YouTube TV-ESPN dispute: How to watch Alabama basketball’s season-opener vs. North Dakota
By Jacob Moss
Published:
The 2025-26 NCAA men’s basketball season is set to tip off tonight, and the Alabama Crimson Tide will be starting their quest for a third-straight Elite 8 run at 8 p.m. ET tonight against the North Dakota Fighting Hawks on SEC Network+.
Unfortunately for fans who currently use YouTube TV for all their sports viewing, the current carriage dispute between Google and Disney means that YouTube TV won’t have any ESPN channels for the foreseeable future.
That includes Alabama’s season-opener against North Dakota on Monday night, which is set to be broadcast on SEC Network.
How to stream Alabama basketball
Alabama fans who currently use YouTube TV will unfortunately be unable to view the season opener for the Tide due to the carriage dispute with ESPN, but SlingTV could be a viable solution for fans hoping to watch the game.
SlingTV is currently offering a “day pass” to all new customers. The day pass costs $4.99, although an additional subscription may be required to access SEC Network+. Sling subscribers will have access to Monday Night Football with its day pass.
Here’s what you need to know for Alabama’s opener:
- Tipoff time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- TV: SEC Network+ via SlingTV
Fans could also look to FuboTV as an alternative to YouTube TV. Fubo is currently offering new customers a free trial period when they sign up.
Alabama vs. North Dakota betting odds
The Crimson Tide will enter their season opener against the Fighting Hawks as massive home favorites. Alabama is currently ranked as the No. 15 team in the country to start the season and is coming off back-to-back Elite 8 appearances, while North Dakota is coming off a 12-21 season.
Here’s a look at the up-to-date betting odds for this season opener:
Alabama vs. North Dakota history
This will be just the second time ever that the Tide have faced off against North Dakota on the hardwood, with their first meeting coming last season on December 18th. Alabama actually went on the road to face the Fighting Hawks, with the Tide walking away with a surprisingly-close 97-90 victory.
