Disclosure: Your support helps keep our site running! We earn referral fees for some of the products & services we recommend. Learn more
Categories

Stream College Basketball: Don’t Miss an NCAA Game in 2024

Last Updated:

Like with most sports, you can stream college basketball on just one channel. Throughout the season, games will air on a wide variety of channels. So, you will need multiple channels to watch college basketball without cable. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

In a hurry? If you have no time to dig into the details and just want to start watching NCAA basketball, these are our top picks:

  • Fubo: The best streaming service for international sports also provides 150+ well-selected channels. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.
  • DIRECTV STREAM: Get a great channel lineup with the best selection of RSNs in the industry. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
  • Sling TV: This low-cost service allows you to select just the channel lineup you want. Save 50% on Sling TV now.

If you can’t watch your favorite sports because of your location, get ExpressVPN to access the content you deserve.

In a hurry? Unfortunately, we don’t know a streaming service in that offers this TV channel/sport. But if you’ve already paid for the right service, and just can’t watch because of your location, there is an easy way to get the sports, movies, and TV you deserve. You need a VPN, like one of the following.

ExpressVPN

1. ExpressVPN: Established VPN provider in 105 countries. Smart DNS, a built-in ad-blocker, and unlimited bandwidth. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access

3. Private Internet Access: The only no-logs VPN with a location for every US state. Get 82% off + 2 months free.

If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, you’ll find all the answers in our full VPN guide.

Any fan of college basketball will tell you how much fun it is watching your favorite team progress through the season. Whether you’re rooting for your hometown team, your alma mater, or another school entirely, fans love keeping up with their teams any way they can.

Even if you’re not the biggest NCAA basketball fan, March Madness is always fun to watch. It used to be that NCAA fans would crowd around the TV and watch their favorite teams on cable. Now, you can ditch cable and stream college basketball online!

With that in mind, keep reading to learn all of the ways you can watch college basketball without cable this season.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

West Virginia Mountaineers
Oscar Tshiebwe of West Virginia Mountaineers by OSU Athletics under CC BY 2.0.

Today’s NCAA Basketball Games

None

Channels You Need to Watch NCAA Basketball

All of the channels you need to watch the NCAA basketball season are available on a variety of streaming services. This gives you multiple ways to watch and allows you to choose the service that suits you best.

In order to watch the majority of the college basketball season, you’ll want the following channels:

March Madness is covered by CBS and Turner Sports. So if they are your primary interest, you will want CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. And if you are interested in the women’s tournament, you’ll need ESPN, ABC, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews.

hulu logoOur top choice for March Madness — men’s and women’s — is Hulu + Live TV. Sign up today!

The conference channels (and their substations) also air a lot of college basketball. Longhorn Network is less important, given that it is focused on sports at University of Texas at Austin. But it does air some live games. Fans of particular teams will likely want to at least get the related conference channel.

Some games will also air on regional sports networks (RSNs) like those from Bally Sports and NBC Sports. But these channels are really focused on MLB, NBA, and NHL games. There are exceptions, but NCAA fans will not usually find much of interest on these channels.

Keep reading to learn more about streaming college basketball without cable!

Unblock Your Favorite Events & Teams With a VPN

If you can’t watch your favorite events or teams because of your location, a VPN will allow you to get the access you are entitled to, plus extra security and unequaled privacy. Check out our VPN Guide for everything you need to know, including our top pick ExpressVPN.

Get ExpressVPN Today

Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.

How to Save Money and Watch More College Basketball

Over the last couple of years, cable has lost millions of customers. People don’t want to be bound by contracts or forced to deal with rising prices and hidden costs.

Sports fans have held onto cable longer than most because it used to be harder to find sports channels. That’s not the case anymore. Still, if you’re a sports fan on the fence about switching, here are some good reasons to consider it:

  • Save Money
  • No Risk — Free Trials and Guarantees
  • Stream Where You Want
  • Added Account Features

When you add all these things together, streaming is a feature-rich option that allows you to replace cable and save money doing it. Now it’s time to learn more about the services that will let you stream college basketball online without cable.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

South Carolina vs UConn - NCAA Women's Basketball
Cropped from South Carolina vs UConn Women’s Basketball by Danny Karwoski under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Streaming Services for NCAA Basketball

All the general streaming services provide you with reasonable coverage of the college basketball season.

Stream College Basketball With Fubo

fubotv logo

The base Fubo (formerly FuboTV) plan costs $79.99/mo. It includes well over 150 channels. These include has Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and FS2. It also features many other sports channels including RSNs and several from beIN Sports and TUDN.

If you upgrade to Fubo Extra ($7.99/mo), you get 48 extra channels including ACC Network, Pac-12 Network, and SEC Network. Fubo offers many other add-ons.

All Fubo plans come with at least 1000 hours of Cloud DVR and the ability to stream on up to 10 TVs/devices simultaneously. Here’s rundown:

  • $79.99/mo
  • 150+ channels and many upgrade options
  • 1000 hours of cloud DVR
  • 10 simulteneous screens
  • Great selection of local channels
  • Watch content in the on-demand library or catch it live
  • Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.

The downside of Fubo is that it does not offer any of the Turner channels — no TBS, TNT, or TruTV. It does offer CBS and CBS Sports Network, but that still means you will have to miss about half of March Madness.

The best way to learn more about this exciting sports-forward service, is to check out the trial. Like other services, Fubo is a contract-free service. This means you can cancel at any time, even during the trial! In fact, Fubo even reminds you when your trial is almost up, so you’ll have time to cancel if you want! Our Fubo review can tell you more.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Stream College Basketball on Fubo
Stream college basketball on Fubo.

Sling TV Offers Low-Cost NCAA Basketball Streaming

Sling TV Logo (2021 100x50)

Sling TV is definitely the cheapest option on this list when it comes to a cable replacement service that allows you to stream sports. You can watch quite a lot of college basketball with either the Sling Blue or Sling Orange plans for $40.00/mo each.

For the most NCAA coverage, you’ll want the Sling Orange & Blue package, which is available for $55.00/mo. This will give you access to multiple ESPN networks, FS1, TNT, TBS, and many other channels.

Sling TV also offers a wide array of add-on bundles that will allow you to customize your plan without spending too much money. Here is more on Sling TV:

  • Sling Orange & Blue is $55.00/mo
  • 45+ channels
  • Several bundle packages are available to customize your lineup
  • An on-demand library
  • Stream on TV Everywhere apps
  • 50 hours of cloud DVR storage
  • Save 50% on your first month of Sling TV.

The one problem with Sling TV is that it does not include CBS. You can get around this by setting up a digital antenna to work with it. Or you can combine it with Paramount+ Premium.

Sling TV is a great budget option. Like the other services mentioned here, you can cancel at any point in your subscription, so there’s really no risk involved. You can find out more in our Sling TV review. You should also check out our guide and schedule for Men’s March Madness on Sling TV, plus our information on the Women’s Basketball Final.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

Stream NCAA Basketball With DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM (formerly AT&T TV) is another option. Although it is more expensive, it provides all the channels you want. Multiple packages are available. The cheapest package offered is $79.99/mo, but the $108.99/mo package has more college basketball channels.

You can use TV Everywhere apps, stream on unlimited devices simultaneously, and an on-demand library is included. You’ll even have unlimited cloud-DVR, though you have to signup online. Here’s more on DIRECTV STREAM:

  • Packages from $79.99/mo
  • 75+ channels to start
  • Local channels
  • An on-demand library
  • Unlimited cloud-DVR are included

If you’re curious about DIRECTV STREAM, the best thing you can do is sign up. New customers get a 5-day free trial with DIRECTV STREAM. Just cancel before that time if it isn’t for you. You can learn more in our DIRECTV STREAM review.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days

Hulu + Live TV Is Great for All College Sports

hulu logo

Hulu + Live TV offers 100+ channels, including many of the channels you’ll need to watch college basketball live. Channels like ESPN, FS1, TNT, and more are included. You’ll also have the full Hulu on-demand service available to you.

You’ll be able to stream on two devices at once (you can upgrade for more simultaneous streams). Hulu Live is available starting at $76.99/mo with no contracts! Here are some more highlights:

  • 100+ channels
  • Disney+ and ESPN+
  • Many college basketball channels plus local channels
  • Hulu’s on-demand content is included
  • Unlimited cloud DVR storage (9 month storage)
  • Stream on up to 2 devices at once
  • $76.99/mo
  • No commitments – you can cancel anytime

If your plan is to replace cable, Hulu + Live TV is an easy way to do it. Make sure to check it out and if you’re not satisfied you can always cancel. Our Hulu + Live TV review has added details.

Try Hulu + Live TV Today!

Other Ways to Stream the College Basketball Season

There are other options for NCAA basketball fans. One that is not so much an alternative as an addition is ESPN+. More and more live games of all sports are showing up on this specialized streaming service. And it is just $10.99/mo or $109.99/yr. It’s even less expensive if you get it as part of the ESPN+, Disney+, Hulu bundle for $14.99/mo. See our ESPN+ review for details.

Sign Up for ESPN+ Now!

Another good option is Paramount+ Premium, which provides a ton of live sports for just $11.99/mo. You also get your local CBS affiliate and Showtime. For more information, see our Paramount+ review.

Try Paramount+ for Free!

One low-cost streaming service that should especially appeal to NCAA fans is Vidgo. It offer 100+ channels for $69.99/mo. But its channel lineup includes: ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, FS1, FS2, Longhorn Network, all 7 Pac-12 Network channels, and SEC Network. Our Vidgo review has more information.

Try Vidgo Today!

You can also get YouTube TV, which offers a plan much like Hulu + Live TV with 100+ channels for $72.99/mo.

Finally, the NCAA has created the March Madness Live app. It works on most devices and allows you to watch games and much more. Note, however, that you must already have a streaming service or other TV provider account to log into it.

Superpower Your Sports Streaming With a VPN

For the sake of privacy, security, and access, you should be using a VPN. They are low-cost and easy to use. We’ve been using them for years and our top pick is ExpressVPN. Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.

i Our VPN Buyer’s Guide provides a complete introduction and all you need to know to choose the best VPN for your needs.

Devices to Live Stream NCAA Basketball

Pretty much any device that can stream video is supported by some of the live TV streaming services. All of them support the following:

  • Amazone Fire TV
  • Android Mobile
  • Android TV
  • Apple TV
  • Chromecast
  • iOS (iPhone)
  • Roku
  • Samsung Smart TVs
  • Web Browsers

Also supported are LG/ Vizio smart TVs and Xbox One gaming systems (Fubo, Sling, Hulu) and PlayStations (Hulu).

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

NCAA Basketball Schedule: Next Week

None

Kehinde Bello (Minnesota) looks for a rebound and is guarded by Mael Gilles and Arella Guirantes (Rutgers)
Kehinde Bello (Minnesota) looks for a rebound and is guarded by Mael Gilles and Arella Guirantes (Rutgers) by Lorie Shaull under CC BY 2.0.

Wrapping Up

College basketball games might air on a wide variety of channels, but those channels are all available without cable. The exact channels you need will likely depend on the teams you want to watch, but the options are here!

You can stream college basketball online without cable. Best of all, you’ll have extra money in your pocket when you do it. Fubo is our top choice for college basketball. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

FAQs

What is the best streaming service for March Madness

Hulu + Live TV is our top choice for watching March Madness. It offers all the channels to watch the NCAA Tournaments for both the men’s and women’s teams. It even includes ESPN+, where we expect to see a number of women’s games. You could also combine Sling TV with a Paramount+ Premium subscription, which would allow you to stream live all the men’s games at a low price.

Try Hulu + Live TV Today!

What is the 2024 March Madness schedule?

The NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament, March Madness, is a big deal each year. The 2024 schedule is set — at least in terms of dates and channels. The games will be aired on CBS, TBS, TNT, and TruTV. It’s never too early to make plans:

  • Selection Sunday: March 17
  • First Four: March 19, 20
  • First/Second Rounds: March 21, 22 / 23, 24
  • Sweet 16/Elite 8: March 28, 29 / 30, 31
  • Final Four: April 6
  • NCAA National Championship: Monday, April 8

Here’s the full schedule:

RoundDateLocation
Selection SundayMar 17N/A
First FourMar 19-20Dayton OH
First/SecondMar 22-24Brooklyn NY
First/SecondMar 21-23Charlotte NC
First/SecondMar 22-24Indianapolis IN
First/SecondMar 21-23Omaha NE
First/SecondMar 21-23Pittsburgh PA
First/SecondMar 21-23Salt Lake City UT
First/SecondMar 22-24Spokane WA
First/SecondMar 22-24Memphis TN
Sweet 16/Elite 8Mar 28-30Boston MA
Sweet 16/Elite 8Mar 29-31Dallas TX
Sweet 16/Elite 8Mar 29-31Detroit MI
Sweet 16/Elite 8Mar 28-30Los Angeles CA
Final FourApr 6Glendale AZ
ChampionshipApr 8Glendale AZ

What is the 2024 Women’s March Madness schedule?

The NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament is an increasingly big deal each year. The games will be aired on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews.

  • Selection Sunday: March 17
  • First Four: March 20, 21
  • First/Second Rounds: March 22, 23 / 24, 25
  • Sweet 16/Elite 8: March 29, 30 / March 31, April 1
  • Final Four: April 5 ( and on ESPN)
  • NCAA National Championship: Monday, April 7 ( on ABC)

Here’s the full schedule:

RoundDateLocation
Selection SundayMar 17N/A
First FourMar 20-21
Sweet 16/Elite 8Mar 29-Apr 1Albany NY
Sweet 16/Elite 8Mar 29-Apr 1Portland OR
Final FourApr 5Cleveland OH
ChampionshipApr 7Cleveland OH

Where can I watch NCAA women’s basketball?

NCAA women’s basketball is shown on most of the same channels as men’s basketball. But there is more of a focus on ESPN properties with most national games showing on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU. You will also see games on FS1 and other channels. You will also see them on the conference networks.

Sign Up for a Free Fubo Trial

Who won the 2023 NCAA men’s basketball conference titles?

Check back for the 2024 results!

  • ACC: Duke
  • American Athletic: Memphis
  • America East: Vermont
  • ASUN: Kennesaw State
  • Atlantic 10: VCU
  • Big 12: Texas
  • Big East: Marquette
  • Big Sky: Montana State
  • Big South: UNC Asheville
  • Big Ten: Purdue
  • Big West: UC Santa Barbara
  • CAA: Charleston
  • Conference USA: Florida Atlantic
  • Horizon League: Northern Kentucky
  • Ivy League: Princeton
  • MAAC: Iona
  • MAC: Kent State
  • MEAC: Howard
  • Missouri Valley: Drake
  • Mountain West: San Diego State
  • Northeast: Merrimack
  • Ohio Valley: SEMO
  • Pac-12: Arizona
  • Patriot League: Colgate
  • SEC: Alabama
  • Southern: Furman
  • Southland: Texas A&M-CC
  • Summit League: Oral Roberts
  • Sun Belt: Louisiana
  • SWAC: Texas Southern
  • WAC: Grand Canyon
  • West Coast: Gonzaga

Who won the 2023 NCAA women’s basketball conference titles?

Check back for the 2024 results!

  • ACC: Virginia Tech
  • American Athletic: East Carolina
  • America East: Vermont
  • ASUN: Florida Gulf Coast
  • Atlantic 10: Saint Louis
  • Big 12: Iowa State
  • Big East: UConn
  • Big Ten: Iowa
  • Big Sky: Sacramento State
  • Big South: Gardner-Webb
  • Big West: Hawaii
  • CAA: MonMouth
  • Conference USA: Middle Tennessee
  • Horizon League: Cleveland State
  • Ivy League: Princeton
  • MAAC: Iona
  • MAC: Toledo
  • MEAC: Norfolk State
  • Missouri Valley: Drake
  • Mountain West: UNLV
  • Northeast: Sacred Heart
  • Ohio Valley: Tennessee Tech
  • Pac-12: Washington State
  • Patriot League: Holy Cross
  • SEC: South Carolina
  • Southern: Chattanooga
  • Southland: Southeastern Louisiana
  • Summit League: South Dakota State
  • Sun Belt: James Madison
  • SWAC: Southern
  • WAC: Southern Utah
  • West Coast: Portland

How do I watch specific college basketball teams without cable?

These guides will show you how to watch your favorite basketball teams. They include complete TV schedules for each team as well:

Ditch “Big Cable” Now – 3 Simple Steps to Cut the Cord

  1. Pick the right streaming service
  2. Get the content you deserve with the best VPN.
  3. Supercharge your internet provider

That’s it — you’ll save money, take back control, and enjoy TV more!

Page Updates

  1. Updated for 2024 and upcoming March Madness.

  2. Updated some sub-sections. Updated some section headings. More links.

  3. Cross linking. Pricing updates. Changed a few bits of content.

  4. Added buttons for streaming services. Image changes. Mentioned offers. Pricing updates.

  5. More links. Pricing updates. Various changes. Cleaned up list.

  6. Pricing updates. Image changes. Added useful links.

  7. Changes to some of the sections. Various changes to content. Removed section. Cleaned up list.

  8. Added table of contents. Added new section. Added links to streaming services. Updated some sub-sections. Changes to some of the sections. Added a few links. Cleaned up list. Deleted unneeded sub-section.

  9. Linking. Formatting.

Frank Moraes
Follow me
Share via
Copy link
Powered by Social Snap