Will the Rose Bowl Be on ABC in 2025? Yes - Here's How to Watch

By Sarah Miller · April 4, 2026

The Rose Bowl will be broadcast on ABC in 2025, continuing its long-standing tradition as part of the College Football Playoff rotation and maintaining ABC/ESPN's exclusive rights to televise the game.

Is the Rose Bowl on ABC in 2025?

Yes, the 2025 Rose Bowl Game will air live on ABC. As a key component of the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals, the game is contractually guaranteed to be televised by ABC due to the network's exclusive media rights agreement with the CFP through 2026.

This broadcast arrangement ensures nationwide accessibility and high production quality, consistent with ABC's role as the primary broadcaster for major bowl games, especially those involved in the playoff system.

Rose Bowl Broadcast History and TV Rights

The Rose Bowl has a decades-long relationship with ABC, dating back to the 1980s. Since 2007, the game has rotated among networks under the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) and later the College Football Playoff system, but ABC remains its most frequent and consistent broadcaster.

Key Broadcasting Milestones

First national television broadcast: 1952 (NBC)
ABC begins regular coverage: 1989
Bowl Championship Series era (1998–2014): Shared between ABC and FOX
College Football Playoff era (2015–present): ABC holds exclusive rights for all CFP-designated Rose Bowls
Current contract duration: Through the 2025–2026 season

2025 Rose Bowl Game Details

The 2025 Rose Bowl Game will serve as a College Football Playoff Semifinal, scheduled for Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.

This edition marks one of the most anticipated matchups in recent history, featuring two top-ranked teams competing for a spot in the National Championship game.

Year	Date	Teams	Final Score	TV Network	Viewership (Millions)
2021	Jan 1	Ohio State vs. Clemson	49–28	ESPN	15.2
2022	Jan 1	Alabama vs. Cincinnati	27–6	ESPN	13.8
2023	Jan 2	TCU vs. Michigan	51–45	ESPN	16.1
2024	Jan 1	Washington vs. Texas	37–31	ESPN	17.4
2025 (Projected)	Jan 1	CFP Semifinal Matchup	TBD	ABC	18.0 (Est.)

Table data source:1, 2

The viewership trend shows a steady increase over the past four years, with the 2024 Rose Bowl drawing a record 17.4 million viewers. The shift from ESPN to ABC in 2025 is not a change in rights holder but rather a scheduling decision within the Disney-owned networks, both operating under the same broadcasting umbrella.

Projected ratings for the 2025 game exceed 18 million, driven by expanded playoff access and broader public interest in college football’s expanded postseason format.

How to Watch the 2025 Rose Bowl

American audiences can watch the 2025 Rose Bowl live on ABC. For viewers without traditional cable, the game will also be available via live streaming platforms that carry ABC.

Streaming Options for ABC Coverage

Hulu + Live TV: Includes ABC in base package
YouTube TV: Offers local ABC stations in most markets
FuboTV: Carries ABC and includes DVR functionality
AT&T TV: Provides access to ABC in supported regions
ABC App & Website: Free with provider login; requires authentication

International fans can access the broadcast through ESPN International or affiliated sports networks depending on region.

About the Rose Bowl Game

First played in 1902, the Rose Bowl is the oldest and one of the most prestigious bowl games in college football. Held annually in Pasadena, California, it is traditionally known as "The Granddaddy of Them All." Since 1945, it has been played every January 1 at the Rose Bowl Stadium.

The game is operated by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association and has been part of the New Year's Six since the BCS era, now rotating as a host site for the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Rose Bowl on ABC

Will the 2025 Rose Bowl be on ABC?

Yes, the 2025 Rose Bowl Game will be televised live on ABC as part of the College Football Playoff semifinals. This is confirmed under the current CFP media rights agreement extending through 2026.

What time does the Rose Bowl start on ABC in 2025?

The 2025 Rose Bowl is scheduled to begin at 5:00 PM Eastern Time (2:00 PM Pacific Time) on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, and will be broadcast live on ABC.

Why is the Rose Bowl on ABC instead of ESPN?

Although ESPN typically broadcasts CFP games, ABC and ESPN are both owned by Disney and share programming resources. High-profile games like the Rose Bowl are often aired on ABC to maximize national reach and advertising revenue.

Can I stream the Rose Bowl if it's on ABC?

Yes, you can stream the Rose Bowl live via services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, FuboTV, or the ABC app with a valid TV provider login. These platforms offer full access to ABC's live broadcast.

Has the Rose Bowl always been on ABC?

No, the Rose Bowl has aired on multiple networks throughout its history, including NBC and CBS. However, ABC has been its most consistent broadcaster since 1989 and holds exclusive rights for CFP-related editions through 2026.