Your Guide to Watching the 2026 Australian Open: Dates, Channels, Streaming Options & More
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the 2026 Australian Open is fast approaching, bringing world-class tennis to Melbourne Park from January 17th to February 1st. Featuring some of the biggest names in the sport, the tournament is already underway with qualifying rounds and will culminate in the highly anticipated men’s and women’s finals. For U.S.viewers, navigating the broadcast schedule and streaming options can be complex, but this guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to catch every serve, volley, and match point.
When and Where is the 2026 Australian Open?
The 2026 Australian Open officially begins on Sunday, January 18th, though for U.S. audiences, the first matches will be broadcast Saturday night due to the time difference. Qualifying matches commenced on Monday, January 12th, setting the stage for the main draw. All the action unfolds at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.
How to Watch the Australian Open in the U.S.
In the United States, ESPN and its affiliated networks will be the primary broadcasters of the australian Open. Coverage will be split between ESPN, ESPN2, and streaming via ESPN+. The entirety of the tournament, including qualifying rounds, will be available to stream for subscribers of ESPN Unlimited.
ESPN’s streaming platform boasts a vast library of live events, studio shows, and original series, accessible not only through its linear channels but also on ESPN+, ABC on ESPN, SEC+, ACCNX, and select content from NFL Network and NFL RedZone. An ESPN Unlimited subscription costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 annually.
Cord-Cutting Options: Streaming the Australian Open Without Cable
For those who have cut the cord, several live-TV streaming services offer access to ESPN and ESPN2, providing a pathway to watch the australian Open. Here’s a breakdown of the leading options:
- DirecTV: DirecTV’s Entertainment tier, priced at $89.99 per month, includes ESPN, TNT, and a range of sports networks. A five-day free trial is currently available. Subscribers also gain access to ESPN Unlimited.
- Fubo: Fubo’s sports bundle offers a comprehensive channel lineup, including ESPN, ESPN2, and access to ESPN+ Unlimited. The bundle is available for $45.99 for the first month and $55.99 thereafter, with unlimited cloud DVR storage.
- Sling TV: Sling TV’s Day Pass provides a flexible,no-commitment option. For $4.99 per day,viewers can access Sling Orange,which includes ESPN and ESPN2,allowing for on-demand viewing of the tournament.
Streaming from Down Under: Utilizing a VPN
For viewers seeking access to free, ad-supported coverage available in Australia, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be a valuable tool. A VPN masks your IP address, allowing you to virtually relocate and access geographically restricted content.
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