Do you want to watch the College Football Quarterfinal Playoff game, Rose Bowl 2026, live online or on your TV? Whether you’re in the USA, Mexico, Canada, the UK, Australia, or anywhere else, no problem! This guide covers it all.
The 2026 Rose Bowl is set for January 1 in Pasadena, California. Marking its 112th year, this big game will be a playoff Quarterfinal. No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers and No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide will compete. Kickoff is at 4:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. PT).
The winning team will advance to the CFP Semifinal round at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. Thanks to Prudential Financial for sponsoring; it’s officially called “The College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the 2026 Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential.”
Every year, the Rose Bowl Game organization arranges the Rose Parade in the morning on New Year’s Day. The 137th Rose Parade will take place at 8:00 a.m. PT (11:00 a.m. ET). The marching bands of the competing teams will also perform during halftime.
112th Rose Bowl Game at a glance:
| Team: | Indiana Hoosiers vs Alabama Crimson Tide |
| Location: | Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California |
| Date: | Thursday, January 1, 2026 |
| Kickoff time: | 4:00 p.m. ET (1:00 p.m. PT) |
| TV Channel: | ESPN and ESPN Deportes |
| Live Radio: | ESPN Radio and XM Satellite Radio |
| Live Stream HD: | Watch Here |
Rose Bowl 2026 TV Channel List
The Rose Bowl is the oldest college bowl game in the world, also known as the “Granddaddy of Them All.” This iconic event, alongside the Tournament of Roses Parade, is a significant part of the New Year’s celebrations in the United States.
The game is a major highlight for U.S. football fans and a global spectacle, drawing viewers worldwide. ESPN holds exclusive broadcasting rights for the Rose Bowl.
United States
In the U.S., the Rose Bowl will air exclusively on ESPN at 4:00 PM ET. You can also access ESPN through popular streaming services like FuboTV, Sling TV Orange, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV.
Do you prefer Spanish-language commentary? Tune in to ESPN Deportes for the game.
If you already have a cable or satellite TV package that includes ESPN, you’re all set! Simply log in with your credentials on the ESPN website or app to watch.
No cable? No problem! Consider streaming with FuboTV, which offers a 7-day free trial and access to 200+ live TV channels, along with unlimited Cloud DVR storage. The Fubo app works on most devices. Alternatively, choose the streaming service that fits you best.
Canada
Canadian viewers can watch the Rose Bowl game on TSN. If TSN isn’t included in your cable package, you can subscribe to TSN+, the live streaming service, starting at CA$8 per month or CA$80 per year. The game kicks off at 4:00 PM ET in Canada.
Mexico
Mexican viewers can catch the 2026 Rose Bowl game on ESPN Mexico, the official broadcaster for college football. With the Disney+ Premium service in Latin America, the game will now be available for streaming on Disney+ Premium, which includes ESPN content.
If you’re already an ESPN subscriber, you can watch on TV or stream online through the ESPN app. For those without cable, a Disney+ Premium subscription starts at MX$319 per month or MX$2,679 per year, giving you access to all ESPN channels and much more.
The game kicks off at 3:00 PM Mexico City time. Make sure to tune in and enjoy the action!
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will broadcast the 2026 Rose Bowl game. The game kicks off at 9:00 PM GMT.
To watch, tune in to Sky Sports NFL. Subscribers can also stream the game via the Sky Go app on their devices.
Don’t have Sky? You can subscribe to NOW, which offers Sky Sports streaming memberships starting at £14.99.
Australia
Australian viewers can watch the 2026 Rose Bowl game live on ESPN Australia, the official broadcaster for college football.
For streaming, options include Kayo Sports and Foxtel Now, both offering ESPN as part of their packages. Kayo Sports plans start at $25 AUD per month, with a 7-day free trial for new users. Foxtel Now also provides a sports package that includes ESPN.
The game is set to kick off at 7:00 AM AEDT on January 2, 2026. Set your alarms and enjoy the action!
How to Watch the Rose Bowl Game live stream online?
You can watch the Rose Bowl 2026 live stream online using your local TV provider’s login details. If you are a cord cutter or ESPN Network is not part of your TV deal, follow the options below.
How to Watch Rose Bowl Game Online via Cable?
ESPN will live cover the 2026 Rose Bowl Game. If you have a TV provider plan that includes ESPN, you can access it online for free using TV provider details.
Follow our Quick guide to watch:
- Go to Watch ESPN
- Click on the Live Content
- Select your TV Provider
- Give your TV Provider Sign-in information
- Enjoy Live ESPN Streaming Online
Besides, you can watch the Rose Bowl live online using Media streaming services.
How to Watch Rose Bowl Online without cable?
If you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription or you’re a cord-cutter, then you need to subscribe to a media streaming service.
Here, we listed top-rated media streaming services which have ESPN Network Channels.
FuboTV
FuboTV is indeed a popular choice amongst cord-cutters. Its Pro Plan cost is $84.99/mo, which provides 200+ channels, unlimited free Cloud DVR storage, 3 screens at once (on the go), 10 screens at once (at home), and much more.
It offers a 7-day free trial for new members. So, taking the FuboTV free trial option, you can watch the Rose Bowl live and on-demand for free on your favourite device.
FuboTV also offers Fubo Sports plan at $55.99/mo ($45.99 first month) with 28 sports-focused channels including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, NFL Network, and more.
Sling TV
Sling TV Orange plan has Disney and ESPN channels. Sling’s Orange plan costs $45.99/mo, and the combined Orange + Blue plan is $65.99/mo. If you want to catch the Rose Bowl, subscribe to Sling’s Orange or Combine plan. Sling TV Orange is the best for tight-budget users. Sling TV does not currently offer a free trial, but often runs promotions with 50% off the first month.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream’s “Entertainment” plan gives you 90+ Live Channels access. Each plan includes ESPN HD + ESPN2 HD. This plan’s monthly cost is $89.99. You can stream on unlimited devices in your home and get unlimited Cloud DVR Storage. It also provides a 5-day free trial for new users. DirecTV Stream often runs promotions with $40-49 off the first month. Many plans now include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV allows live access to the major English and Spanish TV Channels. The base plan cost is $82.99/mo, allowing you to stream 100+ channels, including ESPN. You get six accounts to share with your household and unlimited DVR Space. New subscribers can get YouTube TV for $72.99/mo for the first three months. YouTube TV also offers up to a 21-day free trial for new subscribers.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is one of the best TV streaming services. Its price is $89.99/mo, giving you 95+ live TV Channels plus Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited access included. There are no hidden fees and you get unlimited DVR storage. Besides live TV, you can enjoy exclusive series, popular movies, premium Hulu Originals, current episodes and more. New and eligible subscribers can get Hulu + Live TV for $64.99/mo for the first three months. Hulu + Live TV offers a 3-day free trial. This is perfect for watching both the Rose Parade (on ABC/NBC at 11 AM ET) and the Rose Bowl Game (on ESPN at 4 PM ET).
ESPN Unlimited
ESPN Unlimited is ESPN’s enhanced streaming service that launched in August 2025. It costs $29.99/mo as a standalone service.
You can access all ESPN linear networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, SEC Network, ACC Network), ESPN+, ESPN3, and over 47,000 live sports events annually.
ESPN Unlimited is now included at no extra cost with Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream (most plans), FuboTV Fubo Sports plan, and YouTube TV (integration by end of 2026). Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN Unlimited bundle (with ads) is available at $29.99/mo for the first 12 months.
You can access it using Android, iOS, PC, Smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire TV, Roku, Xbox One, Chromecast, and PS4. Using ESPN Unlimited, you can stream content across three devices at the same time.
Can I watch the Rose Bowl livestream for free?
There are several ways to stream the Rose Bowl 2026. While many free streaming services can be found online, not all are ideal.
Using free streaming services cautiously is crucial, as not all third-party sites are secure. Instead of risking your device or exposing your personal information, why not consider the mentioned options?
In this context, free trials might be your best choice. Several services offer free trials for new users. FuboTV offers a 7-day free trial, DirecTV Stream offers a 5-day free trial, Hulu + Live TV offers a 3-day free trial, and YouTube TV offers up to a 21-day free trial.
You can access live channels on any device by creating a free account. If you’re unsatisfied or choose not to continue the service, cancel before the free trial ends.
How to Use Free Trials:
- Sign up 2-3 days before January 1, 2026
- Watch the Rose Bowl on January 1
- Cancel before trial ends to avoid charges
How to Stream Rose Bowl 2026 Online from anywhere?
Rose Bowl is one of the most-watched games. It has worldwide viewers from different locations. If you live in another country or go overseas, you will face a geo-restriction policy when you want to watch live streams.
As we know, the Live TV streaming services out there come with a geo-restriction policy that prevents you from accessing their services from other countries. Some of the services are exclusively available in specific regions. Moreover, you can bypass that ridiculous restriction by using the VPN service.
There is a lot of VPN service on the Market. We tested that ExpressVPN is the best because of speed, security, ease to use and multiple server locations. The good fact is that you can try their service with risk-free access.
112th Rose Bowl Game FAQs
The 2026 Rose Bowl Game, scheduled for January 1, 2026, will feature a matchup between the No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers and the No. 9 Alabama Crimson Tide. This game serves as a quarterfinal in the College Football Playoff’s 12-team format.
Indiana, the top-ranked team and Big Ten champion with a perfect 13-0 record, earned a first-round bye. Alabama secured their spot by defeating Oklahoma 34-24 in the first round.
This is the first-ever meeting between these two programs.
Indiana enters as 6.5 to 7-point favorites with moneyline odds around -245 to -275. Alabama is the underdog at +205 to +220. The over/under is set at 48.5 to 49.5 total points.
The Rose Bowl Halftime Show 2026 will feature performances by the marching bands of the two teams playing in the game. This is a tradition where the bands from both teams take turns performing during halftime. The specific bands will be the Indiana Hoosiers and Alabama Crimson Tide marching bands.
Rose Parade is America’s New Year’s Celebration since 1890. This year, the Rose Parade will be the 137th edition held on Thursday, January 1, 2026. This historical event will occur on New Year’s Day, preceding the Tournament of Roses (Rose Bowl Game). It will start at 8:00 AM PT (11:00 AM ET) on Thursday, January 1 in Pasadena, California.
The 2026 Rose Parade theme is “The Magic in Teamwork” and will be led by Grand Marshal Magic Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers legend and Hall of Famer.
Rose Bowl Tickets are available on the official Website of Rose Bowl Stadium or Tournament of Roses via On Location. You can also buy tickets from Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, StubHub, Vivid Seats, etc.
Ticket prices start at $196.95 (including fees) for general admission. Secondary market prices range from $199 to $500+ depending on seat location. All tickets are mobile only. No physical tickets will be issued.
The 2025 Rose Bowl was won by the Ohio State Buckeyes, who defeated the Oregon Ducks in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal.
The 2026 Rose Bowl kicks off at 4:00 PM ET (1:00 PM PT) on Thursday, January 1, 2026. This is one hour earlier than the traditional Rose Bowl start time.
The Rose Parade is available for free on ABC, NBC, FOX (over-the-air with antenna), Pluto TV Christmas channel (8-10 AM PT), Fubo Sports Network (free on Amazon Prime Video, Roku Channel, Tubi, Samsung TV Plus, LG Channels, VIZIO WatchFree+), and Christmas Plus app (Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV).
The Rose Parade starts at 8:00 AM PT (11:00 AM ET) on January 1, 2026.
Whether going to the venue or watching the Rose Bowl live game online, you will want to decide now since the event is fast approaching. Please don’t be late and regret it later. Use our article as a reference. Good luck!