Finding out what channel is the florida basketball game on shouldn't feel like a part-time job. But between the SEC’s massive TV deals and the rise of "plus" streaming services, it kinda does. Honestly, you're not alone if you’ve spent the five minutes before tip-off frantically scrolling through your guide only to realize the game is on a channel you didn't even know existed.
The Gators are currently in the thick of a high-stakes 2025-26 SEC schedule. Whether Todd Golden has the boys running the break at the O’Dome or they’re heading into a hostile environment like Memorial Gym in Nashville, the broadcast home changes based on the day of the week and the "prestige" of the matchup.
Where to Find the Gators Today
If you are looking for the next immediate tip-off, the Florida men’s team is slated to face Vanderbilt on Saturday, January 17, 2026. That game is scheduled for a 2:00 PM ET start. You can find that one on ESPN.
Now, if you were actually looking for the game happening right now on Friday, January 16, it’s the Florida women’s team that’s in action. They are taking on No. 7 Kentucky in Lexington. That matchup is a digital-only broadcast on SEC Network+. It’s a bit of a bummer for those who just want to flip a channel, but that’s the reality of modern college sports.
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The Usual Suspects: SEC Network and ESPN
Most of the time, your best bet for Florida basketball is the SEC Network. It's the workhorse of the conference. If the Gators aren't on the flagship SEC channel, they usually "flex" up to ESPN2 or ESPN. Weekend marquee games—think Kentucky or Alabama—often land on ABC for that national afternoon spotlight.
What Channel Is the Florida Basketball Game On? A Quick Guide
Navigating the TV landscape is basically a game of "follow the rights." Because the SEC is tied at the hip with Disney, almost everything flows through the ESPN app.
- ESPN / ESPN2 / ESPNU: These are your "big game" channels. If Florida is playing a Top 25 opponent, start here.
- SEC Network: This is the default home for about 60% of the conference schedule.
- SEC Network+: This is not a TV channel. It’s a streaming-only feed. You access it by logging into the ESPN app using your cable or satellite credentials.
- ABC: Reserved for the biggest Saturday or Sunday showdowns of the year.
Streaming has gotten way more complicated lately. You've probably heard of ESPN+, which is a separate subscription. Sometimes, non-conference games against smaller schools live exclusively there. However, for most SEC play, your standard cable login or a live TV streamer like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV will get the job done.
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Upcoming Schedule and Broadcast Info
Knowing the channel ahead of time saves you from that mid-game FOMO. Here is a look at where the next few games are landing:
The Tuesday, January 20 matchup against LSU is locked in for ESPN2 at 7:00 PM ET. It’s a home game at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center, so expect a loud one. After that, the Gators host Auburn on Saturday, January 24. That one is a bit of a toss-up for the specific channel, usually announced about a week prior, but it's guaranteed to be on the ESPN family of networks.
Why Is the Game on SEC Network+?
It’s the question everyone asks when they can’t find the game on their cable box. Basically, the SEC produces more content than they have linear TV slots for. When there are four basketball games, two gymnastics meets, and a baseball game all happening at 7:00 PM on a Friday, the "overflow" goes to the digital SEC Network+ platform. You don't usually need to pay extra for it if you already have the SEC Network in your cable package; you just need to use the app on your Roku, Apple TV, or phone.
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How to Listen if You Can't Watch
Sometimes you're stuck in the car or the TV isn't an option. The Gator Sports Network from LEARFIELD is still the gold standard for radio. Sean Kelley usually has the call, and honestly, his energy is sometimes better than the TV commentators anyway. You can find the local Gainesville broadcast on WRUF 850 AM or stream the audio for free through the official Florida Gators app.
Actionable Tips for Gator Fans
Don't wait until tip-off to test your login. If you're planning to watch a game on SEC Network+, make sure your ESPN app is updated and your provider is linked at least 20 minutes before the game starts.
If you’re a cord-cutter, Hulu + Live TV is currently one of the most reliable ways to catch every game because it bundles the local ABC affiliate, all the ESPN channels, and the SEC Network into one package. Just keep an eye on your data usage if you're streaming in 4K, as those tournament games can eat through a data cap pretty fast.
Make sure to check the FloridaGators.com official schedule page on the morning of game day. Tip times and channels occasionally shift by 30 minutes due to games earlier in the day running long.