The season has finally arrived. College basketball fans are stuck sitting on their hands while college football and other fall sports get underway, but the 2026-27 NCAA Division I women’s basketball season is finally tipping off. From now through March, marquee women’s college basketball programs will delight and frustrate fans as they plot a course to the postseason.

As in seasons past, the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season will play out on a number of different cable sports channels. Instead of trying to stack up a bunch of on-demand streamers to try to watch each game, a live TV streaming service that will let audiences stream everything all in one place is the best way to watch the season.

But will that be prohibitively expensive? Which streaming services provide the most access to women’s college basketball games? We’ll explain what you need to know to watch your favorite women’s college basketball powerhouse on the road to March Madness during the 2026-27 regular season.

Everything you need to know about watching the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season

Which TV channels will show women’s college basketball games?

Which streamers carry the channels needed to watch women’s college basketball in 2026-27?

Since many of the most-watched women’s college basketball teams will air on different networks during the season, viewers will need a service that carries all of those channels at once. Local broadcast channels like ABC, CBS, The CW, Fox, and NBC will be needed, as well as cable sports networks like CBS Sports Network, ESPN, FS1, TNT, TBS, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, and SEC Network.

A Peacock subscription will be needed for viewers who don’t get NBC Sports Network in their channel package. Peacock will carry some exclusive college basketball games from the Big Ten and Big East this season.

So, which live TV services carry all of these channels? Find out at a glance in the chart below, then take a deep dive into each streamer and its specifics.

What are the best ways to watch women’s college basketball in 2026-27?

DIRECTV

DIRECTV offers multiple ways to watch the 2026-27 women’s college basketball season on top broadcast and cable channels. Viewers will find every needed channel in each of DIRECTV’s Signature channel packages, which range between $90 and $175 per month. Each Signature channel package has at least 90 channels, and starting with the CHOICE package, viewers can receive regional sports networks (RSNs) with their plan, too.

Viewers can also watch each of the needed channels with a DIRECTV MySports Genre Pack subscription, which slims the channel count down to just 20+, excluding news and entertainment channels — though broadcast channels are still included, as is CBS Sports Network. It costs $65 per month normally, but frequently offers deals for new subscribers.

That’s the reason we think so highly of DIRECTV when considering which streamers to use to watch women’s college basketball. It offers so many options to watch, and viewers can decide whether they want to focus in on sports with the MySports Genre Pack or get a more inclusive Signature package. You’ll still need Peacock for exclusive games on that service, but with DIRECTV’s flexibility, adding a subscription won’t be a problem.

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DIRECTV

DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

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Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

How many channels does DIRECTV have?

The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

Does DIRECTV include local channels?

Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

Does DIRECTV have live sports?

DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

5-Day Trial

$59.99+ / month

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Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another excellent choice for watching women’s college basketball games in 2026-27. It only offers one package with news, sports, and entertainment networks all in the same place: its core plan, which costs $83 per month and includes every TV channel that will carry women’s college basketball games this season. It even carries NBC Sports Network, so you won’t need to add Peacock to your account.

Audiences can also find these channels in the YouTube TV Sports Genre Plan, which is $65 per month for 30+ sports channels. Viewers can also bundle YouTube TV’s Sports Genre Plan with other genre plans in the YouTube TV lineup for even more customization, and can use awesome features like YouTube TV’s multiview to watch up to four games at once.

Free Trial

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YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 60 channels for $82.99/month. This plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets. The base plan includes more than 100 live channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, FX, USA Network, and TNT. Local channels are included in most markets, making YouTube TV a full replacement for traditional cable for many viewers.

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Sports are a major focus for YouTube TV, with access to national and regional coverage, league networks, and marquee events. The service also serves as the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, available as an add-on, giving fans access to out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. YouTube TV also offers a smaller sports plan, allowing subscribers access to 30+ sports-oriented channels, including local networks in select markets.

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost, allowing subscribers to record as many shows as they want and keep recordings for up to nine months. The service is available across a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming players, mobile devices, and web browsers. New subscribers can typically start with a free trial, though the trial length may vary by promotion.

With its broad channel lineup, strong sports offerings, unlimited DVR, and wide device support, YouTube TV remains one of the most comprehensive live TV streaming services for viewers who want a traditional TV experience without a cable contract.

Free Trial

$82.99+ / month

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New customers can save $15 per month for 5 months.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is another good choice to watch the women’s college basketball season, though not quite as good as DIRECTV or YouTube TV. Hulu + Live TV has just one plan — its core package with 90+ channels for $100 per month that also includes access to Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited. Hulu + Live TV includes nearly all the channels listed above, so viewers will be able to watch a ton of women’s college basketball games with a subscription.

Free 3-Day Trial

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Hulu Live TV

Hulu Live TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 70 channels for $89.99 per month. Hulu + Live TV base plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs). Subscribers get free access to Disney+ and ESPN Select at no extra charge.

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Where it really separates itself is value. Your subscription doesn’t just cover live TV — it also includes full access to Hulu’s on-demand library, plus bundled subscriptions to Disney+ and ESPN Select content at no extra cost. That means you’re getting everything from next-day network TV episodes and Hulu Originals, to Marvel, Star Wars, and live sports content all in one place without juggling multiple bills.

For sports fans, Hulu + Live TV also includes regional sports networks (RSNs) in select areas, a feature many competing services have dropped. That can be a big deal if you’re trying to follow local MLB, NBA, or NHL teams.

The DVR experience is another strong point. Subscribers get unlimited cloud DVR storage and the ability to fast-forward through commercials on recorded content — a feature that used to cost extra but is now standard. It’s designed to feel closer to a traditional cable DVR, just without the box.

If you want to customize further, several add-ons are available. You can upgrade to premium channels like HBO, Showtime, or Starz, add an unlimited streams option for households with lots of viewers, or go ad-free on Hulu’s on-demand content (live TV will still include ads).

Overall, Hulu + Live TV is less about being the cheapest option and more about being the most comprehensive. It’s built for people who want live TV, on-demand shows, and bundled streaming services all under one roof — without having to piece everything together themselves.

Free 3-Day Trial

$89.99+ / month

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Fubo

Fubo is definitely an option for watching some women’s college basketball games this season, namely those found on local broadcast channels, ESPN channels, and FS1. But Fubo does not carry TNT or TBS anywhere, which will leave some gaping holes for viewers as they try to watch games throughout the season. Viewers will have to bundle Fubo with an HBO Max ad-free plan starting at $18.49 per month to watch those games. Fubo’s Pro plan starts at $89 per month, and its Fubo Sports genre plan costs $65 per month.

Free Trial

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Fubo

Fubo is a live TV streaming service offering a robust lineup of approximately 150 premier channels, with plans starting at $63.99 per month. This entry-level package provides access to local broadcast affiliates 18 of the leading 35 cable channels channels, and valuable regional sports networks (RSNs).

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For many other sports enthusiasts, particularly those who prioritize access to local sports broadcasts, Fubo is a compelling choice in our view. Featuring FanDuel Sports RSNs in its channel lineup, Fubo stands out as the most budget-friendly option for RSN access across numerous markets, including Altitude, AT&T Sports, Fox Sports, Marquee, MSG, NBC Sports, and NESN. (Explore the comprehensive list of Fubo’s sports channels.) Fubo recently launched an add-on to their sports package, allowing subscribers access to local RSNs as well.

In September 2025, Fubo also launched its Sports package for $45.99 per month, featuring a variety of sports-oriented channels including ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates (in select markets) as well as ACC Network, Big 10 Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox News, FS1, FS2, Fubo Sports Network, ION, NFL Network, SEC Network and Tennis Channel.

Fubo further enriches its sports offerings by including MLB Network, NBA TV, NFL Network, NFL RedZone , NHL Network and beIN Sports (a channel not commonly found on competing services). For expanded soccer coverage, you can opt for Fox Soccer Plus via the International Sports Plus add-on for an additional $7/month.

Additionally, you have the option to enhance your channel variety with the Fubo Extra ($8), which incorporates approximately ~38 channels more channels, featuring popular selections like GSN.

Free Trial

$63.99+ / month

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Sling TV

Sling TV carries some major women’s college basketball games in 2026-27, but it’s a far cry from comprehensive. There is no CBS or The CW access on Sling TV, and the streamer splits Fox Sports channels and ESPN channels into different packages. ABC, Fox, and NBC are only found on Sling in select areas, but packages starting at just $20 per month will no doubt attract some fans to this streamer.

Save with Sling

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Sling TV

Sling TV is The Streamable’s choice for cord-cutters on a budget. Sling is a live TV streaming service with multiple channel packages. The $45.99/month Sling Orange plan offers about 30 channels, including Disney Channel and ESPN. The $45.99/month Sling Blue plan offers about 40 channels, including ABC, Fox, and NBC in major markets.

You can combine Orange+Blue for a total of $60.99 / month. Sling also offers many channel add-on packages starting at $6/month.

Save with Sling

$19.99+ / month

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