If you’re shifting work meetings around basketball schedules for the next few weeks, you’re likely happily suffering from a condition called March Madness. This week’s rounds of battle royale tournaments will determine who gets a spot at the NCAA Division 1 basketball tournament.
The Big East tournament will encompass four days and nine teams, duking (and dunking) it out for a championship trophy and an automatic bid for the NCAA tournament. In its 37th year, the Big East basketball tournament pits defending champions Villanova Wildcats against the Butler Bulldogs, Creighton Blue Jays, DePaul Blue Demons, Georgetown Hoyas, Marquette Golden Eagles, Providence Friars, St. John’s Red Storm, Seton Hall Pirates, and the Xavier Musketeers.
Here’s everything you need to know to watch the 2019 Big East basketball tournament online for free.
What channel is the 2019 Big East tournament on?
The first and second round, along with the quarterfinals will air on FS1 and the app Fox Sports Go. The final game will air on Fox and Fox Sports Go.
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How to watch 2019 Big East tournament for free
Fox and FS1 are available on all six of the major live TV streaming services. When deciding which one is best for you, you’ll want to weigh the cost, the other channels you’ll receive, and the compatible devices for streaming. Thankfully, no matter which service you decide to try, you’ll be able to start with a one-week trial, so you can watch the Big East tournament online for free. For a more complete rundown of streaming services, check out our guide to Sling TV competitors.
1) Sling TV
- Cost: $25-$40 per month (after a 7-day free trial)
- Devices: Amazon Fire TVs, Android Fire Stick, Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Xbox One, Google Chromecast, Oculus Go, and iOS and Android devices
- Local channels: NBC, Fox (check your local availability here)
For a more à la carte service, look to Sling TV. It offers two cable packages, Sling Orange and Sling Blue, both of which cost $25 per month. If you grab them both, (Sling Orange + Blue) you can save $10 per month. Sling Blue offers more bang for your buck and everything you need to watch the Big East basketball tournament, with over 40 channels, including sports necessities like FS1, NBCSN, and NFL Network, in addition to local channels like Fox. You’ll also gain access to the usual cable mainstays like Food Network, Discovery, Cartoon Network, SYFY, and FXX. (Here’s the complete guide to Sling TV channels.)
2) Hulu with Live TV
- Cost: $44.95 per month (after a 7-day free trial)
- Hulu devices: Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, and iOS and Android devices
- Local channels: ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, the CW (check your local availability here)
Hulu with Live TV is one of the most popular ways to stream live TV, perhaps because you gain access to a massive library of on-demand content including classic and current TV shows, movies, not to menti0n Hulu’s original programming. As far as live-streaming goes, you’ll have almost 60 channels to flip through, including HGTV, a full suite of ESPN channels, Cartoon Network, FX, and even deep cuts like Nat Geo Wild and Syfy. (Here’s the complete list of Hulu Live TV channels.)
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3) PlayStation Vue
- Cost: $44.99-$79.99 per month (after a 7-day free trial)
- PlayStation Vue devices: PlayStation 3 and 4, Roku, Amazon Fire, Google Chromecast, Kodi, iOS and Android devices
- Local channels: NBC, Fox, ABC, CBS (enter your ZIP code here to check your availability)
If you have a PS4 and are into the idea of having your gaming and streaming needs met in the same place, PlayStation Vue is made for you. Jumping from your favorite game to your favorite show is seamless, and controlling it is as intuitive as playing an actual game. Still, you don’t need a PS4 to enjoy this service. You can also use a Roku, Amazon Fire devices, and even Kodi. Plus, you’ll get awesome channels like AMC, BBC America, and Bravo in PlayStation Vue’s entry-level package. One subscription works with up to five devices, all with unlimited cloud DVR storage making it one of the most binge-friendly solutions. (Here are all of PlayStation Vue channels.)
4) FuboTV
- Cost: $44.99 for your first month and $54.99 per month thereafter (after a 7-day free trial)
- FuboTV devices: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Android TV, iOS and Android devices
- Local channels: ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, the CW (in some markets) (check local availability here)
FuboTV was built with sports fans in mind. There are different channel packages available whether you’re looking for basketball, soccer, golf, and even outdoor sports like rock climbing.It comes with Fox, so you’ll be able to watch the Big East tournament. Plus, you get all the great cable channels too, including AMC, Bravo, TBS, and IFC. (Here’s the complete FuboTV channels list.)
5) YouTube TV
- Cost: $49.99 per month (after a 7-day free trial)
- YouTube TV devices: Google Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, Android TV, Xbox One, iOS, and Android devices
- Local channels: NBC, CBS, Fox, ABC, the CW (enter your ZIP code here to check your availability)
YouTube TV is a great solution for families because one subscription can add up to six accounts. Each account comes with unlimited cloud DVR. There are sports channels like NBCSN, NBA TV, and four ESPN channels. Disney, Disney XD, Disney Junior, and Cartoon Network will keep any kid (or kid at heart) busy for hours. It also comes with a few Spanish-language channels like Telemundo and NBC Universo. AMC, BBC America, and IFC are there too, so you won’t miss out on all that prestige TV. (You can find the full list of YouTube TV channels here.)
6) DirecTV Now
- Cost: $40-$75 per month (after a 7-day free trial)
- DirecTV Now devices: Roku, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, and Amazon Fire Stick
- Local channels: ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, the CW (enter your ZIP code here to check local availability)
Cable giant DirecTV offers its own online streaming solution with DirecTV Now. For those who need a pile of channels, DirecTV Now offers upwards of 125 channels in its most expensive package, in case you want to relive the days of endless surfing. However, its basic Live a Little Plan will cover most of your live-streaming needs, including getting you access to Fox and FS1 where you can stream the Big East basketball tournament. (You can find the full list of DirecTV Now channels here.)
Other ways to watch the 2019 Big East basketball tournament
1) Fox Sports Go
- Cost: Free but requires cable or live TV subscription
- Devices: Apple TV, iPad, Android TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV, Amazon Kindle, Roku, iOS and Android devices (full list here)
The great thing about nabbing any of the cable packages listed above is they work with the Fox Sports Go app. Sign in with your given subscription credentials and you can watch any and all Fox Sports channels including FS1, FS2, Fox College Sports, Fox Soccer Plus, Fox Deportes, and even your local Fox affiliate right from the app. Plus, all Big East basketball tournament rounds and the final will be available to stream on the Fox Sports Go app. It doesn’t get much better than that.
2019 Big East basketball tournament schedule
The Big East tournament kicks off on Wednesday, March 13 and runs through Saturday, March 16. All times listed below are in EST.
First round, March 13
- 7pm: No. 8 seed Providence vs. No. 9 seed Butler
- 9:30pm: No. 7 seed St. Johns vs. No. 10 seed DePaul
Second round, March 14
- 12pm: No. 1 seed vs. winner of game 1
- 2:30pm: No. 4 seed Xavier vs.No. 5 seed Creighton
- 7pm: No. 2 seed Marquette vs. winner of game 2
- 9pm: No. 3 seed Seton Hall vs. No. 6 seed Georgetown
Semifinals, March 15
- 6:30pm: Winner of game 3 vs. winner of game 4
- 9:30pm: Winner of game 5 vs. winner of game 6
Final, March 16
- 6:30pm: Winner of game 7 vs. winner of game 8
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