How To Watch the Liberty Bowl: Navy vs. Cincinnati
Get ready for the 2026 Liberty Bowl
The AutoZone Liberty Bowl is one of those games that feels like pure college football. Played in the historic Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, it brings together the Big 12 and the SEC for a regional tussle that prides itself on patriotism and tradition. The weather is usually cold, the crowd is loud, and the halftime show is famously elaborate.
This year, Navy and Cincinnati will try to win the bowl championship and bragging rights.
I always keep an eye on the over/under for this game. You typically get a clash of styles, with high-flying Big 12 offenses running into SEC speed. It’s a game that often turns into a shootout, and because Memphis is such a central location for many fan bases, the stadium energy translates surprisingly well through the TV screen.
Here is how you can tune in to watch the 2026 Liberty Bowl.
What channel shows the Liberty Bowl?
You can watch the 2026 Liberty Bowl live on ESPN on Friday, January 2, at 4:30 p.m. As with most ESPN bowl games, you can also stream the broadcast via the ESPN app or website if you have the proper credentials.
Best TV plans for watching the Liberty Bowl
Since the Liberty Bowl is an ESPN production, you’ll need a subscription service. Hulu + Live TV is a favorite of mine for games like this. It has ESPN and an easy-to-use interface. It also features ESPN Select and Disney+ at no extra cost.
For a budget-friendly alternative, the standalone ESPN Unlimited is a great option. Not only will you get regular ESPN, but every other channel the company owns.
How to watch the Liberty Bowl FAQ
Can I stream the Liberty Bowl on the ESPN app?
Yes, a Liberty Bowl stream is available on the ESPN app if you authenticate with a TV provider login. You can also unlock the game by signing up for ESPN Unlimited.
Where is the Liberty Bowl played?
The Liberty Bowl takes place at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee. It's the home field of the University of Memphis Tigers football team.
What conferences play in the Liberty Bowl?
The Liberty Bowl features a matchup between the Big 12 Conference and the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com editorial team researched the Liberty 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.
