How To Watch the Independence Bowl
✦ Edited and fact-checked by Sports Editor Taylor Kujawa, our resident TV expert with over eight years of covering sports.
Get ready for the 2025 Independence Bowl
While some bowl games rely on palm trees and beaches, the Independence Bowl offers something grittier: pure, old-school football. Established in 1976 and played in Shreveport, Louisiana, this game has long been a staple of the “middle class” bowl season. It typically pits the Big 12 against a rotating partner, creating a fascinating clash of gridiron styles.
I’ve always appreciated the toughness of this bowl. Shreveport in late December isn’t a tropical vacation. It can be cold and damp (and snowy), which often levels the playing field and turns the game into a defensive struggle. It’s the perfect watch for fans who appreciate the sport’s history and want to see a Power 4 team tested by a hungry underdog in a blue-collar environment.
To make sure you don’t miss a snap of the action in Shreveport, here’s my guide on how to watch the 2025 Independence Bowl.
What channel shows the Independence Bowl?
You can watch the 2025 Independence Bowl exclusively on ESPN. The game kicks off on Tuesday, December 30, at 2:00 p.m. ET.
If you don’t have a cable box, you can stream the game live via the ESPN app. The afternoon time slot makes this the perfect second-screen companion while you wrap up your end-of-year work.
Best TV plans for watching the Independence Bowl
To watch this game, access to ESPN is non-negotiable. If you want a comprehensive sports package that covers the Independence Bowl and the College Football Playoff, Hulu + Live TV is my top recommendation. The interface is snappy, the DVR storage is unlimited, and it carries all the local and national networks you need for a complete bowl season diet.
For those strictly looking for the cheapest way to tune in, check out Sling TV. The Sling Orange package is one of the most affordable ways to get ESPN live. Just keep in mind that Sling Orange is a single-stream service, so you won’t be able to share your login with friends during the game.
You can also go straight to the source with ESPN Unlimited, giving you every ESPN channel without the bloat of a full live TV package. If you want to skip the reality TV reruns and focus purely on the football, this is your leanest option.
How to watch the Independence Bowl FAQ
Can I stream the Independence Bowl on the ESPN app?
Yes, you can watch the Independence Bowl live stream on the ESPN app. But first, you must sign in with a valid TV provider or subscribe to ESPN Unlimited.
here is the Independence Bowl played?
The Independence Bowl takes place at the appropriately named Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.
What conferences play in the Independence Bowl?
The bowl game generally features a matchup between a Big 12 team and a rotating partner, such as the Army Black Knights or another team from the American Conference.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com editorial team researched the Independence Bowl’s official broadcast rights and cross-referenced them with the channel lineups of every major TV provider. We then selected our viewing recommendations based on our hands-on testing, identifying the most cost-effective and straightforward ways for you to watch the game.
To learn more about our methods, check out our How We Rank page.
