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Watch Kentucky Wildcats Online: Best Streaming Services With NCAA Coverage

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The Kentucky Wildcats are one of the best men’s basketball teams in the NCAA. They are followed both locally and nationally. As a result, you can find all their games on major national channels. Read on to learn how the Big Blue Nation can watch college hoops without cable.

In a hurry? Wildcats games are usually aired on ESPN-related channels. These services provide all you need to see every Kentucky game and a lot more!

  • Fubo: The best streaming service for international sports also provides 150+ well-selected channels. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.
  • DIRECTV STREAM: Get a great channel lineup with the best selection of RSNs in the industry. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV STREAM.
  • Hulu + Live TV: This total entertainment streaming service provides a great on-demand selection and all the essential live TV channels.

If you can’t watch your favorite sports because of your location, get ExpressVPN to access the content you deserve.

In a hurry? Unfortunately, we don’t know a streaming service in that offers this TV channel/sport. But if you’ve already paid for the right service, and just can’t watch because of your location, there is an easy way to get the sports, movies, and TV you deserve. You need a VPN, like one of the following.

ExpressVPN

1. ExpressVPN: Established VPN provider in 105 countries. Smart DNS, a built-in ad-blocker, and unlimited bandwidth. Try it with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to begin, you’ll find all the answers in our full VPN guide.

The Kentucky Wildcats are one of the founding members of the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and they currently sponsor 13 sports at the varsity level.

In addition to the men’s and women’s basketball team and men’s football team, the school participates in other mainstream sports such as soccer, gymnastics, and tennis.

Let’s take a closer look at the history of the school, its athletic programs, and how you can watch Kentucky athletics from wherever you happen to be.

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ACU vs Kentucky (Wildcats vs Wildcats)
Cropped from ACU vs Kentucky by Thomas S under CC BY-SA 2.0.

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If you can’t watch your favorite events or teams because of your location, a VPN will allow you to get the access you are entitled to, plus extra security and unequaled privacy. Check out our VPN Guide for everything you need to know, including our top pick ExpressVPN.

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Kentucky Wildcats in the March Madness Tournament

The Kentucky Wildcats men’s team had an outstanding season and will now participate in the 2024 March Madness. They are No 12 in the Coaches and AP rankings.

The women’s team had a poor season ending toward the bottom of the SEC. They will not move on to the tournament.

DateTime (ET)TeamsTV
Thu Mar 217:10 pmU Kentucky vs OaklandCBS

Watching Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Live: TV Channels and Streaming Services

Kentucky basketball games are featured on a variety of channels but almost all of them are related to ESPN. The most common channel is SEC Network (SECN) or its substation (SECN+). Games also appear on ESPN itself and CBS.

If Kentucky is playing a non-conference opponent, it’s possible that the contest will be shown on a network that typically broadcasts teams featuring that conference. For example, if the Cats were playing against an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent such as Syracuse or Clemson, that game might be shown on the ACC Network.

The women’s team games appear on the same channels as the men’s team games although there are a lot more that appear on SECN+. This station should be available with any subscription that includes SECN — either directly or via TV Everywhere.

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FuboTV SEC Network
SEC Network and related channels on FuboTV.

Streaming Services for Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Games: A Comprehensive Guide

Most of the major streaming services provide access to the ESPN channels, SEC Network channels and local channels. Here are our favorites.

FuboTV’s Guide to Streaming Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Live

fubotv logo

FuboTV starts at $79.99/mo, and the lowest service tier comes with ESPN and ESPN2. There are over 35 sports channels with CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) in the lineup. There are also all the major four local channels in the base package. With the Fubo Extra add-on for $7.99/mo, you get 58 extra channels including ESPNU, SEC Network, and Pac-12 Network.

The base plan comes with 1000 hours of cloud DVR and simultaneous streaming on up to ten devices. Our FuboTV review has all the details.

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DIRECTV STREAM: Your Access to Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Live

DIRECTV STREAM

DIRECTV STREAM Entertainment plan provides CBS, CBSSN, ESPN, and ESPN2. To get SEC Network and ESPNU, you’ll need to upgrade to the Choice plan, which costs $108.99/mo. But there are many other advantages to this plan.

Choice plan has over 100 channels, unlimited cloud DVR and watching on unlimited streaming devices. See our DIRECTV STREAM review.

Get DIRECTV STREAM Free for 5 Days

Hulu + Live TV for Streaming Kentucky Wildcats Basketball: A How-To Guide

hulu logo

For $76.99/mo, Hulu Live provides local network affiliates, ESPN, ESPN2, and CBSSN. It is one of three streaming services that offer SEC Network in its base package. In all, you get 100+ live TV channels, as well as Disney+ and ESPN+.

This plan comes with unlimited cloud DVR (9-month storage) and streaming on up to two devices at a time. Get more information in our Hulu + Live TV review.

Try Hulu + Live TV Today!

Sling TV: Catching Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Games Live

Sling TV Logo (2021 100x50)

Sling Orange comes with ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN3 (includes ABC Sports) plus roughly 30 other channels for just $40.00/mo. If you want SEC Network, you can add Sports Extra for $11/mo more. CBSSN is not available. It’s still a great deal.

This plan limits you to using one screen at a time, but it does come with 50 hours of cloud DVR storage. See our Sling TV review for more information, as well as our guide and schedule to March Madness.

Save 50% on Sling TV Now

Watching Kentucky Wildcats Games With YouTube TV

youtube tv

YouTube TV goes for $72.99/mo. For that price you get 100+ channels. There are four ESPN channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPNews. You also get local channels including ABC. SEC Network is also part of its channel lineup.

A cloud DVR is available and you can watch on several streaming devices at the same time.

Streaming Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Games on Paramount+

Paramount+

Paramount+ Premium gives you access to all content shown on CBS and CBSSN. This is the best streaming service to pair with Sling TV, which does not offer CBS or CBSSN for an additional cost of $11.99/mo. Read more about this in our Paramount+ review.

Try Paramount+ for Free!

Sling TV - SEC Network - Android
Sling TV running on an Android phone with SEC Network.

Best Devices for Streaming Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Live

Fubo, Sling, DIRECTV, and Hulu all support the major streaming devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android mobile, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, iOS (iPad, iPhone), Roku, and web browsers.

Sling, Fubo, Hulu Live, and Paramount+ support Vizio smart TVs, LG smart TVs, Samsung smart TVs, and Xbox gaming systems. PlayStation and Nintendo Switch units are supported by Hulu.

All three streaming services support other less popular devices. See our individual reviews for complete lists.

Superpower Your Sports Streaming With a VPN

For the sake of privacy, security, and access, you should be using a VPN. They are low-cost and easy to use. We’ve been using them for years and our top pick is ExpressVPN. Other brands worth checking out include Hotspot Shield and CyberGhost.

i Our VPN Buyer’s Guide provides a complete introduction and all you need to know to choose the best VPN for your needs.

The Legacy and History of Kentucky Wildcats Basketball

The Wildcats got their nickname from a quote that was uttered after a football game played in 1909 against Illinois. Speaking at a church service the morning after the contest, the head of a nearby military college said that the team had fought like the ferocious jungle creatures. Several years later, the school officially adopted the moniker for all of its sports programs.

In recent years, the Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball teams have had varying levels of success. The men’s program won its most recent national championship in 2012 and appeared in the national championship game in 2014. The women’s team made the NCAA tournament in 2021 and advanced to the second round before being eliminated by Iowa.

Although the school is best known for its success in men’s basketball, the women’s team was the first to make its debut in 1902. The men’s squad would be created a year later. In the 1920s, the women’s program would be abolished until 1974 based on the strange premise that women weren’t physically capable of doing so.

The Wildcats have rivalries Tennessee Volunteers, Louisville Cardinals, Indiana Hoosiers, and Florida Gators.

Kentucky Wildcats Men’s Basketball: Team Insights and Analysis

The men’s team is currently coached by John Calipari in his 14th season with a record of 386–111 (78%). He has led them to 6 SEC regular season championships and 6 SEC Tournament championships in that time. And the team has participated in the postseason (March Madness) 11 times — going to the finals twice and winning once in 2012.

It plays its home games at Rupp Arena in Lexington. It is named after Adolph Rupp, who was one of the most successful coaches in school history. He was hired by the school in 1930 and would remain there until 1972. During that time, his teams won four national championships as well as a National Invitational Tournament (NIT) title.

Throughout its history, the basketball team representing the University of Kentucky has produced a number of top players who have gone on to have long professional careers. Those players include Devin Booker, John Wall, and Anthony Davis. In 2010, four Kentucky players were selected by NBA teams in that year’s draft.

The current squad includes Antonio Reeves (points leader), Reed Sheppard (assists, steals leader), Rob Dillingham, Justin Edwards, DJ Wagner, Tre Mitchell (rebounds leader), Aaron Bradshaw, Adou Thiero (blocked shots leader), Ugonna Onyenso, and Jordan Burks. Zvonimir Ivisic joined the team late in the season and is already having an impact.

2023-2024 Men’s Basketball Schedule

DateTime (ET)GameTV
Mon Nov 6vs New Mexico State
Fri Nov 10vs Texas A&M-CommerceESPN+/SECN+
Tue Nov 14vs KansasESPN
Fri Nov 17vs StonehillESPN+/SECN+
Mon Nov 20vs Saint Joseph’s
Fri Nov 24vs Marshall
Tue Nov 28vs MiamiESPN
Sat Dec 2vs UNC Wilmington
Sat Dec 9@ PennsylvaniaESPN2
Sat Dec 16vs North Carolina
Thu Dec 21@ LouisvilleESPN
Fri Dec 29vs Illinois State
Sat Jan 6@ FloridaESPN
Tue Jan 9vs MissouriESPN
Sat Jan 13@ Texas A&MESPN
Wed Jan 17vs Mississippi StateESPN2
Sat Jan 20vs GeorgiaSECN
Tue Jan 23@ South CarolinaSECN
Sat Jan 27@ ArkansasESPN
Wed Jan 31vs FloridaESPN
Sat Feb 3vs TennesseeESPN
Tue Feb 6@ VanderbiltSECN
Sat Feb 10vs Gonzaga
Tue Feb 13vs Ole MissESPN
Sat Feb 17@ AuburnESPN
Wed Feb 21@ LSUESPN
Sat Feb 24vs Alabama
Tue Feb 27@ Mississippi StateESPN
Sat Mar 2vs Arkansas
Wed Mar 6vs VanderbiltSECN
Sat Mar 9@ Tennessee

Kentucky Wildcats Women’s Basketball: Team Insights and Analysis

The women’s team has had excellent teams recently — going to the NCAA Tournament 7 of the last 10 years.

Kyra Elzy is in her fourth season as head coach of the Wildcats. The team plays its home games at the Memorial Coliseum. This is the same arena where the men’s team played until 1976 when Rupp Arena was built.

The team features Emma King, Eniya Russell, Brooklynn Miles, Saniah Tyler, Ajae Petty (points, rebounds, blocked shots leader), Cassidy Rowe, Janae Walker, Maddie Scherr (assists, steals leader), and Amiya Jenkins.

In 1983, the Wildcats were ranked fourth in the nation, which was the school’s highest ranking. That squad was led by all-time greats Valerie Still and Lea Wise.

2023-2024 Women’s Basketball Schedule

DateTime (ET)GameTV
Tue Nov 7vs East Tennessee StateSECN+
Sat Nov 11vs South Carolina UpstateSECN
Tue Nov 14vs Austin PeaySECN
Sun Nov 19@ Florida Gulf CoastESPN+
Thu Nov 23vs NC StateESPN+
Fri Nov 24vs Colorado
Sat Nov 25vs Cincinnati
Thu Nov 30vs Boston CollegeSECN
Sun Dec 3vs Tennessee TechSECN+
Wed Dec 6vs MinnesotaSECN+
Sun Dec 10@ LouisvilleSECN+
Sun Dec 17vs FurmanSECN+
Thu Dec 21vs LipscombSECN+
Sun Dec 31vs SamfordSECN+
Thu Jan 4vs Arkansas
Sun Jan 7@ TennesseeSECN
Thu Jan 11vs Vanderbilt
Mon Jan 15@ South CarolinaSECN
Sun Jan 21vs Missouri
Thu Jan 25@ Arkansas
Sun Jan 28@ AlabamaSECN
Thu Feb 1vs Mississippi State
Sun Feb 4@ GeorgiaSECN
Sun Feb 11vs Texas A&M
Thu Feb 15@ AuburnSECN
Sun Feb 18vs FloridaSECN
Thu Feb 22@ Mississippi State
Sun Feb 25vs South CarolinaSECN
Thu Feb 29vs Ole Miss
Sun Mar 3@ LSUSECN

Exploring Other Sports Beyond Kentucky Wildcats Basketball

As noted above, the Wildcats have a lot of sports worth watching.

Kentucky Wildcats Football

Both basketball programs were created about a decade after the school started playing football. Kentucky’s football team was coached by the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant for eight seasons from 1946 to 1954, and the team was retroactively named the 1950 national champions in 2004.

During the 1950 season, the Wildcats defeated Oklahoma in its bowl game, and at the time, the Sooners were the top ranked team in the country. It’s believed that Kentucky would have likely been the consensus pick to win the title that year if the NCAA had a formal process for naming a champion.

Kentucky’s football team went 9-3 during the 2021 season and qualified for the Citrus Bowl. The team has featured several notable names in recent years including current quarterback Will Levis and 2019 first round NFL draft pick Josh Allen.

The Wildcats are currently coached by Will Stoops and play their home games at Kroger Field. Kentucky’s top rivals in football include Louisville, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt. In a typical year, the Wildcats will play the Louisville Cardinals during the final week of the season for the Governor’s Cup.

The Wildcat football games appear on the same channels as the basketball games.

Other Kentucky Wildcats Sports Programs

Since 2012, the track and field team has won 29 individual conference championships and an additional six at the national level. The school’s cheerleading team has won 24 national titles and have made the cheerleading tournament finals every year that it has existed.

The school’s baseball and softball teams have had a sustained run of success over the past decade thanks to new coaches and new stadiums. In 2018, the baseball team moved to Kentucky Proud Park while the softball team moved into John Cropp Stadium in 2013. In 2012, the baseball team earned its only number one ranking during a year in which it won 45 games and advanced to the NCAA tournament.

These games appear on ESPNU, SECN, SECN+, as well as ESPN+.

Wrapping Up

The Kentucky Wildcats are a popular team and so often featured on live TV. Any of the streaming services listed above will provide good coverage.

We recommend FuboTV for Wildcats fans. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.

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FAQs

How can I watch more basketball teams playing this year?

The following guides explain how to watch other NCAA college basketball teams without cable.

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