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Women’s March Madness returns for the 2026 NCAA tournament, and the undefeated UConn Huskies are looking to run it back as champions for a second season in a row — but not without some tough competition from UCLA, Texas and 2024 national champions South Carolina.
Ahead of the First Round, commencing on Friday, March 20, fans can catch the First Four — Nebraska vs. Richmond, Missouri State vs. SFA, Southern U. vs. Samford and Virginia vs. Arizona State — on March 18 and 19. And since the First Four air on ESPN2, cord-cutters can watch live on any streaming service that carries the network, including DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Fubo (with a five-day free trial), Sling and Hulu + Live TV.
In addition to ESPN2, the Women’s March Madness tournament will be broadcast across ESPN, ESPNU, ESPNews and ABC. While the easiest way to catch every game is through DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), The Hollywood Reporter is further outlining each option ahead, including the best streaming deals and which channels are included in which packages.
At a Glance: How to Watch 2026 NCAA Women’s March Madness Online
How to Watch Women’s March Madness 2026: NCAA Livestream Without Cable
Women’s March Madness games air across ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews and ABC, which can be streamed live on any TV streaming service that carries those networks, including DirecTV (with a five-day free trial), Fubo (with a five-day free trial), Sling and Hulu + Live TV.
Below, THR is breaking down which streaming packages are needed to access each of the five key channels, along with any free trials and subscription deals. To find more detailed channel and timing info for individual games, see here for the 2026 Women’s March Madness schedule.
DirecTV
Five-day free trial; packages from $19.99 per month
ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC are included in any of DirecTV’s signature packages: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate and Premiere. ESPNU and ESPNews are included in every signature package except for Entertainment (Choice, Ultimate and Premiere).
For avid sports fans, DirecTV’s MySports Genre Pack offers 20+ sports and broadcast networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews and ABC included), plus an ESPN Unlimited subscription. Regularly $64.99 per month, DirecTV’s current promotion offers the first two months of MySports for $44.99 per month, following its five-day free trial across all packages.
Learn more about each plan option, including how to build your own channel lineup (starting at just $19.99 per month), at directv.com.
Fubo
Five-day free trial; packages from $55.99 per month ($45.99 for first month)
A subscription to Fubo, which offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers, similarly offers access to ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPNews, along with ESPN Unlimited, all included in the Fubo Sports + News package. After the free trial period, the Sports + News package is $45.99 for the first month and $55.99 monthly afterward. While this plan includes 29 channels, Fubo offers other packages with a larger selection (better intended for non-sports fans).
For the best of both worlds, opt for the Fubo Pro plan, which includes 200+ channels across sports, family, news and so on. Following the free trial period, the Pro package is $48.99 for the first month and $73.99 per month thereafter. Compare these packages and more at Fubo.tv.
Sling
Half off first month for select plans
For sports fans, Sling offers one of the widest variety of plan options, all listed here. The Orange + Sports Extra is a solid option for college basketball fans as it includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ABC local and more. This bundle rings up at $56.99: $45.99 for Orange, plus $11 for Sports Extra.
Also, unique to Sling is the option of a 1-Day Pass, 3-Day Pass or 7-Day pass for the Sling Orange plan, which includes ESPN and ESPN2. Compare Sling’s sports packages at Sling.com/Sports.
Hulu + Live TV
Three-day free trial; packages from $89.99 per month
Watch ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and ESPNews with a subscription to Hulu + Live TV, which comes bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+. Following the three-day trial period, plans start at $89.99 per month.
NCAA Women’s March Madness 2026 Schedule, Dates
- Selection Sunday: March 15
- First Four: March 18-19
- First Round: March 20-21
- Second Round: March 22-23
- Sweet 16: March 27-28
- Elite Eight: March 29-30
- Final Four: April 3
- NCAA championship game: April 5
Related: NCAA Men’s March Madness 2026: Where to Watch College Basketball Tournament Games Live Online
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