Finding the right channel for a Rebels game shouldn't feel like a gamble. You're ready for kickoff, the snacks are out, but then you're scrolling through 400 channels wondering why the TV guide just says "To Be Announced." It's frustrating. Honestly, with the way college football media rights keep shifting, even the most dedicated fans get a little lost.
The short answer for anyone asking what channel is unlv football game on depends entirely on who they are playing and where they are playing. Since UNLV is a staple of the Mountain West Conference, most of their "big" games land on a rotation of major networks.
The Main Channels You’ll Need
Most weeks, you can bet on seeing the Rebels on one of the primary Mountain West partners. CBS Sports Network (CBSSN) and FS1 (Fox Sports 1) handle the bulk of the heavy lifting. If it’s a high-stakes conference matchup or a late-night "Mountain West After Dark" special, these are your first stops.
Sometimes, for the massive out-of-conference games—think of those recent tilts against Power Four schools—you might find them on ESPN, ESPN2, or even ABC.
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Local Broadcasts and Silver State Sports
Don’t overlook the local flavor. Silver State Sports & Entertainment Network (SSSEN) often picks up games that don't get the national spotlight. It's that local Vegas vibe. If you are in the 702 or 725 area codes, keep an eye on KVVU (FOX5) as well, as they sometimes partner for local broadcasts of the Mountain West Network.
Streaming the Rebels Online
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. Basically, any service that carries the sports "big three" (Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and the ESPN family) will get you 90% of the way there.
- FuboTV: Great for sports fans because it carries almost everything, including those harder-to-find local channels.
- YouTube TV: Reliable, has the DVR feature so you can watch that 4th-quarter comeback again.
- Hulu + Live TV: Another solid bet for FS1 and CBS Sports.
- Mountain West Network: For the smaller games, this is a lifesaver. It’s a free digital platform. You can usually find it on their website or via the app on Roku and Apple TV.
Why the Schedule Changes So Much
TV networks have "selection windows." This is why you often don't know the exact kickoff time or channel until about 12 days before the game. Sometimes they even wait until 6 days before. They want to see which games have the best storylines before committing their prime time slots.
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If the Rebels are on a winning streak, expect more FS1 and CBS Sports Network appearances. If it’s a struggle bus season, you might find yourself hunting for the stream on the Mountain West Network more often.
Pro Tips for Game Day
Check the official UNLV Rebels website or their Twitter (X) feed on Monday of game week. That is usually when the "official" broadcast info is set in stone.
Also, if you're out of the country or traveling, remember that blackout restrictions still exist. A VPN can be your best friend if you're trying to access your home YouTube TV account while sitting in a hotel room three states away.
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Radio Backup
If you’re stuck in traffic on the I-15 or just prefer the old-school feel, ESPN 1100 AM & 100.9 FM is the home of the Rebels. There’s something special about hearing the roar of the Allegiant Stadium crowd through the radio waves while a legendary announcer calls the action.
To make sure you're always ready, the best move is to download the UNLV Rebels App. It centralizes the "where to watch" info so you aren't frantically Googling five minutes after the opening kickoff. Just open the app, check the schedule, and it usually has a direct link to the broadcast or the radio stream. Keep your gear ready and your remote closer.