How to Watch Notre Dame vs. Villanova in Rome on DIRECTV: Eternal City Tip-Off on FOX
Notre Dame and Villanova open the 2026-27 men's college basketball season in Rome on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. ET. The Eternal City Tip-Off airs on FOX, so DIRECTV customers can watch on their local FOX station. The two schools' women's teams play next, at noon ET on FS1 (DIRECTV channel 219). Here's how to watch, as of October 21, 2026.
Notre Dame vs. Villanova at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, November 1, 2026 |
| Men's tipoff | 9:30 a.m. ET on FOX (your local FOX station) |
| Women's tipoff | Noon ET on FS1 (DIRECTV channel 219) |
| Venue | Palazzetto dello Sport, Rome, Italy |
| Event | Eternal City Tip-Off, the first game of the 2026-27 season |
Is Notre Dame vs. Villanova on DIRECTV?
Yes. The men's game is on FOX, which is your local FOX affiliate in your DIRECTV lineup, and the women's game is on FS1, channel 219. Note that November 1 is also the day Daylight Saving Time ends, so double-check your clock that morning.
Why the season starts in Rome
FOX Sports, Players Era and On Location organized the doubleheader, inspired by the election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope and a Villanova graduate. An audience with the pope is planned for the teams before the game. NCAA.com says it is the first game of the 2026-27 men's season, with a full day of games following on Monday, November 2.
Frequently asked questions
What time is Notre Dame vs. Villanova?
The men's game tips off at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The women's game follows at noon ET.
What channel is Notre Dame vs. Villanova on?
The men's game is on FOX and the women's game is on FS1.
Where is Notre Dame vs. Villanova played?
At the Palazzetto dello Sport in Rome, Italy.
Is this the first game of the college basketball season?
Yes. NCAA.com lists it as the first game of the 2026-27 men's season.
Questions about your DIRECTV package? Call 1-855-690-9884 to check options at your address.
Details reviewed October 21, 2026 from FOX Sports' April 17, 2026 Eternal City Tip-Off announcement, NCAA.com's 2026-27 season-start guide and live AmericanTV.com channel guides. Start times, broadcast assignments, prices and package contents can change and vary by account, device and address. Team, league, network and service names, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.