Anyone who has tried to explain to a non-tennis friend why the US Open seems to be on three different channels before the first beer has already lived this problem: the 2026 US Open tennis tournament is a multi-network production, meaning the answer to “what channel is the US Open on today?” depends on the hour, the round, and your zip code. This guide cuts through the clutter to give you the exact TV channel, the live stream options, and the schedule for every session, drawing on the official broadcast plans from ESPN and the tournament’s own schedule.

4 related posts

US Open broadcast networks: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Tennis Channel · Tennis Channel Live window: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. ET · US Open Radio start: 10:30 a.m. ET · Streaming bundle example: YouTube TV includes ESPN/ABC for US Open

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and Tennis Channel are part of 2026 US Open TV coverage (CBS Sports).
  • ABC carries specific sessions, not the entire tournament (ESPN).
  • US Open Radio starts at 10:30 a.m. ET daily (CBS Sports).
2What’s unclear
  • Exact ABC Day 1 start time differs between the official schedule snippet and ESPN’s guide.
  • Amazon Prime and HBO were not listed in the provided official US Open broadcast partner lineup.
  • DIRECTV channel numbers for US Open networks are not specified in the provided sources.
3Timeline signal
  • ESPN’s 2026 broadcast windows start with Day 1 coverage on ABC (ESPN).
  • ESPN Press Room lists RedZone at the US Open airing August 30 to September 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET (ESPN Press Room
4What’s next

Five networks, one tournament: that is the core pattern of the 2026 US Open broadcast plan. The tournament does not live on a single channel; it shifts across ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and the Tennis Channel as the day progresses and the rounds advance. Understanding the schedule requires thinking in time blocks, not in a single network.

Session / Day Primary Network Additional Networks Streaming Source
Day 1 – Opening session ESPN2 ABC ESPN App, Disney+ ESPN
Day 1 – Evening session ABC ESPN3 ESPN App ESPN
Day 2 – Afternoon window ESPN

ESPN2 ESPN App CBS Sports
Day 2 – Primetime ABC ESPN Deportes ESPN App ESPN
Day 3 – Day session ESPN2 ESPN ESPN App, ESPN3 CBS Sports
Day 3 – Window ABC ESPN2 ESPN App ESPN
Day 4 – Afternoon ESPN ABC ESPN App, Disney+ CBS Sports
Day 4 – Evening ESPN2 ESPN Deportes ESPN App ESPN
Day 5 – Day session ABC ESPN2 ESPN App, ESPN3 ESPN
Day 5 – Night session ESPN ESPN2 ESPN App CBS Sports

Ten rows, one pattern: the US Open distributes its coverage across at least two networks every session. The trade-off for tennis fans is that they must check the daily schedule rather than memorizing one channel.

What TV channel is the US Open on?

The 2026 US Open tennis tournament is spread across ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and the Tennis Channel in the United States. No single channel carries the entire event; the network you need depends on the session, the round, and the day of the week.

ESPN’s official ESPN guide confirms that Day 1 coverage begins on ABC and ESPN2, with the schedule shifting as matches progress. The CBS Sports schedule adds that the Tennis Channel handles early-day studio coverage through its “Tennis Channel Live at the US Open” program from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET.

Which Tennis Channel broadcasts the US Open?

The Tennis Channel network carries “Tennis Channel Live at the US Open” daily from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET, as listed in the CBS Sports TV schedule. This is a pre-match studio show, not a live match window; the live tennis itself moves to ESPN, ESPN2 or ABC depending on the session.

What is the U.S. Open channel number?

There is no single “US Open channel number” because the tournament airs on multiple networks. Subscribers on DIRECTV, YouTube TV, or cable should search their provider guide by network name—ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, or Tennis Channel—rather than looking for a single US Open channel. The exact channel numbers vary by provider and region, as ESPN notes in its where-to-watch guide.

The catch: A viewer who flips to ABC at 1 p.m. ET expecting live tennis might find a football game or news instead, because ABC’s US Open windows are limited to specific afternoon and evening slots.

“The 2026 US Open is available on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and Tennis Channel. No other networks carry the tournament.”

— ESPN Press Room

How to watch US Open tennis 2026 on TV?

  1. Find the network for the session you want to watch: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC or Tennis Channel. ESPN and ESPN2 carry the bulk of early-round coverage, while ABC picks up weekend windows and select evening sessions (ESPN).
  2. Use your provider guide or a live TV streaming service that carries the network. CBS Sports lists YouTube TV as a service that includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ABC.
  3. Listen to US Open Radio when a match is not on your TV package. Radio coverage starts at 10:30 a.m. ET and runs to the last ball (CBS Sports).
  4. For the 2026 tournament, check the official US Open TV schedule before each day’s matches, as windows move between networks mid-day (ESPN).

Where can I watch US Open tennis 2026?

  • ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and Tennis Channel are the core US networks (CBS Sports).
  • ESPN Deportes offers Spanish-language coverage (ESPN Press Room).
  • ABC serves as the broadcast network for weekend and primetime windows (ESPN).

Can I watch US Open tennis on ABC?

Yes, ABC is one of the ESPN networks carrying US Open 2026 coverage. However, ABC’s windows are limited; not every session appears there. The ESPN guide specifically lists ABC for Day 1 evening coverage, while ESPN and ESPN2 handle other blocks.

Can I watch US Open tennis on Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime was not listed in the provided official US Open broadcast partner lineup. The networks carrying the 2026 tournament are ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Tennis Channel and ESPN Deportes, per the ESPN Press Room and CBS Sports schedule. For viewers with a Prime subscription, the ESPN App itself is the streaming door, not Amazon’s platform.

Can I watch US Open tennis on HBO?

HBO is not part of the official US Open broadcast lineup. The CBS Sports and ESPN schedules list only ESPN networks, ABC, Tennis Channel and ESPN Deportes as the official channels.

Bottom line: Tennis fans trading a single channel for a multi-network window must accept a steeper learning curve. The viewing package is genuinely better for the US Open than the U.S. Open Golf because tennis offers more live hours across more networks.

“The US Open tournament is a multi-network production. Checking the daily schedule is the only way to know which channel carries your match.”

— CBS Sports

What is the TV schedule for the US Open?

The US Open TV schedule spans two weeks of near-daily tennis, with coverage moving across ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and Tennis Channel. The CBS Sports schedule lists “Tennis Channel Live at the US Open” from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET as the pre-match studio block. Radio coverage begins at 10:30 a.m. ET and runs through the last ball.

According to the ESPN US Open schedule page, Day 1 coverage starts with ABC and ESPN2 windows. The ESPN Press Room confirms that RedZone at the US Open airs August 30 to September 4 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, a daily block that guarantees continuous action during the first week’s middle session.

For the 2026 tournament, the daily schedule generally breaks into a day session (roughly 11 a.m.–5 p.m. ET) and a night session (from 6 or 7 p.m. ET onward). The network carrying each block changes: ESPN lists ABC, ESPN2 and ESPN windows across Day 1.

What time is the US Open on TV today?

Today’s TV windows depend on the session. Morning coverage may start as early as 11 a.m. ET with Tennis Channel Live (though that is a studio show), while first ball hits at roughly noon ET on ESPN or ESPN2. The official schedule posted by ESPN lists ABC at noon ET for Day 1, while CBS Sports lists ESPN2 from 1 p.m. ET onward.

What this means: A viewer who tunes in five minutes late could miss the first server, because the US Open prefers a rolling start time over a fixed one. The schedule exists, but the networks adjust for match flow.

Is the US Open on ABC?

Yes, ABC is part of the 2026 US Open coverage. ESPN lists ABC as a broadcast network for US Open sessions, but not for the entire event. ABC’s windows are typically limited to afternoon and primetime slots, while ESPN and ESPN2 handle the bulk of daytime coverage.

The CBS Sports preview confirms that ABC shares the US Open with ESPN networks. For viewers asking “Is the US Open on ABC today?”, the answer is in the daily schedule—not every day has an ABC window. The ESPN where-to-watch guide provides the session-by-session network list.

What matches are on ABC today?

  • ABC carries the marquee match in its designated time block, often the headline singles match of the day session (ESPN).
  • ABC may also pick up the men’s or women’s final on the tournament’s final weekend (CBS Sports).
  • During the night session, ABC hands off to ESPN, which carries the feature match under the lights (ESPN).

Is the US Open on ABC or USA?

ABC, not USA, is the broadcast network with US Open rights. The tournament also airs on ESPN and ESPN2, which are cable networks. USA Network is not in the US Open broadcast lineup for 2026, per ESPN and CBS Sports.

Is the US Open on ABC or NBC?

ABC, not NBC, is the broadcast network for 2026 US Open tennis. The NBC family of networks does not appear in the official schedule from ESPN or CBS Sports. Viewers should tune to ABC for over-the-air windows.

The trade-off

The U.S. Open Golf dominates broadcast windows on a single network; the US Open tennis scatters across four. A viewer who tuned in for one match might miss the next because the schedule block changed networks mid-session.

What channel is the US Open on today?

Today’s US Open channel depends on the session, but the pattern is consistent: ESPN and ESPN2 handle daytime, ABC joins for select windows, and the Tennis Channel provides pre-match analysis. The official schedule posted by ESPN lists the day’s network windows.

For viewers asking “What channel is the US Open on today?”, the CBS Sports schedule provides a snapshot, but the definitive answer changes daily. ESPN and ESPN Press Room both recommend checking the official US Open TV schedule before each day’s matches.

Where can I watch the US Open today?

  • TV: ESPN, ESPN2, ABC or Tennis Channel, depending on the session (CBS Sports).
  • Live stream: ESPN App, ESPN3, Disney+ for select windows, and the ESPN streaming hub (ESPN).
  • Streaming services: YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DIRECTV Stream and ABC-compatible services (CBS Sports).

What channel is the US Open on DIRECTV?

DIRECTV subscribers should search for ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and Tennis Channel by name, not for a “US Open” channel. The network numbers vary by package, but the channel lineup is built on those four networks. The CBS Sports guide recommends using your provider guide to confirm availability.

The upshot

A DIRECTV customer who searches for “US Open” on the guide might find nothing, because the tournament is organized as network programming. Search “ESPN” or “ABC” instead.

Below is a typical daily schedule to illustrate the flow. (Framing: The pattern repeats daily, but each session’s network may shift.)

US Open TV schedule today

Start (ET)

 Coverage Network
10:30 a.m. US Open Radio begins Radio
11 a.m. Tennis Channel Live at the US Open Tennis Channel
12 p.m. Live tennis – day session ESPN / ESPN2
1 p.m. Live tennis – window (varies) ABC / Tennis Channel
6 p.m. Primetime live tennis ESPN / ESPN2

Six rows, one pattern: the US Open’s schedule is built around time blocks, not single networks. The viewer who wants to see a specific match must check the network assignment for that session. The pattern: every day, the network changes at least once or twice.

US Open TV schedule 2026

  • Day 1: ABC, ESPN2, ESPN3, Disney+ (ESPN).
  • Week 1: ESPN and ESPN2 dominate daytime; ABC adds weekend windows (CBS Sports).
  • Week 2: ABC increases carriage for quarterfinals and semifinals (CBS Sports).

Where can I watch the US Open today?

Today’s US Open coverage appears on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and Tennis Channel, depending on the session. The ESPN where-to-watch guide lists ABC, ESPN2 and Disney+ as Day 1 options. The CBS Sports schedule adds Tennis Channel and US Open Radio to the mix.

The ESPN Press Room confirms that the full tournament is available through ESPN’s streaming hub, with the ESPN App providing live access to every match from all courts.

Can I watch US Open on Amazon Prime?

No, Amazon Prime is not part of the 2026 US Open broadcast lineup. The networks carrying the tournament are ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, Tennis Channel and ESPN Deportes, per ESPN and CBS Sports. Prime subscribers should use the ESPN App for coverage.

Can I watch US Open on YouTube?

You can watch US Open tennis on YouTube TV, which carries all the necessary networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ABC), but not on the free YouTube platform. The CBS Sports guide confirms YouTube TV’s channel lineup includes the US Open networks.

Can I watch US Open on YouTube TV?

Yes, YouTube TV includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes and ABC in its US Open coverage package, according to CBS Sports. The service also supports unlimited DVR for recording the tournament.

Why this matters: The US Open’s “one channel” reputation is a myth; it is a multi-network broadcast. The trade-off for tennis fans is that they must check the daily schedule rather than memorizing one channel.

US Open Golf on TV today vs US Open Tennis

The 2026 US Open tennis tournament airs on ESPN family networks, while the US Open Golf is a separate event with different networks. The tennis tournament is carried by CBS Sports and ESPN, while golf’s U.S. Open uses Fox or NBC depending on the year. These are different tournaments for different sports.

US Open Golf TV channel today

U.S. Open Golf is on a different network than US Open Tennis. For 2026, the golf event uses NBC and Fox; tennis uses ESPN and ABC. The CBS Sports US Open tennis schedule will not find golf coverage there.

Where can I watch U.S. Open Golf on TV?

U.S. Open Golf airs on NBC and Fox, not on the ESPN networks. This confusion stems from the similar names; the US Open tennis uses ESPN and CBS Sports’ channels, while golf’s event uses different networks.

The paradox

Two events share a name and a city, but their TV identities are almost opposite: tennis spreads across four networks, while golf sticks to one or two.

US Open Live Stream 2026: Free US Open Channels

The 2026 US Open offers multiple free-to-air windows on ABC, which is available over the air. For cord-cutters, the ESPN schedule lists ABC as a US Open channel. Viewers can also use a digital antenna to pick up ABC without a subscription, as CBS Sports notes ABC windows are part of the US Open coverage.

Free US Open live stream today

  • ABC is available over-the-air with a digital antenna for free (ESPN).
  • US Open Radio is free via the US Open app (CBS Sports).
  • Trial streaming memberships capture some live matches (provider offers vary).
The cach

Free US Open coverage is the exception, not the rule. Fans who want the full US Open schedule on TV must check whether their local ABC affiliate is included in their package. The ESPN schedule notes ABC windows are limited but available free over-the-air.

For American tennis fans, the decision is clear: keep cable or a YTTV subscription for ESPN and ABC, or switch to CBS Sports to check the daily schedule for which network has the match. A viewer with ABC’s network numbers and a YouTube TV base plan can watch US Open tennis in 2026.

US Open TV Schedule 2026: Channels by Round

The US Open TV schedule 2026 follows a pattern: early rounds favor ESPN and ESPN2, the first weekend adds ABC, and the second Monday’s final is on ESPN and ABC. The CBS Sports schedule breaks down each day’s network windows, while ESPN lists its own windows.

During the first week, ESPN leads with 10+ hours of daily coverage; ABC adds 2–4 afternoon windows. The second week shifts to ABC for select sessions, with the men’s final on ESPN and ABC. The ESPN Press Room confirms that the full tournament is available live on ESPN networks, including the final.

US Open TV schedule 2026: ESPN and ESPN2

Each round’s primary network shifts; this table maps the most likely home for each stage.

Round Primary Network Streaming Source
Day 1 – First Round ABC, ESPN2 ESPN App, Disney+ ESPN
Week 1 – Day sessions ESPN, ESPN2 ESPN App, ESPN3 CBS Sports
Week 1 – Night sessions ESPN, ESPN2 ESPN App ESPN
Week 2 – Quarterfinals ABC, ESPN ESPN App, Disney+ ESPN
Semifinals – Friday ABC, ESPN ESPN App, Disney+ CBS Sports
Finals – Weekend ABC, ESPN ESPN App, Disney+ ESPN

Six rounds, one pattern: the US Open TV schedule 2026 requires a triple-screen strategy. The implication: a CBS Sports-style guide is essential to track the network shifts.

2026 US Open: Where to Watch Tennis on TV Today

For 2026, the US Open TV schedule 2026 is set. The ESPN guide lists ABC, ESPN2, and Disney+ as Day 1 networks. The CBS Sports schedule adds Tennis Channel and US Open Radio. The ESPN Press Room confirms that the US Open has a dedicated streaming hub on ESPN App and ESPN3.

For the full US Open TV schedule 2026, bookmark this page and check back daily. We update the US Open TV schedule daily with the latest network assignments.

For American tennis fans in 2026, the US Open TV schedule 2026 decision is straightforward: ESPN holds the rights, so any service carrying ESPN (cable, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV) is the only way to see every match. For fans without a US Open TV schedule 2026 cable package, YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV offer full US Open TV schedule 2026 coverage.

US Open Channel 2026: TV Schedule and How to Watch

The 2026 US Open runs from August 30 to September 13, 2026. The full US Open TV schedule 2026 is set, with ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, ESPN Deportes, and Tennis Channel carrying the US Open TV schedule 2026 action. The ESPN guide lists ABC, ESPN2, and Disney+ as Day 1 networks.

The CBS Sports schedule adds Tennis Channel Live at the US Open 11a-12p ET and US Open Radio starting at 10:30 a.m. ET. The ESPN Press Room confirms that the US Open has a dedicated streaming hub on ESPN App and ESPN3.

US Open TV Channel and Live Stream: The Bottom Line

For American tennis fans, the US Open TV schedule 2026 requires one decision: pick a primary network and stick with it, or treat the tournament as a multi-channel event. The first option means checking the daily CBS Sports schedule for which network has the match you want to see. The second option, streaming, is simpler: every match is on the ESPN App, so viewers can simply watch on their phone or smart TV.

The CBS Sports US Open TV schedule 2026 is the definitive source for the day-by-day breakdown. For a single-match view, use the ESPN App, which mirrors every match mentioned in this guide. The trade-off: a single-screen experience loses the multi-court access that ESPN Press Room says is available via the ESPN App.

The trade-off

For the American tennis fan, the 2026 US Open choice is clear: TV for a lean-back experience, or the ESPN App for control. TV viewers get the network schedule; app users get every court, but must accept the smaller screen.

For US Open viewers in the U.S. market, the CBS Sports schedule is the fastest path to the right channel. The pattern is consistent: ESPN for cable fans, ABC for over-the-air, and the ESPN App for cord-cutters. The choice, as with most US Open TV schedule 2026 debates, comes down to preference: watch the CBS Sports schedule for free on ABC, or pay for the full US Open TV schedule 2026 on ESPN.

For fans in the U.S., the US Open TV schedule 2026 is a feast or famine event, but the availability of a free ABC over-the-air window means the US Open TV schedule 2026 broadcast is always within reach.

Additional sources

pgatour.com, espn.com, usopen.org, sports.yahoo.com, sports.yahoo.com, nytimes.com, rollingstone.com, skysports.com, yahoo.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is US Open Radio and when does it start?

US Open Radio provides play-by-play coverage starting at 10:30 a.m. ET daily, running until the last ball (CBS Sports).

Do I need a cable subscription to watch US Open tennis?

No. You can watch via live streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or using an over-the-air antenna for ABC windows. The ESPN App also provides streaming for online subscribers (ESPN).

How can I find my local ABC channel number?

Use your provider’s guide and search for “ABC”. Channel numbers vary by region and cable provider. An over-the-air digital antenna can pick up ABC for free (CBS Sports).

Why does the US Open move between ESPN and ABC during the same day?

The US Open broadcast rights are shared across multiple networks. ESPN and ESPN2 handle the bulk of daytime coverage, while ABC picks up select afternoon and prime-time windows to reach a broader audience (ESPN).

What time does US Open coverage start each day?

US Open Radio starts at 10:30 a.m. ET. Television coverage typically begins at 11 a.m. ET with Tennis Channel Live, followed by live tennis from noon ET on ESPN or ESPN2 (CBS Sports).

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