options for maximum coverage. To learn more about DirecTV Stream’s pricing and packages, click here.
DirecTV Stream Channels
Through the Choice Plan, you’ll be able to get access to ESPN2, ESPN, ESPNU, ESPNews, CBSSN, FS1, FS2 ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, ABC, Fox, CBS, and more from DirecTV Stream. That’s at the steep rate of $84.99/month, however, and you’re still missing some channels.
Click here to learn more about DirecTV Stream‘s channels.
DirecTV Stream Supported Devices
On a positive note, DirecTV Stream has wide device coverage. Almost any device you want to use will have a native app for it, to include the major streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV, as well as several smart TVs. Here’s a full list of available apps:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up, 5th gen and up for 4K), Amazon Fire TV (2nd gen and up, 1st gen for Cube), Chromecast (2nd gen and up), Roku (most models)
- Smart TVs: Samsung TV (2017 and 2018 models), Android TV (4.4 and up), Roku TV (7000X), Mi TV, Amazon Fire TV Edition smart TV (2nd gen and up), Chromecast Built-in TV
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (10 and up), Amazon Fire (tablets)
- Desktop browsers: Chrome and Safari recommended
Click here to learn more about DirecTV Stream‘s supported devices.
DirecTV Stream Simultaneous Streams
This service provides 20 simultaneous streams per account, or three out-of-network. To learn more about DirecTV Stream‘s streaming policy, click here.
DirecTV Stream DVR
In keeping with the times, DirecTV Stream now provides unlimited cloud DVR storage. The biggest limitations are that you can only record on up to 3 devices and that your recorded content expires after 90 days.
Click here to learn more about DirecTV Stream’s DVR.
DirecTV Stream On-Demand Library
DirecTV Stream has a massive amount of on-demand content, particularly for movie fans. Some packages come with HBO and all of HBO’s on-demand library. Most of the other live TV channels also offer a selection of their content on-demand, primarily popular TV shows and some older series and seasons.
Click here to learn more about DirecTV Stream‘s on-demand library.
Watch NCAA Basketball on YouTube TV
YouTube TV has been gaining some notable market share as it expands into new regions. It’s currently a good option for college sports, including NCAA basketball.
YouTube TV Pricing and Packages
YouTube TV entered the market after Hulu with Live TV and takes a page out of Hulu’s playbook. You’ll find just one streaming package, heavy on the sports channels, for $64.99 per month. To learn more about YouTube TV’s pricing options, click here.
YouTube TV Channels
The channel package lineup is somewhat similar to what’s available from Hulu with Live TV with some variations. YouTube TV advertises 85+ channels, which includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, Fox, Fox Sports, CBS, CBS Sports NBC, NBC Sports, Big Ten Network, SEC Network, and NESN, which covers some ACC content. To learn more about YouTube TV’s channel list, click here.
YouTube TV Supported Devices
Device coverage is also good, as you can use this service natively over the web, or through apps for Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and several smart TVs. The full list of devices includes:
- TV streaming media players: Apple TV (4th gen and up), Chromecast and Roku (most models), Amazon Fire TV Cube and Fire TV Stick (most models)
- Smart TVs: Android TV (select models), Samsung TV (2016+ models only), LG TV (2016+ models only), Vizio (select SmartCast models), Hisense (select models), Sharp (select models)
- Mobile devices and tablets: Android (5.0 and up), iOS (9.1 and up)
- Game consoles: Xbox One (all versions)
- Desktop browsers: Most Mac and PC browsers
Click here to learn more about YouTube TV supported devices.
YouTube TV Simultaneous Streams
This service provides users with up to 3 simultaneous streams per account. To learn more about YouTube TV’s simultaneous streams, click here.
YouTube TV DVR
YouTube TV offers an unlimited DVR with a 9-month expiration date on recordings. You’ll also be able to create up to 6 user profiles, each of which gets its own DVR storage. Click here to learn more about YouTube TV’s DVR options.
YouTube TV On-Demand Library
There are thousands of hours of on-demand content available through YouTube TV immediately upon sign-up. You’ll also be able to use your YouTube TV account to log-in to several dozen TV Everywhere apps, and individual channels’ websites for more content. To learn more about YouTube TV’s on-demand library, click here.
Watch NCAA Basketball on Vidgo
Vidgo provides a compelling lower-cost option for NCAA fans, especially as prices for other major cord-cutting options continue to increase.
Vidgo Pricing and Packages
The Vidgo streaming service is a sports-centric option that has two English-language packages with channels that carry NCAA Basketball games:
- Plus Package: $55/mo for 100+ channels
- Premium Package: $79.95/month for 140+ channels
All packages are available with a 7-day free trial. The prices come with some disadvantages, including no RSNS or local broadcast networks and limited features compared to services that cost a bit more. Learn more here.
Vidgo Channels
Vidgo‘s packages take a similar approach to what you’ll find with fuboTV. Dozens of sports networks are available through the services English-language package options, many of which carry NCAA games. These include ESPN, SEC Network, and multiple PAC-12 regional networks. Learn more here.
Vidgo Supported Devices
Stream your Vidgo content on a small, high-tier number of devices. The app is currently available on Android and iOS devices (and tablets for both operating systems), Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku. You can also stream on most desktop or laptop computers via your web browser.
Vidgo Simultaneous Streams
Watch NCAA Basketball and other live TV on Vidgo using up to 3 devices at once.
Vidgo DVR
The Vidgo streaming service currently offers no DVR to its customers.
Vidgo On-Demand Library
Most channels in either English-language streaming package offer on-demand content through the Vidgo service. As such, you’ll have access to thousands of on-demand TV show episodes, movies, and sports replays. There is very limited TV Everywhere support for this service, so most on-demand content watch will need to take place through the Vidgo app.
How to Watch NCAA Basketball on Amazon Fire TV
You can watch NCAA Basketball on Amazon Fire TV with one of these streaming services: fuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Vidgo. All of these apps are available for fast download via the Amazon Fire TV app store.
How to NCAA Basketball on Roku
You can watch NCAA Basketball on Roku with one of these streaming services: fuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Vidgo Each app is available on the Roku Channels store on any Roku device or Roku TV.
How to Watch NCAA Basketball on Apple TV
You can watch NCAA Basketball on Apple TV with one of these streaming services: fuboTV, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV Stream, and Vidgo. These apps are readily available and free on the Apple TV App Store.
Where Can Watch I NCAA Basketball Without Cable?
Unlike professional sports, where different broadcasters are allowed to pay millions (and billions) for wide-ranging broadcast rights, NCAA basketball and other college sports have a far more complicated rights structure. While many games can be found on top channels, like ESPN, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports Network, you won’t be able to find every game from every team on any one channel. You’re going to need access to more than a dozen different broadcasters if you want to watch games from the 30+ NCAA basketball conferences.
Most likely, you’ll find it’s best to try to follow just a few teams, as your viewing options can get extremely complicated. Based on our research, you’ll need access to the following broadcast networks to watch NCAA basketball without cable from the largest conferences:
- ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNU: A10, ACC, American, America East, Atlantic Sun, Big 12, Big South, Big Sky, Big Ten, Big West, Conference USA, Horizon, Ivy, MAC, MAAC, MEAC, MVC, MWC, NEC, OVC, Pac-12, SEC, SoCon, Southland, Summit League, Sun Belt, SWAC, WAC, WCC
- Fox/FS1/Fox Sports Network: Big East, Big Ten, and Pac-12, ACC, Big 12, Big East
- ACC Network: ACC (including ACC tournament)
- CBS/CBS Sports Network: ACC, American, Big 12, Big East, Big Ten, Pac-12, SEC, Mountain West Conference, Conference USA, MAC, Atlantic 10 Conference, American, Northeast Conference and Patriot League, and NCAA Tournament
- Stadium: Atlantic 10, American, Big South, CAA, Conference USA, Horizon, Ivy, MAC, OVC, Patriot, SoCon, Southland, WAC
- Pac-12 Network: Pac-12
- SEC Network: SEC
- Big Ten Network: Big Ten
- NBCSN: Atlantic 10 Conference
- beIN Sports: Conference USA
- Big Ten Network: Big Ten
For smaller conferences, check here to locate the correct channels carrying games throughout the season.
Sam Cook is a full-time content strategist by day, a part-time freelance content writer since 2015. In another life, he was a high school English teacher for nearly a decade. Based in sunny New Orleans, he writes long-form educational content on technology, including Insurtech, Fintech, HRtech, and content streaming. He loves whittling down complex ideas within these areas that make decisions easier for buyers. When he’s not reading books with his son Miles and playing video games with the family, you can find him immersed in his growing collection of Euro-style board games.
