You're sitting there, remote in hand, or maybe scrolling through a cluttered streaming app, just trying to find the game. We've all been there. Since SMU made the big jump to the ACC, finding the right channel has become a bit of a treasure hunt. If you’re looking for the Mustangs on Sunday, January 18, 2026, the answer depends entirely on which team you're trying to track down—because the women are hitting the road while the men's squad just wrapped up a heartbreaker at home.
The short answer for today? If you want to see the SMU women’s basketball team take on Pitt, you need to pull up ACCNX.
Where to Watch SMU Women’s Basketball Today
Honestly, ACCNX can be a little confusing if you aren't used to it. It isn't a traditional "channel" on your cable box like ESPN or the main ACC Network. It stands for ACC Network Extra. Basically, it’s a digital stream available through the ESPN App.
The Mustangs (7-11) are currently in Pittsburgh to face the Panthers at the Petersen Events Center. Tip-off is set for 12:00 PM CT. Since this is an away game and part of the ACC's massive digital inventory, you won't find it on a standard linear channel. You’ve gotta have a login for a provider that carries the ACC Network to "unlock" the ACCNX stream on your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
If you’re driving or just prefer the radio, you can catch the call on the SMU Mobile App or through the Varsity Network. It’s a 50th-season milestone year for the program, and even though they’re hunting for that elusive first ACC win, the games have been tighter than the record looks.
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What Happened to the Men’s Game?
If you’re looking for the SMU men’s basketball game today, you actually just missed them. They played a absolute nail-biter against No. 16 Virginia yesterday, Saturday, January 17.
That game was on ESPN2, and man, it was a tough one. The Mustangs fell 72-68. If you’re looking for their next appearance, mark your calendar for Tuesday, January 20. They’ll be playing Wake Forest at 8:00 PM CT. That one is scheduled to be broadcast on the ACC Network.
The New Reality: ACC TV Schedules
Life in the ACC is great for the budget, but it’s a lot for the fans to keep up with. Gone are the days when every game was on a random local sports network or a niche streaming service. Now, it’s a rotation.
Most of the "big" matchups—think when North Carolina or Duke comes to Moody Coliseum—will land on ESPN, ESPN2, or the main ACC Network. However, the conference also has a deal with The CW. Yes, the channel that used to be known for teen dramas is now a major player for Saturday afternoon hoops and football.
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What Channel is SMU Game On? A Quick Cheat Sheet
Because the TV rights are split up, I usually keep a mental checklist of where to look first. If you’re asking "what channel is smu game on" in the future, check these in order:
- ACC Network (ACCN): The primary home for most conference games.
- The CW: Usually carries one or two high-profile ACC games every Saturday.
- ESPN/ESPN2: Reserved for the "Games of the Week" or top-25 matchups.
- ACCNX: The digital catch-all. If it’s not on the others, it’s probably here.
Football and the 2026 Outlook
Looking ahead to the fall, the 2026 football schedule is already starting to take shape. The ACC just moved to a nine-game conference schedule, which means more high-stakes games are coming to Gerald J. Ford Stadium.
We already know the Mustangs will host UC Davis on September 12 and Missouri State on September 26. The real kicker? A massive road trip to Notre Dame is on the books for 2026. You can bet your bottom dollar that game will be on NBC or Peacock, given the Irish's specific TV deal.
How to Stream Without Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. Services like Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV all carry the ACC Network. Just make sure your specific package includes it. If you have the channel in your package, you automatically get access to ACCNX through the ESPN App.
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One thing people get wrong: ESPN+ is not the same as ACCNX. Having an ESPN+ subscription doesn't necessarily mean you can watch the SMU game if it's on ACCNX. You specifically need a TV provider login (like DirecTV or Dish) to authenticate the ACC Network stream.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Don't get caught 10 minutes after tip-off wondering where the game is. Here is what you should do right now:
- Download the SMU Mustangs App: It’s the fastest way to see live scoring and find the exact "Watch" link for every sport, from tennis to football.
- Verify your ESPN App Login: If you're planning to watch the women's game today on ACCNX, make sure your provider is linked up now.
- Sync your Calendar: Go to the official SMU Athletics site and use the "Add to Calendar" feature for the Men's and Women's basketball schedules. It usually updates the TV channel info automatically as it's announced.
- Check the Radio Dial: If the stream fails, KTCK 96.7 FM/1310 AM (The Ticket) is usually the home for the big broadcasts in the Dallas area.
Getting used to the new conference home takes a minute, but the coverage is way better than it used to be. You just have to know which app to open. Pony Up.