What Channel Is the Rose Bowl On? 2026 Broadcast Info

By Sarah Miller · January 13, 2046

The Rose Bowl game is typically broadcast on ESPN, which holds the exclusive television rights for the event as part of the College Football Playoff and New Year's Six bowl rotation. For viewers in 2025, the 2026 Rose Bowl Game will air on ESPN, scheduled for January 1, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific). You can also stream it live via ESPN.com, the ESPN app, or through authorized streaming platforms such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV.

Understanding the Rose Bowl Broadcast Network

The Rose Bowl Game is one of the most iconic college football bowl games, traditionally played on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California. As a marquee event in the NCAA postseason, its broadcasting rights are managed under the College Football Playoff (CFP) agreement, with ESPN serving as the primary and exclusive broadcaster since 2011.

Why Is the Rose Bowl on ESPN?

ESPN has held the exclusive national broadcast rights to all College Football Playoff games, including the Rose Bowl, since the CFP's inception in 2014. This includes both the traditional Rose Bowl and any edition designated as a CFP semifinal.

ESPN secures long-term contracts with major college football events.
The Rose Bowl is part of the New Year's Six bowl rotation for playoff semifinals.
All games are produced and distributed nationally by ESPN, eliminating regional network variations.

How to Watch the Rose Bowl in 2026

Whether you're watching from home or on the go, there are multiple ways to catch the 2026 Rose Bowl Game live.

Television Broadcast

The game will be televised nationally on ESPN. No other cable networks (such as ABC, CBS, or Fox) will carry the game due to ESPN’s exclusive rights.

Streaming Options

You can stream the game live using any of the following platforms:

ESPN App & ESPN.com: Requires a valid cable login or ESPN+ subscription linked to a TV provider.
YouTube TV: Includes ESPN in its base plan; supports streaming on multiple devices.

Hulu + Live TV

FuboTV: Carries ESPN and provides advanced sports viewing features.
Sling TV (Orange package): Includes ESPN but may require additional add-ons for full access.

2026 Rose Bowl Game Details and Broadcast Schedule

Event	Date	Kickoff Time (ET)	Location	Broadcast Network	Expected Teams
Rose Bowl Game	January 1, 2026	5:00 PM	Pasadena, CA	ESPN	Big Ten vs. Pac-12 Champion (or CFP selection)
Rose Bowl Parade	January 1, 2026	11:00 AM	Pasadena, CA	ABC, Peacock, Univision	N/A (Parade)

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table confirms that while the Rose Bowl Game airs exclusively on ESPN, the Rose Bowl Parade is televised separately on ABC and other networks. Viewers should not confuse parade coverage with game broadcasts. The game time remains consistent with tradition—early evening on January 1st, allowing maximum national viewership.

International Viewing Options

Fans outside the United States can still watch the Rose Bowl through international sports networks and digital platforms:

Canada: TSN and RDS offer live coverage.
UK & Ireland: ESPN UK (available via BT Sport or Sky) carries the game.
Australia: ESPN Australia on Foxtel or Kayo Sports.
Global Streaming: ESPN International via Star+ (Latin America) or Hotstar (select regions).

Note: Availability depends on regional licensing agreements. Using a trusted VPN with an ESPN login may help access U.S. streams abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl Channel

What channel is the Rose Bowl on in 2026?

The 2026 Rose Bowl Game will be broadcast on ESPN. It is scheduled for January 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Is the Rose Bowl on ABC or ESPN?

The Rose Bowl game is on ESPN, not ABC. Although ABC previously aired the game decades ago, ESPN has held exclusive rights since 2011. However, the Rose Bowl Parade airs on ABC.

Can I stream the Rose Bowl for free?

You can stream the Rose Bowl for free with a trial from a live TV streaming service such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV. These platforms offer free trials (typically 5–7 days), which you can use if timed before January 1, 2026.

Does NFL Network or Fox Sports show the Rose Bowl?

No. The Rose Bowl is not carried by NFL Network, Fox, or CBS. Due to contractual exclusivity, only ESPN and its affiliated international partners have the rights to broadcast the game.

What time does the Rose Bowl start on TV?

The Rose Bowl Game typically starts at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time). In 2026, kickoff is expected at this same time, following the traditional schedule.

Will the Rose Bowl be a CFP semifinal in 2026?

Yes, the 2026 Rose Bowl is scheduled to serve as a College Football Playoff semifinal game, rotating with other New Year's Six bowls. This means it will feature two of the top four ranked teams in the final CFP rankings.