College basketball is an exciting sport that not only attracts thousands of fans to the stadiums but also millions of viewers online.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply want to catch a game or two, there are several ways you can stream college basketball online.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of streaming college basketball games and help you find the best options for your viewing needs.
Step 1: Determine Which Networks Are Broadcasting the Games
The first step to streaming college basketball games is to figure out which networks are broadcasting them. Networks like ESPN, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports are the most common broadcasters of college basketball games. Each network has different broadcasting rights, so it’s important to know which network is airing the game you want to watch.
You can usually find out which network is broadcasting the game by checking the schedule on the official website of the team you want to watch. Alternatively, you can check the NCAA website or use a sports app like ESPN or CBS Sports to get the latest information on which networks are broadcasting which games.
Step 2: Choose a Streaming Service
Once you know which network is broadcasting the game, you need to choose a streaming service that carries that network. There are several popular streaming services that carry multiple networks that broadcast college basketball games. Some of the most popular ones are:
Sling TV
Sling TV offers two main packages – Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Both packages offer ESPN, while Sling Blue also includes Fox Sports and NBC Sports. With Sling TV, you can customize your package by adding extra channels that carry college basketball games, such as the SEC Network, Pac-12 Network, or the Big Ten Network.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers over 65 live TV channels, including ESPN, CBS Sports, and Fox Sports. You can also add premium channels like HBO, Showtime, and Cinemax to your package. Hulu + Live TV offers a 7-day free trial, so you can try it out before committing to a subscription.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers over 85 live TV channels, including ESPN, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. You also get unlimited DVR storage, which means you can record college basketball games and watch them later. YouTube TV also offers a 7-day free trial.
AT&T TV Now
AT&T TV Now offers multiple packages that include ESPN, CBS Sports, Fox Sports, and NBC Sports. You can choose a package based on the channels you want to watch and your budget. AT&T TV Now also offers a 7-day free trial.
Step 3: Sign Up for a Streaming Service
Once you’ve chosen a streaming service, you need to sign up for an account. Most services require you to enter your payment information and create an account before you can start streaming. Make sure to choose a plan that includes the channels you need to watch college basketball games.
Step 4: Download the App
After signing up for a streaming service, you need to download the app to your device. Most services offer apps for popular devices like smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV.
Step 5: Log In and Start Streaming
Once you’ve downloaded the app, log in using your account credentials. You should be able to access the channels that carry college basketball games. Some services might require you to download additional apps to access certain channels, so make sure to follow the instructions provided by the streaming service.
Step 6: Watch the Game
After logging in, find the channel broadcasting the college basketball game you want to watch and start streaming. Most services allow you to pause, rewind, and fast-forward live TV, so you can watch the game at your own pace. You can also use the DVR function to record the game and watch it later.
Other Options for Streaming College Basketball Games
If you’re not interested in signing up for a streaming service, there are other options for streaming college basketball games.
ESPN+
ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service that offers live sporting events, including college basketball games. It costs $5.99 per month, or $59.99 per year, and includes exclusive content like ESPN+ Originals and documentaries. You can watch ESPN+ on your smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device.
CBS All Access
CBS All Access is a subscription-based streaming service that offers live TV, including CBS Sports. It costs $5.99 per month with ads, or $9.99 per month without ads. You can also get a 7-day free trial to test the service.
NCAA March Madness Live
NCAA March Madness Live is a digital streaming service that allows you to watch all the games of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, including the Final Four and National Championship game. You can stream the games on your smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device.
The service is available for free, but some games might require a cable login or a subscription to a streaming service that carries the game.
Tips for Streaming College Basketball Games
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of streaming college basketball games:
- Make sure you have a reliable internet connection: Streaming live TV requires a strong and stable internet connection. For the best streaming experience, make sure you have a reliable internet connection with a speed of at least 5 Mbps.
- Use a wired connection if possible: If you’re streaming on a device that supports a wired connection, like a desktop computer or a smart TV, use an Ethernet cable to connect to the internet. Wired connections are more stable than Wi-Fi, which can improve your streaming quality.
- Close other apps and programs: Streaming live TV requires a lot of bandwidth, so it’s important to close other apps and programs that might be using your internet connection. This can improve your streaming quality and reduce buffering.
- Use a streaming device: If you’re streaming on a TV, consider using a streaming device like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Apple TV. These devices are designed for streaming and offer better performance than built-in smart TV apps.
- Check the schedule and plan ahead: College basketball games can have different start times depending on the network and the time zone. Make sure to check the schedule ahead of time and plan accordingly. You can also set reminders or record games using the DVR function.
Conclusion
Streaming college basketball games has never been easier. With multiple streaming services and digital platforms available, you can watch your favorite college basketball teams from the comfort of your home. By following these simple steps and tips, you can enjoy a seamless streaming experience and never miss a game again.