So, you're looking for the Louisville game. It’s one of those things where if you don't check the schedule every five minutes, you might miss tip-off. Honestly, with how the ACC moving parts work now, it's rarely just "channel 3" anymore. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you are wondering what channel is louisville playing on, the answer depends on which Cardinal squad you're chasing.
The big headline today is the No. 9 Louisville Women’s Basketball team. They are hitting the road to face off against NC State in what’s basically a heavyweight fight at the Reynolds Coliseum. This isn't just a mid-season filler; it’s a massive ACC clash with high seeding implications.
Where to Find the Cards Today
If you are trying to catch the women's game, grab the remote and head to ESPN2.
The game is scheduled to tip off at 1:00 PM ET. If you’re like me and always running five minutes late, maybe set an alert because this one is going to be fast-paced.
Now, if you’re looking for the Men’s team, don't panic if you don't see them on the guide today. They just played yesterday (Saturday, Jan 17) and absolutely dismantled Pitt with a 100-59 score. They’ve got a bit of a breather before their next game against Virginia Tech on the 24th. So, today is all about the women's team taking care of business in Raleigh.
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Quick Broadcast Breakdown
- Matchup: No. 9 Louisville at NC State (Women's Basketball)
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Radio: 93.9-FM The Ville (for that classic local feel)
Streaming the Louisville Game Without Cable
Let’s say you’ve finally cut the cord. Good for you. But it does make finding what channel is louisville playing on slightly more annoying if you don't have a plan. Since the game is on ESPN2, you have a few solid options that don't involve a 2-year contract with a satellite company.
Basically, any service that carries the ESPN family of networks will work. FuboTV is usually the go-to for sports fans because they carry almost everything, but YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are just as reliable for ACC matchups. If you already have a login for the ESPN App, you can stream it there, though you’ll still need a provider authentication.
Streaming quality can be hit or miss depending on your Wi-Fi, so honestly, try to hardwire if you’re watching on a smart TV. There’s nothing worse than the stream buffering right when Jeff Walz is mid-referee-rant.
Why This Specific Game Matters
Louisville is currently sitting at a solid 17-3 record. They’ve been on a tear lately, riding a 10-game winning streak. They just came off a gritty win against Notre Dame on Thursday.
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NC State is always a tough out at home. Reynolds Coliseum is loud. It’s small, it’s historic, and the fans are right on top of the court. Louisville needs this win to stay in the hunt for the ACC regular-season title. Watching them play on ESPN2 today is going to give you a real look at whether this team is "Final Four" material or just "Sweet Sixteen" good.
Key Players to Watch
- Khamil Pierre: She’s been a force lately. If she gets going early in the paint, NC State is going to have a long afternoon.
- The Backcourt Defense: Louisville’s press has been stifling during this 10-game streak. Watch how they handle the Wolfpack’s guards in transition.
Looking Ahead at the Schedule
Don't just stop at today. If you're a die-hard fan, you've probably realized the schedule gets a little chaotic in late January.
After today’s game on ESPN2, the women return home to the KFC Yum! Center to play Boston College next Sunday (Jan 25). That one will likely be on ACC Network, but keep an eye out for updates.
For the men’s side, their next big appearance is Saturday, January 24, at 3:30 PM ET against Virginia Tech. That’s another game where people will be asking what channel is louisville playing on, and most early reports suggest that will be an ACC Network or ESPN/2 flex game.
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Actionable Steps for Game Day
- Check your local listings: Even though it's slated for ESPN2, local blackouts (rare for national ESPN) or pre-emptions can happen.
- Sync your radio: If you're driving, 93.9-FM The Ville is your best bet for the call.
- Update your streaming apps: If you're using Fubo or YouTube TV, make sure the app is updated on your Roku or Fire Stick to avoid those annoying "update required" pop-ups right at tip-off.
- Monitor the Men's Schedule: Since they don't play today, use this afternoon to clear your Saturday schedule for the Jan 24th game against the Hokies.
The Cardinals are in the meat of the conference schedule now. Every game feels like a playoff game. Whether you’re watching on a 75-inch screen or squinting at your phone at a kid’s birthday party, knowing what channel is louisville playing on is the first step to making sure you don't miss a single bucket.
Be sure to verify your specific cable provider's channel number for ESPN2, as it varies wildly between Spectrum, DirecTV, and Xfinity. Usually, it’s right next to the main ESPN, but it’s worth a five-second scroll before the 1:00 PM start time.
Enjoy the game. Go Cards.