How To Watch the 2026 UFL Season on TV
The gridiron is heating up this spring! Score big with our guide to watching UFL games on ESPN and FOX Sports.
Spring football is back as the United Football League (UFL) looks to deliver an action-packed third season.
The league added three new teams, and updated the names and venues of two others. There’s excitement around UFL for 2026, and I have all the information on how you can watch every game.
The season kicks off on Friday, March 27, and will feature 40 regular season games and three postseason games. Throughout the season, fans can catch every snap on ESPN and FOX Sports networks.
Ready to tune in? Get your game face on as we uncover how to watch the UFL this season, including channel listings and free viewing options.
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What channels have UFL games?
The 2026 UFL season will air on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, FOX, and FS1. Additionally, FOX Deportes and ESPN Deportes will carry select games with Spanish-language commentary.
Here’s a list of the five UFL channels and their game counts:
- ABC (13)
- ESPN (6)
- ESPN2 (3)
- FOX (18)
- FS1 (2)
UFL schedule: Key events and channels
The UFL’s 43-game schedule includes regular-season and postseason games. All eight teams will play 10 games, with the top two from each division competing in a semifinal match. In mid-June, the divisional winners will face off in the UFL Championship Game at a to-be-determined location.
Data effective as of post date.
Best UFL TV plans for watching the most games
ESPN and FOX channels are easily accessible through most cable, satellite, and live TV streaming providers. But if you’re looking to tackle a new TV game plan, we have some recommendations to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
- Hulu + Live TV: With every UFL channel and ESPN Unlimited included at no extra cost, Hulu + Live TV is my favorite live TV service for watching the UFL. You’ll get 95+ channels, unlimited DVR storage, and a library of on-demand content.
- ESPN Unlimited: Every UFL matchup that airs on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2 also streams on ESPN Unlimited. I recommend pairing an ESPN Unlimited subscription with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to pick up your local FOX channel. With that combo, you’ll get every UFL game in your region except the ones that airs on FS1.
- ESPN, FOX One bundle: If you’re more into streaming and also don’t want an expensive TV plan, bundling ESPN and FOX One will get you every UFL game.
- Antenna TV: You can watch 31 UFL games this season using an OTA antenna if you live within range of ABC and FOX affiliate stations. We cover this method more in our free UFL viewing options section below.
Which TV providers carry UFL games?
Any TV provider that offers ESPN and FOX Sports channels will carry UFL games. If you prefer scouting TV plans on your own, our table below highlights the availability of ABC, ESPN, and FOX across 12 popular services.
| Provider | Price | ABC | ESPN | FOX | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cox | $20.00–$184.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Cox Read Cox review |
| DIRECTV | $89.99–$169.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for DIRECTV Read DIRECTV review |
| DISH | $89.99–$119.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for DISH Read DISH review |
| Fubo | $14.99–$94.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for FuboTV Read Fubo review |
| Hulu + Live TV | $88.99–$99.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Hulu Read Hulu + Live TV review |
| Optimum | $15.00–$140.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Optimum Read Optimum review |
| Philo | $33.00/mo. | — | — | — |
View Plans for Philo Read Philo review |
| Sling TV | $19.99–$60.99/mo. | ✔* | ✔ | ✔* |
View Plans for Sling TV Read Sling TV review |
| Spectrum | $45.00–$160.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Check Availability Read Spectrum review |
| Verizon Fios | $105.00–$149.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Verizon Read Verizon Fios review |
| Xfinity | $55.00–$125.00/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for Xfinity Read Xfinity review |
| YouTube TV | $82.99/mo. | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
View Plans for YouTube TV Read YouTube TV review |
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Available only in select markets.
How can I watch the UFL for free?
†CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Amazon.com Price; $47.00 (as of 3/6/25 2:00 p.m. CT). Read full disclaimer.
You can watch many UFL games for free on ABC and FOX using a digital antenna. To do this, you should verify that the two channels are available in your town by entering your zip code on the FCC’s Reception Map Tool.
If you need an antenna recommendation, we like the Mohu Leaf 50 for its 60-mile range and multidirectional design. But we also list several other great antenna options on our Best OTA Antennas page.
How to watch the UFL FAQ
Where can I stream UFL games?
You can stream UFL games on ESPN Unlimited and the FOX Sports app. ESPN and FOX Sports channels are also accessible on live TV streaming services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
Is the UFL on Peacock?
No, Peacock won’t stream any UFL games this season. The service carried USFL games in 2023, but NBC opted out of being a UFL broadcast partner.
What are the UFL teams for 2026?
The following eight teams will compete in the UFL’s 2026 season:
- Birmingham Stallions
- Columbus Aviators
- Dallas Renegades
- DC Defenders
- Houston Gamblers
- Louisville Kings
- Orlando Storm
- St. Louis Battlehawks
Can I watch the UFL without for free?
Yes. Any games airing on ABC or FOX can be watched for free with an over-the-air antenna. Otherwise, you can get a free trial to a live TV streaming service like DIRECTV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo. But streaming trials are only for a limited time.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com sports editor, Taylor Kujawa, researched and tested the top ways to watch the UFL this season. He compared the plans, prices, and UFL coverage of over 12 TV services. With that information, he determined our viewing recommendations—emphasizing availability and ease of use.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
Disclaimer
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
†Amazon.com price as of 3/6/25 2:00 p.m. CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
