How to Watch NCAA Basketball Online without Cable (2022 Guide)

Are you looking for legal ways you can watch NCAA basketball online without cable or satellite? Wondering how to stream college basketball games this season on your TV, phone, tablet, or computer?

When it comes to college sports, basketball is one of the biggest you’ll find. Whether you’re watching your favorite team compete through the regular season or you’re looking for March Madness action, NCAA basketball has a lot to be excited about.

Well, unless you’re without cable. If that’s the case, you might be worried that you’re going to have to miss watching your team.

Fortunately, you don’t need cable to watch NCAA basketball. You can watch the entire season live using a streaming service!

It’s simple. Once you ditch cable, you can choose a streaming service that will replace it and give you the channels you want at a fraction of the price.

Streaming services vary, but they don’t force you into contracts, which means you can cancel (risk-free) at any point. They are also cheaper than cable, even though many offer the same channels. You also get some added perks. So, you pay less, aren’t stuck in a contract, and some nice features are part of the deal.

You don’t need cable anymore to watch sports. It doesn’t matter what sport you’re interested in, you can watch sports online, and we’ll show you how!

In the sections below you’ll find out all about what channels you need to watch NCAA basketball and where to watch those channels online without cable.

So, by the end of this guide, you will have had a chance to find the channels you need to watch NCAA basketball online and compare the services offering those channels so you can choose the right service for you!

Keep reading to learn all the important details on how to watch college basketball online without cable.

 

WHAT CHANNELS AIR NCAA BASKETBALL GAMES?

There are a variety of networks that will air NCAA basketball games, including ACCN, BTN, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, Longhorn Network, Pac 12 Network, and SEC Network. When it comes to March Madness, you’ll need access to CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. The entire series of March Madness will be played out on these five networks.

All of these channels are available through streaming services, so you won’t need cable to watch NCAA basketball. You can watch it online using everything from your phone or your tablet to your TV. You’ll be able to watch at home or on the go. All you need is access to the internet and a streaming device. Some available options include smart TVs, Roku, mobile phones and tablets, computers, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast. Some streaming services even connect through popular gaming consoles.

 

THE BEST STREAMING SERVICES TO WATCH NCAA BASKETBALL ONLINE

There is no shortage of streaming services that allow you to watch NCAA basketball without cable. In fact, all the major streaming services on the market include at least a couple of the channels you need to catch a game. The trick is to choose the service that offers the channels that will air your favorite teams. It’s simple. All you need to do is make your choice and you’ll be signed up and watching sports within minutes!

The services below will give you access to sports and entertainment at a price lower than cable. Packages will include a mix of live and on-demand network content and more. Some plans offer cloud-based DVRs, simultaneous streaming, and other features. It won’t take long for you to find the best sports streaming service to replace cable!

Here are the services that will allow you to watch NCAA basketball online!

 

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM gives you a chance to enjoy the cable experience with a streaming service. For you that means you get plenty of channels of live TV, but that you won’t sign a contract, and you’ll save some money. Multiple packages are available starting at $70 a month. You’ll start with over 65 channels, but much larger packages are available if you’re willing to pay for them.

You can find full channel details for each package in the DIRECTV STREAM channels list. Most of the channels that offer NCAA basketball are included in the packages offered. Depending on your plan, you’ll be able to watch local channels, ACCN, BTN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, SECN, and more. Some plans even offer regional sports networks. Add-on options are also available.

With DIRECTV STREAM you’ll have access to a full on-demand library with over 40,000 hours of content. If you can’t find anything on live, you’re sure to find something on-demand! Other plan features include simultaneous streaming, authentication of TV Everywhere apps, and a cloud-DVR.

You can watch DIRECTV STREAM on most streaming devices. Some available options include computers, smart phones and tablets, some smart TVs, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and more!

Our DIRECTV STREAM review has more details.

A 5-day DIRECTV STREAM free trial is available.

 

fuboTV

fuboTV is a sports-centric live streaming service that offers large packages starting at $70 per month. This is a great package option for families because there’s a good mix of sports coverage and general entertainment. Larger packages and add-ons are available for an added fee. fuboTV includes local channels in most areas, in all the packages offered. To learn even more, check out our fuboTV review.

Depending on your area, you should have some regional sports coverage. You’ll also have AMC, ACCN, BTN, SECN, ESPN, ESPN2, and many other networks. Basically, you won’t have a hard time finding an NCAA basketball live stream! You can see full channel details in the fuboTV channel lineup.

If you want to watch sports with fuboTV you’ll need an Internet connection and a streaming device. Once you have those two things, you’ll be all set. Some of the compatible streaming devices include Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, computers, Chromecast, iOS and Android devices, and more.

Your fuboTV package will also include a variety of package features. You will have an on-demand library and access to your own cloud-DVR. You can connect to TV Everywhere apps with your account. Your package will also allow for simultaneous streaming.

If this is your first time trying fuboTV, you’ll get a free one-week trial. Signup is easy, so you can be watching sports in minutes! Remember, you can cancel your account at any time.

Click here to try fuboTV free for 7-days.

 

Hulu Live

Hulu with Live TV offers 85+ channels of live TV alongside an equally robust on-demand library with Hulu Originals. This package is available from $70 a month. Local channels are included in most areas, so you should have access to ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. You’ll also have ACCN, BTN, SECN, TNT, TBS, and many other popular channels. For a full list of channels, you can check out our Hulu with Live TV channel lineup.

When you sign up for Hulu Live, your package also comes with free subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN+. You’ll also have a cloud-DVR with your account. Families will have the option of creating multiple profiles, so that everyone can have their own watchlist. Other added features include TV Everywhere app authentication, a live guide, and simultaneous streaming on multiple devices.

Hulu Live has been around a long time, so the Hulu app works with most streaming devices. You can stream Hulu Live using phones, tablets, computers, gaming consoles, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and other devices.

Take a minute and check out our Hulu Live review.

Try Hulu Live free for the first 7 days.

 

Sling TV

Sling TV is a good option if you’re a sports fan on a budget. Packages at Sling TV start around $35 per month. The one downside that many find with Sling TV is that access to local channels is close to nonexistent. A few cities will receive FOX and NBC, but otherwise, locals aren’t included. This makes Sling TV a great option for people that need those cable networks but have an antenna that covers the local ones.

Depending on your package you will have access to several channels airing NCAA basketball. Some channels include ACCN, BTN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, SECN, and more. You’ll also have channels that include TNT, AMC, TBS, truTV, and Discovery. All the channel related details are included in our Sling TV channel lineup.

If you find that a few channels are missing, you might be able to add them for an additional fee. Sling TV includes the option of several bundle packages. These small packages can be added to your base package. You spend a few more dollars but get several additional channels. This gives you a way to build the package you want.

Sling TV packages all include access to an on-demand library and TV Everywhere apps. A limited cloud-based DVR is included, as well. Additional features including simultaneous streaming are included but vary based on the package you choose.

You can watch Sling TV with many streaming devices including Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, some smart TVs, iOS and Android devices, Roku, Chromecast, and more.

You can find out even more in our Sling TV review.

Click here to try Sling TV.

 

Vidgo

Vidgo doesn’t offer the full slate of local channels, but for $60 per month they do offer a surprising number of sports networks. Really Vidgo offers a little something for everyone. There are multiple plans to choose from. Like other services, you can cancel your account whenever you want.

While access to local channels is limited, FOX and ABC are included. Other channels include ESPN, ACCN, Big Ten Network, FS1, Pac-12 regional channels, SECN, NFL Network, and many other channels. That said, there are a few channels missing, including TNT and TBS.

Streaming is possible on most of the standard streaming devices. You can connect your Vidgo app to your phone, tablet, or computer. You can also use Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV devices, Roku, or Chromecast. You’ve got plenty of options whether you plan to watch at home or from another location.

Vidgo features range from the ability to create watch parties for other Vidgo subscribers to more standard options like an on-demand library. You can also stream on several devices at the same time.

Check out our Vidgo review for additional info.

Try Vidgo today.

 

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another excellent live streaming option that will allow you to watch NCAA basketball along with many other sports. The base YouTube TV plan includes more than 85 channels for $65 per month. You should receive local channels in most areas. Some areas will also receive regional sports networks.

The YouTube TV channel lineup has full details on the channels you’ll receive. When it comes to NCAA basketball, some of the offerings include CBSSN, ACCN, BTN, FS1, ESPN, SECN, and more. When March Madness rolls around, you’ll be able to watch on TBS, TNT, and truTV.

If you want to expand your package, there are several add-on channels and bundles available at a low cost. Each package comes with access to an on-demand library including YouTube Originals. You’ll also have a cloud-based DVR with unlimited space. Access to TV Everywhere apps is included, too. Other features include multiple user profiles and simultaneous streaming.

The YouTube TV app works on most, if not all, streaming devices. You can stream using smart devices, smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, and more.

Read our YouTube TV review to find out all the details.

YouTube TV comes with a free 7-day trial.

 

FAQ

At this point, you may be ready to head off and sign up for one of the streaming services that you just learned about. On the other hand, you might have a few questions still. Here are some of the most common things we’re asked when it comes to watching NCAA basketball online without cable.

Where can I watch NCAA basketball?

Multiple channels will air NCAA basketball games over the course of the season. Additional channels will be necessary if you want to watch March Madness. All the channels you need are listed above. Some of them include ACCN, Big Ten Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, FS1, and others.

Can I watch College Basketball without cable?

You absolutely can! All you need is to choose a streaming service that offers the channels you need, and you’ll be all set! Streaming services work a lot like cable except they usually don’t cost as much. So, you’ll be able to save money and still watch the sport you love!

Can I watch NCAA Basketball online for free?

You might be able to catch a few free games if you utilize a streaming service free trial, but you won’t be able to watch the entire season for free. Like cable, you’ll still have a monthly fee that comes with your streaming plan. The difference is that it’s cheaper and you won’t be locked into a contract.

Can I stream March Madness without Cable?

March Madness will air on networks like CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV. As long as you are signed up with a streaming service that offers those channels, you’ll be all set to watch March Madness without cable.

 

A FINAL WORD ON HOW TO WATCH NCAA BASKETBALL ONLINE WITHOUT CABLE

All the major streaming services offer channels that you’d need to watch NCAA basketball without cable. That means that you have several different options to replace your cable once and for all. Each of these services offers an easy and cheaper way to watch sports and other entertainment without a cable contract.

Streaming services are all contract-free, so if you’re not happy with one, there are other options that you can try. Signup is always quick and easy and canceling can be done through your account with a few clicks of a button.

If you’re not sure what the right service for you is, consider trying out a service with a free trial. This gives you a few days to test things out and if you’re not happy, you can cancel and try another service.

If you have any other questions about how to watch NCAA basketball online without cable, you can leave them in the comments!