Four of Kentucky basketball’s first 6 games are only on SEC+. Here’s how to watch

The Kentucky basketball team tips off its season Tuesday, Nov. 4, against Nicholls, but the opener won’t be available to watch on a traditional broadcast television network.

Four of the Wildcats’ first six games, and another in late December against Bellarmine, will be aired only on SEC Network+, part of ESPN’s digital platform.

Those games include: Tuesday against Nicholls, Nov. 7 against Valparaiso, Nov. 14 against Eastern Illinois, Nov. 21 against Loyola (Maryland) and Dec. 23 against Bellarmine.

This is a trend that likely isn’t going away. Last season, three of Kentucky’s regular-season games were only available on SEC+ — vs. Bucknell, Lipscomb and Jackson State.

Here’s how to watch games on SEC Network+

If you have a cable subscription that includes the SEC Network, you should be able to stream the SEC Network+ broadcast for free via the WatchESPN app. For additional information, you can contact ESPN Customer Service at (888) 549-3776, (800) 727-1800 or at https://support.espn.com/hc/en-us.

For YouTube TV users, a contract dispute has removed all Disney-owned channels, such as SEC+, from the YouTube TV platform. ESPN recommends alternate digital platforms including Cox, Dish, DirecTV, Fios, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Mediacom, Optimum, Sling, Spectrum TV and Xfinity for YouTube TV users searching for an alternate route to view Disney-owned platforms.

For additional information, ESPN recommends KeepMyNetworks.com or the ESPN support hub.

An SEC Network+ Q&A

The Southeastern Conference provides answers to some frequently asked questions about SEC+ on its website. Here are some highlights:

Q: What is the difference between SEC Network and SEC Network+?

A: SEC Network is a live 24-hour television network. SEC Network+ is a complementary digital platform providing hundreds of additional digital only events to fans through the ESPN App on connected devices. SEC Network+ is not a television channel.

Q: What is the difference between SEC Network+ and ESPN+?

A: SEC Network+ is complementary to SEC Network offering exclusive digital events. It is accessible with your TV provider credentials and is available via the ESPN APP on smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or espn.com/watch.

ESPN+ is the industry-leading sports streaming service that offers fans in the U.S. thousands of live sports events, original programming not available on ESPN’s linear TV or digital networks and exclusive editorial content from dozens of ESPN writers and reporters. ... ESPN+ requires a standalone subscription separate from your TV provider credentials. It is available to stream through the ESPN App on your favorite connected streaming devices and ESPN.com. ...

Q: If a game is airing on both SEC Network+ and ESPN+ simultaneously, where do I watch?

A: Both streams will be available in the ESPN App. SEC Network authenticated subscribers of AT&T TV, Cox, DIRECTV, DISH Network, fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Optimum, Sling TV, Spectrum TV, Suddenlink, Verizon Fios, Xfinity TV, YouTube TV, Vidgo, members of the NCTC, as well as those with access to SEC Network through TV connected devices, can watch the game via SEC Network+. If you do not have access to SEC Network, you can access games via a subscription to ESPN+.

Q: ESPN+ is a paid subscription. Do I have to pay separately to access SEC Network+?

A: No. SEC Network+ is complementary to SEC Network and part of your subscription with your cable, satellite, or streaming provider.

Q: If a game is on ESPN+ or SEC Network+, can I watch it on TV?

A: SEC Network+ and ESPN+ are not television channels, but they are available via the ESPN App on your TV through connected streaming services and devices.

Q: Can I pay to subscribe to SEC Network or SEC Network+ online, Pay-Per-View or via ESPN3 if I can’t get it on TV?

A: No. However, with a cable or satellite subscription you can access the network using your TV credentials through the ESPN App on smartphones, tablets, connected streaming devices or via espn.com/watch.

Don’t have access to SEC Network+? The radio broadcast is another option

Kentucky basketball games are broadcast on the radio by WLAP-AM 630 and WBUL-FM 98.1 in Lexington and by WHAS-AM 840 in Louisville. A statewide list of radio affiliates can be found here.

Herald-Leader sports columnist Mark Story also contributed to this report.