The Sugar Bowl is an annual spectacle that’s graced the gridiron since 1935. Nestled in the vibrant ambiance of New Orleans, the popular bowl game boasts a storied legacy that continues this season.
On Thursday, January 1, 2026, the SEC’s Georgia Bulldogs will square off against Ole Miss. The Sugar Bowl this year and next serves as one of four CFP quarterfinals.
I’ve got all the sweet, sweet info for how to watch this game on TV, including which traditional or streaming services you’ll need.
What channel shows the Sugar Bowl?
The Sugar Bowl will air on ESPN, with coverage beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 1. Spanish speakers will be covered by ESPN Deportes.
Want radio coverage? You can listen to the Sugar Bowl on ESPN Radio, featuring commentary by Taylor Zarzour, Matt Stinchcomb, and Cole Cubelic.
Best Sugar Bowl TV plans
Hulu + Live TV is my favorite TV provider for watching the college football bowl season—including the Sugar Bowl. Starting at $82.99 per month, the live TV streaming service comes with the entire ESPN suite of channels. You even get ESPN Select at no extra cost.
Of course, Hulu + Live TV isn’t as affordable as it once was. If you want a less expensive TV plan, Sling TV offers ESPN in its Sling Orange plan for $45.99 per month. That’s nearly half the price of Hulu + Live TV.
If all you care about is ESPN’s family of channels and don’t want or need a bulky TV plan, ESPN Unlimited is the way to go. It’s the least expensive of any of my recommendations at $29.99 per month, and can be accessed through the ESPN app.
Which TV providers carry the Sugar Bowl?
Most TV providers carry the Sugar Bowl because ESPN is a common channel across cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services.
| Provider | Type | Price | ESPN | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | Cable | $71.00–$162.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Cox Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | Satellite | $89.99–$169.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV Read DIRECTV review |
| DISH | Satellite | $89.99–$119.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for DISH Read DISH review |
| Fubo | Streaming | $14.99–$94.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
| Hulu + Live TV | Streaming | $88.99–$99.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | Cable | $15.00–$140.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Optimum Read Optimum review |
| Philo | Streaming | $28.00/mo. | — |
View Plans for Philo Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | Streaming | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | Cable | $40.00–$110.00/mo. | ✔ |
Check Availability Read Spectrum review |
| Verizon Fios | Cable | $105.00–$149.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Verizon Read Verizon Fios review |
| Xfinity | Cable | $55.00–$125.00/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for Xfinity Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | Streaming | $82.99/mo. | ✔ |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date.
How to watch the Sugar Bowl for free
The only free way to watch the Sugar Bowl is to sign up for a live TV streaming trial. Fubo offers a fantastic seven-day free trial that includes ESPN and other key sports networks.
Not for nothing: With three bowl games on New Year’s Day, that free trial will also get you the Orange Bowl and Rose Bowl.
For more football info, head to our main College Football Bowl Games guide for the complete schedule so you can plan your postseason viewing.
How to watch the Sugar Bowl FAQ
Where and when is the Sugar Bowl?
This season’s Sugar Bowl will occur at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The game will kick off at 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, on ESPN.
Where can I stream the Sugar Bowl?
You can stream the Sugar Bowl with any live TV streaming service that carries ESPN. If you’re a cable or satellite TV subscriber, you can stream the game by signing in to the ESPN app with your TV provider credentials.
Will the Sugar Bowl be on ABC?
No, this season’s Sugar Bowl won’t air on ABC. Instead, you can watch the game with English-language commentary on ESPN.
Is the Sugar Bowl on YouTube TV?
Yes, you can stream the Sugar Bowl on ESPN via YouTube TV. The live TV streaming service carries every channel required for watching the college football bowl season.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com sports editor, Taylor Kujawa, examined 13 of the nation’s top TV providers to determine the best ways to watch the Sugar Bowl. After researching the game’s broadcast info, he compared each provider’s channel offerings, pricing, and features. He then determined our top viewing recommendations, emphasizing the most inexpensive and easy-to-use services.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
