For Kentucky basketball fans who have so far refused getting into the streaming apps for sports, the opening month of the 2025 basketball season will be a huge challenge. UK's early-season schedule is filled with games that won't be on traditional cable, residing exclusively on ESPN's streaming platforms. It’s a frustrating shift for many, but it’s part of a larger, irreversible trend in how we watch sports.
Here are the games you'll need to stream:
- Georgetown (Exhibition) – Oct. 30, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
- Nicholls – Nov. 4, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
- Valparaiso – Nov. 7, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
- Eastern Illinois – Nov. 14, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
- Loyola (Maryland) – Nov. 21, 7 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
- Bellarmine – Dec. 23, 1 p.m. ET, SEC Network+
Why is this happening?
The move from cable to streaming is driven by one thing: money. Media giants like ESPN are in a battle for subscribers. By making certain games "streaming-exclusives," they can drive fans to their paid platforms, like ESPN+ and SEC Network+. And Kentucky fans love to watch their Cats, it is a smart strategy.
These early-season, non-conference matchups against smaller schools are considered low-hanging fruit. They are important to the hardcore fanbase but don't draw massive national ratings, making them perfect candidates to entice dedicated fans into purchasing a subscription. For the SEC and its schools, this is part of their massive media rights deal with ESPN, which gives the network the flexibility to place games where they are most profitable for the sports giant.
Your guide to watching the Cats on streaming
If you want to watch these games, you’ll need to access SEC Network+, which is different from the main SEC Network channel. Here's how:
- Check Your Current Provider: If you already have a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming package (like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV) that includes the SEC Network, you likely have access to SEC Network+ content. You just need to log into the ESPN app using your TV provider credentials.
- Subscribe to ESPN+: If you don't have a provider with SEC Network access, you will need to subscribe to a service. ESPN+ is the network's standalone streaming service. While SECN+ is technically different in name, it is not in practice. The games are simulcast, and having an ESPN+ subscription is often the most direct route.
- Use a Compatible Device: You can watch through the ESPN app on a streaming stick (Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV), a smart TV, a gaming console, or your phone/tablet.
For fans who prefer the traditional experience, the only other option is to turn down the TV and listen to Tom Leach on the UK Sports Radio Network. Unfortunately, the days of every game being on cable are over, and this trend is only going to accelerate.
Drew Holbrook is an avid Kentucky fan who has been covering the Cats for over 10 years. In his free time he enjoys downtime with his family and Premier League soccer. You can find him on X here. Micah 7:7. #UptheAlbion