Finding out what channel UNC game on shouldn't feel like a part-time job. Honestly, between the new ACC expansion and the web of streaming rights, it's getting harder to just sit down and watch Hubert Davis's squad without a spreadsheet.
The Tar Heels just wrapped up a tough road trip to California. They played Stanford and Cal back-to-back, and if you were looking for those games, they were buried on the ACC Network. Now that the team is back on the East Coast, the schedule gets a bit more "high profile," which means the channels change again.
The Next Game: Notre Dame at North Carolina
The very next time you need to know what channel UNC game on, mark your calendar for Wednesday, January 21, 2026.
The Tar Heels are hosting Notre Dame at the Smith Center. This one isn't on the standard ACC Network. Instead, ESPN2 has the broadcast rights for this matchup. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. ET.
If you miss that one, the following game is a massive road test. UNC travels to Charlottesville to face Virginia on Saturday, January 24, 2026. That game moves to the main ESPN channel at 2:00 p.m. ET.
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Why the Channel Keeps Changing
It's basically a hierarchy of importance. The biggest games—like the upcoming Duke matchup on February 7—almost always land on ESPN. Mid-tier conference games fluctuate between ESPN2 and the ACC Network.
You'll also notice some games appearing on The CW. This is a newer development for the ACC. The CW took over the package of games that used to be on regional sports networks (like Bally Sports). UNC already played SMU and USC Upstate on The CW earlier this season.
Where to Find These Channels
If you've cut the cord, you have to be careful. Not every "live TV" service is created equal when it comes to college hoops.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is arguably the safest bet. It carries ESPN, ESPN2, and the ACC Network.
- YouTube TV: Similar to Hulu, it has the full "ESPN family" of networks.
- Sling TV: This is where it gets tricky. To get the ACC Network, you need the Sling Orange package plus the "Sports Extra" add-on. If you just get Sling Blue, you're going to miss most of the games.
- Fubo: Great for sports, but check your local listings to ensure the ACC Network is included in your specific tier.
Watching Online or via App
If you are away from your TV, you can use the ESPN App. You basically just log in with your provider credentials (like your YouTube TV or Spectrum login). This gives you access to anything airing on ESPN, ESPN2, or the ACC Network.
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Just a heads-up: if a game is listed on ACCNX (ACC Network Extra), it's a digital-only stream. You won't find it on a traditional channel button; you have to use the app or the ESPN website.
Upcoming UNC Basketball TV Schedule (January/February 2026)
Since the question of what channel UNC game on depends entirely on the date, here is the immediate outlook for the Tar Heels:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 21 | Notre Dame | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| Jan 24 | at Virginia | 2:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Jan 31 | at Georgia Tech | 2:00 p.m. | ACC Network |
| Feb 2 | Syracuse | 7:00 p.m. | ESPN |
| Feb 7 | Duke | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN |
Radio Options for the Die-Hards
Sometimes the TV just isn't an option, or maybe you prefer the legendary call of Jones Angell. The Tar Heel Sports Network handles all the radio broadcasts.
If you're in the North Carolina area, 97.9 FM (WCHL) is the flagship station. For those outside the 75-mile radius of Chapel Hill, the best way to listen is through the Varsity Network app. It’s free and doesn't have the geographical blackouts that some other streaming radio apps sometimes struggle with.
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Common Misconceptions
A lot of people think every game is on ESPN+. That's actually not true for the Power 4 conferences like the ACC. While a few early-season "buy games" against smaller schools might end up there, the bulk of the conference schedule is reserved for cable networks. If the game is on the ACC Network, an ESPN+ subscription alone won't let you watch it. You need a TV package that includes the linear channel.
Also, don't go looking for the game on CBS or FOX too often. While UNC did play Ohio State on CBS in December, and Michigan State on FOX, those are usually "event" games (like the CBS Sports Classic). For the grind of the ACC season, stay tuned to the ESPN family.
Actionable Next Steps
To make sure you never miss a tip-off, download the ESPN App and "Favorite" the North Carolina Tar Heels. This will push notifications to your phone about 15 minutes before every game starts, specifically telling you which channel the game is on that night. If you’re a cord-cutter, verify today that your service includes the ACC Network, as that is where about 40% of the remaining conference games will live.
Check your local listings for ESPN2 this Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. to see the Heels take on the Irish.