You're sitting there, wings ready, jersey on, and you realize you have no idea where to find the game. It happens to the best of us. Whether it’s Bruce Pearl’s squad tearing up the hardwood or a high-stakes SEC matchup on the gridiron, finding out what channel is Auburn on shouldn't feel like a riddle.
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Auburn Tigers men's basketball team is hosting South Carolina at Neville Arena. If you are looking for the TV broadcast, you need to head over to SEC Network. The tip-off is set for 5:00 PM CST (6:00 PM EST).
Finding the Tigers on Your TV Dial
Look, the SEC’s media rights deal with Disney has basically moved everything to the ESPN family. Gone are the days of flipping through random local channels to find a game. If it’s Auburn athletics, you are almost certainly looking for one of three or four specific spots.
For the basketball game tonight against the Gamecocks, SEC Network is the primary home. If you have a standard cable or satellite package, it’s usually tucked away in the sports tier. On DirecTV, you’ll typically find it on channel 611. If you're a Dish Network subscriber, check channel 404.
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But what if the game isn't on the main SEC Network? Sometimes, especially with the "Nothing but Neon" themed games or high-profile Saturday slates, they might flex things to ESPN or ESPN2. Tonight, however, the official word is SEC Network.
Streaming Options for Cord Cutters
If you’ve ditched the cable box, you’ve got plenty of options, but they aren't all created equal. You can't just rely on a digital antenna because these games aren't on ABC or CBS as often as they used to be.
- Fubo: This is honestly one of the better bets for sports fans because it carries the SEC Network and all the ESPN channels in its base Pro package.
- Hulu + Live TV: Kinda the gold standard for SEC fans right now. It includes the SEC Network and also gives you access to ESPN+, which is where some of the smaller matchups (and gymnastics!) end up.
- Sling TV: You’ll need the "Sling Orange" package plus the "Sports Extra" add-on to get the SEC Network. It’s cheaper, but the interface can be a bit clunky.
- YouTube TV: Very reliable. It has the SEC Network and usually offers 4K streams for the biggest games of the year.
Why the Channel Matters for "Nothing but Neon"
Tonight isn't just a regular game. It's the "Nothing but Neon" night at Neville Arena. If you’ve ever watched a game from Auburn’s home court on TV, you know the atmosphere is basically a pressure cooker.
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The SEC Network broadcast usually does a great job of capturing that "Jungle" energy. If you miss the live broadcast, they often run replays late at night or the following morning. It’s worth noting that for those out of the country or in areas with weird blackouts, the ESPN App is your best friend. Just log in with your provider credentials and you can stream it on your phone or tablet.
Auburn’s Upcoming Schedule and Channels
Don't just plan for tonight. The Tigers have a brutal stretch coming up, and the channels change faster than a Bruce Pearl timeout.
- Tuesday, Jan 20 at Ole Miss: This one moves to a late-night slot at 8:00 PM CST and will likely stay on the SEC Network or move to ESPNU.
- Saturday, Jan 24 at Florida: This is a big one. It's scheduled for 3:00 PM or 3:30 PM CST and is tentatively slotted for ESPN or ESPN2.
- Wednesday, Jan 28 vs. Texas: The "Rumble in the Jungle" against the Longhorns is a primetime 6:00 PM CST start. Check ESPN for this matchup.
What Most People Get Wrong About Auburn Broadcasts
People often assume that every game is on the SEC Network. That's a mistake.
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When Auburn plays a massive rival like Kentucky or Alabama, ESPN usually swoops in to take those games for their primary channel. For example, the upcoming AUTLIVE game against Kentucky on February 21 is already earmarked for ESPN.
Also, don't sleep on SEC Network+. It is NOT the same thing as the SEC Network. SEC Network+ is a digital-only stream available through the ESPN app. A lot of gymnastics meets and baseball games live there. If you see a game listed for SECN+, don't go looking for a channel number on your remote; you have to pull up the app on your smart TV or Roku.
Actionable Tips for the Best Viewing Experience
If you want to make sure you never miss a tip-off or a kickoff, here is what you should do right now:
- Download the ESPN App: Even if you have cable, the app acts as a backup and provides live stats and alternate camera angles.
- Check the "Varying" Start Times: SEC games are notorious for sliding 5-10 minutes past the listed time if the game before it goes into overtime. If you see a different game on SEC Network at 5:00 PM, don't panic. The Tigers will be on as soon as the previous game finishes.
- Sync Your Audio: If you prefer the local Auburn radio call (the legendary Voice of the Tigers), you can stream the audio via the Auburn Sports Network on the official athletics site while watching the TV muted. Sometimes there is a delay, so you might need a DVR to pause the TV for a few seconds to line them up.
Knowing what channel is Auburn on shouldn't be the hardest part of your Saturday. Bookmark the official Auburn Tigers schedule page, keep the ESPN app updated, and always have a backup streaming service login ready just in case your cable goes out right before a buzzer-beater.
To stay ahead of the next game, check your local listings or the ESPN app 24 hours in advance, as the SEC often utilizes "flex" windows that don't finalize the exact channel (ESPN vs. ESPN2) until a few days before the event.