What Channel Is the Rose Bowl On in 2025?

By Sarah Miller · September 1, 2040

The Rose Bowl game will be televised on ESPN in 2025. For viewers looking for live streaming options, the game can be accessed via ESPN.com/live or the ESPN app, which is compatible with most major devices including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire Stick.

What Channel Is the Rose Bowl On?

The Rose Bowl Game, one of the most prestigious college football bowl games, is scheduled to air on ESPN in 2025. As part of the New Year's Six bowl lineup and a College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinal when applicable, the broadcast rights are held exclusively by ESPN under its current media agreement with the CFP.

TV Coverage Details

Network: ESPN
Date: January 1, 2025 (or January 2 if January 1 falls on a Sunday)
Time: Typically 5:00 PM Eastern Time (ET)
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium, Pasadena, California

This longstanding partnership ensures high-definition broadcasts, expert commentary, and multi-platform accessibility for fans nationwide.

How to Watch the Rose Bowl Live Online

Fans who prefer digital access can stream the Rose Bowl live through several verified platforms:

ESPN App: Free with a valid cable subscription or via participating live TV streaming services.
ESPN.com/Live: Direct streaming from any browser with login credentials.
Supported Streaming Services: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV, and Sling TV.

Ensure your service includes ESPN in its channel lineup before game day. Authentication through your provider grants seamless access.

Rose Bowl Broadcast History and Network Rights

The Rose Bowl has seen shifts in broadcasting networks over the decades. Once a staple of ABC, the game transitioned to ESPN in 2011 as part of a broader NCAA media rights deal. Since then, ESPN has maintained exclusive coverage, especially during years when the Rose Bowl serves as a College Football Playoff semifinal.

Key Milestones in Rose Bowl Broadcasting

Pre-2011: Broadcast primarily on ABC
2011–Present: Exclusively on ESPN
2024–2026: Part of the final years of the current CFP media contract with ESPN

Future rights beyond 2026 may shift depending on new bidding agreements, but ESPN remains the confirmed broadcaster through at least the 2025 edition.

Ratings and Viewership Trends (2018–2024)

Year	Airing Network	Viewership (Millions)	Game Significance
2018	ESPN	17.2	Non-CFP Year
2019	ESPN	19.8	CFP Semifinal
2020	ESPN	18.5	Non-CFP Year
2021	ESPN	21.3	CFP Semifinal
2022	ESPN	16.9	Non-CFP Year
2023	ESPN	20.1	CFP Semifinal
2024	ESPN	17.6	Non-CFP Year

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a clear correlation between College Football Playoff designation and viewership spikes. Games designated as CFP semifinals average over 20 million viewers, while non-playoff editions draw between 16.9M and 18.5M. The 2024 broadcast marked a 4% increase from the prior non-CFP year, indicating stable fan engagement.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl Broadcast

What channel is the Rose Bowl on in 2025?

The Rose Bowl Game in 2025 will be broadcast on ESPN. This applies to both cable and satellite providers carrying the network.

Can I stream the Rose Bowl for free?

Yes, you can stream the Rose Bowl for free using the ESPN app or ESPN.com/live if you have a valid login from a participating TV provider. Some services like Sling TV offer free trials that include ESPN, allowing temporary free access.

What time does the Rose Bowl start on TV?

The Rose Bowl typically kicks off at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time). If January 1 falls on a Sunday, the game is moved to January 2 to avoid conflict with NFL scheduling.

Is the Rose Bowl on ABC or ESPN?

Since 2011, the Rose Bowl has aired exclusively on ESPN, not ABC. Although ABC and ESPN are both owned by Disney, the game is no longer part of ABC's broadcast schedule.

Will the 2025 Rose Bowl be a College Football Playoff game?

Yes, the 2025 Rose Bowl will serve as a College Football Playoff semifinal game. As part of the rotating CFP semifinal format, this increases its national significance and expected viewership.