How the US Open tennis championship is televised and streamed
The US Open tennis championship is one of the few major sporting events covered by multiple networks in the United States, with each day and each match type assigned to a specific channel or streaming service. Understanding where to watch the US Open on TV and streaming platforms saves time, avoids blackouts, and helps you follow every session live. This guide explains the broadcast and cable partners, the typical schedule by network, how streaming works, and answers common questions so you can plan to watch every session with confidence.
US Open TV and streaming at a glance
For most seasons through 2027, the US Open is split between CBS and ESPN, with each network handling specific sessions, while streaming lives on their apps and services. Knowing which network carries the session you want to watch makes it easy to tune in on any device.
| Network / Platform | What they carry | Typical availability |
|---|---|---|
| CBS | Afternoon sessions of men’s and women’s singles, select doubles | Over the air and widely available on cable and satellite |
| ESPN (including ESPN2) | Early morning and primetime sessions, select doubles | Available on most cable, satellite, and live TV services |
| Tennis Channel | Encore replays, live coverage in select years | Available as a standalone cable channel and streaming add-on |
| Peacock | Live streaming of NBCUniversal channels, including selected Tennis Channel content | Requires subscription; available as an add-on to some cable credentials |
| Paramount+ / CBS Sports | Live streaming via CBS app and website with TV provider login | Requires TV provider login for most live streams in the US |
| ESPN app and website | Live streaming of ESPN and ESPN2 coverage | Requires TV provider login for most live streams in the US |
How to watch on cable
On cable, you can typically find the US Open on CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, and Tennis Channel. If you have a standard cable package that includes these channels, you should be able to watch the respective sessions without extra equipment. Check your local listings at the start of the tournament for exact channel numbers, as they can vary by provider and region.
How to watch via live TV streaming services
Many cord-cutting services carry the channels that broadcast the US Open, so you don’t need traditional cable to follow the tournament live. Services that commonly carry CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, and Tennis Channel include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream. Because these services require active TV provider accounts for local channels in many areas, compare channel lineups and pricing to find the best fit for your location. Use your TV provider login through these apps to unlock full live access.
Streaming the US Open without cable
If you do not have cable, you can still watch the US Open on streaming services that offer the networks that carry the event. Some services provide add-ons that include Tennis Channel, Peacock, or regional sports networks, which can help you maintain access to CBS and ESPN feeds. Because rules around local channels and network streams differ by service and location, compare service offerings in your area and confirm channel availability before committing.
Plan your viewing in advance
Because the US Open spans multiple networks and daily schedules can shift with weather and live scoring, a little preparation goes a long way. Note which days feature your favorite players and which sessions are on CBS versus ESPN, and make sure your cable subscription or streaming services include those channels. With the right setup, you can follow every serve and baseline rally live, whether you watch on a TV with cable, a streaming device, or a mobile connection.
Summary: Where to watch the US Open on TV and streaming
Coverage is split between CBS and ESPN, with replays and some live action on Tennis Channel and Peacock. Live streams usually require a TV provider login through services such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, or Paramount+. If you understand which network carries which sessions and how to authenticate streams with your TV credentials, you can reliably watch the US Open across TV, cable, and streaming devices.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which network has US Open tennis exclusively?
No single network holds exclusive US Open coverage; the tournament is split between CBS and ESPN across broadcast TV and cable. This shared arrangement means you can watch all sessions by tuning into both networks or using streaming services that carry the full portfolio of channels. If one service drops a session, you can usually find it on the other network or through a streaming add-on that includes Tennis Channel or Peacock.
Do I need a TV provider login to stream live US Open coverage?
Yes, most live streams of CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, and Tennis Channel on streaming apps require an active TV provider login. This means you must subscribe to a qualifying cable or live TV package to access the streams, even if you are watching entirely online. A few limited streams or replays may be available without login, but full live coverage is typically gated behind provider authentication.
Can I watch the US Open on local broadcast TV?
Depending on your location, you may receive CBS over the air with a local affiliate and an antenna. Local stations sometimes air highlights or delayed coverage, but live prime-time sessions usually air on cable networks rather than local broadcast. Check your local affiliate’s schedule in the days before and during the tournament to see what, if any, live coverage is available over the air.
How can I find the right channel on the day of a match?
Use TV guide apps, the network’s schedule page, or the streaming service’s program guide to confirm which channel is airing a specific session. Scheduling can shift due to weather or live scoring, so checking closer to match time reduces the chance of missing key points. Set reminders for your preferred apps and services so you can switch quickly between CBS, ESPN, ESPN2, and Tennis Channel feeds.
Are there free ways to watch the US Open live?
Free live access to the full US Open schedule is generally not available without a TV provider login, because most live coverage is behind paywalls on cable and streaming services. Some limited replays, highlights, and wrap-up shows may be free on official US Open and network platforms. If you do not have a TV subscription, compare streaming services that offer short trial periods so you can watch key matches live and then evaluate longer-term options.