So, you’re sitting on the couch, the game is about to kick off in roughly three minutes, and you’re frantically scrolling through a channel guide that seems to have ten thousand entries for home shopping and exactly zero for the match you actually want to see. We’ve all been there. Trying to figure out what number is Fox Sports can feel like a high-stakes scavenger hunt when the clock is ticking.
The short answer? It depends entirely on who sends you a bill for your TV every month. But don't worry. I’ve rounded up the specifics for the big players so you can stop scrolling and start watching.
The Big Names: Satellite and Major Cable
If you’re using one of the massive national providers, the channel numbers are usually standardized across the country. This is the easiest scenario. You don't have to guess based on your zip code; the satellite in the sky doesn't care if you're in Maine or Malibu.
- DirecTV: You’ll find FS1 on channel 219. If you need the secondary action on FS2, head over to channel 618.
- Dish Network: These guys keep it simple. FS1 is on channel 150. For those niche games on FS2, tune into channel 397.
- Verizon Fios: If you’re on the fiber-optic grid, FS1 is usually channel 83 (SD) or 583 (HD). FS2 sits at channel 84 or 584.
Cable is where things get... messy.
The Cable Confusion: Spectrum, Xfinity, and Cox
Honestly, cable companies are the reason people get frustrated. Unlike satellite, cable channel lineups change based on your city, your neighborhood, and sometimes it feels like the phase of the moon.
Spectrum is a prime example of this chaos. In some parts of Texas, FS1 might be on channel 75. In New York City, you might find it on 400. Generally, it's tucked away in the "Digital Basic" or "Expanded" tiers. If you’re a Spectrum customer, the fastest way to find it without losing your mind is to use their "Guide" button and search by name, or check the Spectrum website by plugging in your specific zip code.
Xfinity (Comcast) is similar. While they’ve tried to move toward a more unified "virtual" channel numbering system (where sports are often in the 1200s), many legacy boxes still use local numbers like 35, 408, or 550.
For Cox customers:
- In Omaha, it's often channel 31 or 1031.
- In Phoenix, check channel 27 or 1027.
- In Las Vegas, it’s usually 329.
It's a lot to keep track of.
What Number Is Fox Sports on Streaming?
Maybe you’ve "cut the cord" and moved to the world of internet TV. In this case, "channel numbers" aren't really a thing in the traditional sense. You just look for the logo.
On YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo, you won't type in a number. You’ll just scroll through the alphabetized list or use the search bar to find FS1 or FS2. Sling TV is a little different; you need the "Sling Blue" package to get Fox Sports. If you have "Sling Orange," you’re getting ESPN but missing out on the Fox side of the world.
Don't Forget the "Big" Fox
One thing people often confuse is the difference between FS1 and your local FOX broadcast station.
Huge events—like the World Series, the Super Bowl (when it's Fox's turn), and major NFL Sunday games—actually air on your local Fox affiliate (like FOX 5, FOX 11, etc.). This isn't a cable channel; it’s a broadcast station. You can even get this for free with an over-the-air antenna. On cable, this is almost always a low number, usually between 2 and 13.
Quick Troubleshooting: Why Can't I Find It?
If you’ve gone to the numbers listed above and you see a "Not Subscribed" message or just a black screen, a few things might be happening.
First, check your package. FS1 is standard in most basic sports tiers, but FS2 is often hidden in "Sports Pass" or "Ultimate" packages. If you're looking for a specific regional game, it might be on a Regional Sports Network (RSN), though many of those have rebranded away from the Fox name over the last few years.
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Second, if you're traveling, your mobile app might be geo-blocked or showing you different local listings.
Actionable Next Steps
- Download the App: If you can't find the channel on your TV, download the Fox Sports app on your phone or Roku. If you have a valid cable login, you can "authenticate" and watch the live stream directly. It bypasses the need to know the channel number entirely.
- Voice Remote: If you have an Xfinity X1, DirecTV, or Cox Contour remote, just hold the microphone button and say "Fox Sports 1." It works 99% of the time and saves you from the manual search.
- Bookmark the Finder: Keep the official Fox Sports Channel Finder on your phone's browser. You just punch in your zip code and select your provider, and it gives you the exact digit for your specific living room.