Watch the North Carolina Tar Heels live without cable on the device of your choice, including Apple TV, Samsung Smart TV, Roku, and more.
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Due to ESPN’s long term TV contract with the ACC, North Carolina football games air most often on ABC, ESPN, and ACC Network.
There are several options for live streaming North Carolina Tar Heels football, often in a free trial. Our top pick, DIRECTV STREAM “Choice” carries WTVD ABC 11 Raleigh, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ACC Network, as well as the regional sports networks needed to watch ACC on RSN games as well as Braves, Hurricanes, and Charlotte Hornets games.
Watch ABC, CBS, FOX, ESPN, FS1, ACC Network, TBS, TNT, USA Network, and more. | $99.99 / month | 5 Day Free Trial |
Watch ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, FOX, CBS, FS1, and more. | $74.99 / month | 7 Day Free Trial |
Pick up the ESPN+ bundle along with other core channels, including ACC Network and ACC Network Extra. | $69.99 / month | Sign Up for Hulu |
Important channels
Under the current ACC TV contract with ESPN, which runs through 2036, Tar Heel football and basketball games will usually appear on one of five channels: WTVD ABC 11 Raleigh, ESPN, ESPN2, ACC Network, and ESPNU.
oSome “smaller” Tar Heel games may also air on CBS Sports Network, local regional sports networks, and ESPN+.
Despite the Diamond Sports bankruptcy, which is the parent company of the Bally Sports RSNs, we have listed the local RSNs for North Carolina fans below because we expect them to continue carrying ACC football in 2024.
| DIRECTV STREAM – Choice | FuboTV Sports Lite | Fubo | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV Orange + Sports Extra | YouTube TV | |
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| $99.99 / month | $84.99 / month | $74.99 / month | $69.99 / month | $46 / month | $72.99 / month |
Several live TV streaming services carry the channels you need to watch ACC football. Let’s break down the best option for watching the TarHeels.
Our picks
DIRECTV STREAM “Choice” gets UNC fans all the core channels they need to watch Tar Heels football, as well as the Carolina Panthers on Sundays.
As an added bonus, if you are looking for a live TV streaming service that allows you to watch the Carolina Hurricanes, or depending on location, the Atlanta Braves, then DIRECTV STREAM “Choice” is your best option. The “Choice” package is expensive, but it features the Bally Sports RSNs for local NBA, NHL, and MLB action, as well as the elusive ACC on RSN series, which we expect to continue in 2024 despite turmoil in the regional sports network industry.
Pros
- Full UNC football and basketball coverage
- ACC Network Extra access
- Watch the Panthers on Sundays
Cons
- ACC Network requires a premium upgrade
- No 4K
fuboTV carries ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and the ACC Network in the base package for in-market subscribers in the southeast, and with the “follow your favorite team’s feature” the app can be tailored to watching Tar Heels football specifically.
Many of our readers come to our site looking to get a game on fast. We estimate most North Carolina sports fans will be able to get fuboTV up and running in under 10 minutes.
Pros
- Full UNC football and basketball coverage
- Excellent 4K upgrade for FOX and NBC
- Full Carolina Panthers coverage
- Watch Bally Sports RSNs
Cons
- Lacks TNT and TBS which is a major problem for the NCAA Tournament
New for this season, Sling TV carries WTVD ABC 11 in Raleigh. That’s the good news. The bad news is ABC’s live sports lineup is not available with Sling Orange, the Sling package that features ESPN. So, while you can get most all of the channels you need to watch Tar Heel’s football with Sling, getting max coverage requires buying Sling Orange & Blue plus Sports Extra, which defeats the main advantage of Sling TV in the first place – it’s affordable budget rates.
For a good deal, albeit one that is missing ABC, FOX, CBS, and NBC, try Sling Orange + Sports Extra. As an added bonus, Sling Orange + Sports Extra will net UNC fans access to ACC Network Extra on the ESPN app for watching regular season ACC basketball.
Pros
- ESPN and ACC Network
Cons
- Lacks ABC and CBS
- Local channels only in select markets
Minus the ACC on RSN games, Hulu + Live TV checks all of the boxes for UNC football fans and even includes access to ACC Network Extra for watching ACC basketball and lacrosse.
Pros
- Full Tarheel football and basketball coverage
- ESPN+
- Watch the Carolina Panthers
Cons
Minus the ACC on RSN games, YouTube TV checks all of the boxes for UNC football fans and even includes access to ACC Network Extra for watching ACC basketball and lacrosse.
YouTube TV’s unlimited DVR and innovative features make it an attractive option for sports fans. If you plan on buying NFL Sunday Ticket to follow out-of-market NFL action this season, YouTube TV is the new home having taking over the rights from DIRECTV.
Pros
- Excellent 4K coverage (FOX, NBC, and ESPN)
- Full UNC football and basketball coverage
- NFL Sunday Ticket
Cons
- Lacks Bally Sports RSNs
- Google account required to signup
FAQ
Even with a device that supports 4K streaming, not every UNC football game will be available to watch in 4K. However, for the games that are offered in 4K, YouTube TV’s 4K Plus package, which is offered at the bargain rate of $4.99 per month for new subscribers, is the best bet. YouTube TV wins out over fuboTV’s 4K option because it broadcasts ESPN in 4K, while fuboTV has yet to add ESPN games in 4K.