Streaming the 2026 US Open live without cable requires navigating exclusive broadcast rights held by ESPN, according to official tournament scheduling details. Fans can catch matches across ESPN, ESPN+, ABC, and the ESPN app, with various live TV streaming services offering package options ranging from $19.99 to $65.99 per month.
Where to Stream the 2026 US Open
ESPN serves as the exclusive home for the US Open, broadcasting matches across linear television and digital apps. According to broadcast distributors, viewers without traditional cable packages can select from several live TV streaming providers to access ABC, ESPN, and ESPN 2.
DirecTV offers its base package for $59.99 for the first month, including ABC and ESPN+, as outlined by service guidelines. ESPN Unlimited provides direct streaming of live sports and archived shows starting at $29.99 per month. Fubo includes ABC, ESPN, and ESPN 2 in its Sports plan for $65.99 per month, while Sling’s Essentials plan carries ESPN and ESPN 2 for $19.99 per month with an optional $4.99 Day Pass. YouTube TV prices its Sports Plan at $64.99 per month for access to ABC, ESPN, and ESPN 2.
How to Watch the US Open for Free
Viewers seeking free access can utilize streaming video trials from providers like DirecTV, FuboTV, or YouTube TV, according to platform availability. Internationally, 9Now streams the tournament for free in Australia.
For viewers outside Australia looking to access 9Now, technology guides recommend using a virtual private network like ExpressVPN for location spoofing. By connecting to an Australian server through a VPN app, users can access geo-restricted streams. Many VPN services offer first-time user trials.
Pro Tip: Enable your TV’s motion-smoothing option during matches for a clearer gameplay experience, but remember to turn it off afterward to avoid the soap opera effect on regular shows and movies.
Tournament Schedule and Format
The 2026 US Open runs as a three-week event from Sunday, August 23, to Sunday, September 13, at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York, as scheduled by tournament organizers. First contested in 1881, it stands as the second-oldest Grand Slam tournament behind Wimbledon.
The schedule features qualifying events from August 24 to August 27, and mixed doubles from August 24 to August 26. Main draw singles matches run from August 30 to September 13. Women’s and men’s doubles, along with junior events, take place from September 3 to September 12. Wheelchair events run from September 8 to September 12.
Key finals are scheduled for the final weekend: the Women’s Doubles Final on Friday, September 11; the Women’s Singles Final and Men’s Doubles Final on Saturday, September 12; and the Men’s Singles Final on Sunday, September 13.
Players to Watch in the Main Draw
The tournament field features 17 former Grand Slam singles champions, including 10 former US Open winners, according to tournament entries. In the men’s draw, Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz hold top seeding positions following the injury withdrawal of Jannik Sinner, with Felix Auger-Aliassime rounding out the top three. Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and American player Jessica Pegula lead the women’s seedings.
The United States leads all nations with 28 players in the main draw. Notable American competitors include Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Ben Shelton, Taylor Fritz, and Venus Williams.
Did You Know?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the US Open without cable?
Yes. You can stream matches using services like DirecTV, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, or ESPN Unlimited, or via free trials where available.
Where is the US Open played?
The tournament takes place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York.
Who are the top seeds for the 2026 tournament?
Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Felix Auger-Aliassime lead the men’s field, while Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Jessica Pegula lead the women’s field, according to tournament data.
How can I watch the US Open for free from the US?
Viewers can use free streaming trials from providers such as DirecTV, FuboTV, or YouTube TV, or use a VPN to access free coverage on Australia’s 9Now platform.
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