How to Watch SWAC Football and Basketball on Local Gray TV Stations
SWAC football, basketball and other sports are coming to free local TV in three Southern markets. On October 20, 2026, the Southwestern Athletic Conference, Triple B Media and Gray Media announced they will simulcast dozens of SWAC events free over the air on Gray stations, in addition to the SWAC TV FAST channel that launched in September.
Gray stations in Huntsville and Montgomery, Alabama, and Jackson, Mississippi, will air games from their local SWAC schools. Those markets are home to Alabama A&M, Alabama State and Jackson State. Gray hasn't published a game schedule yet and says to check local listings. For games with confirmed networks this week, see our Week 8 college football TV schedule.
Gray stations airing SWAC games
| Market | Gray stations | Local SWAC school |
|---|---|---|
| Huntsville, AL | WAFF, WAAY | Alabama A&M |
| Montgomery, AL | WSFA, WCOV, WIYC | Alabama State |
| Jackson, MS | WLBT | Jackson State |
The announcement says the list "includes" these markets, so more Gray stations could be added. It doesn't say which games air on which station, or whether a game will run on a main channel or a digital subchannel.
What's included
| Sports | Football, basketball, soccer and other men's and women's sports |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free over the air |
| Partners | SWAC, Triple B Media (runs SWAC TV's FAST channel) and Gray Media |
| Announced | October 20, 2026 |
| Start date and schedule | Not announced yet; check local listings |
Gray Media holds a minority stake in Triple B Media. "This collaboration shows Gray's continued focus on free local sports for local viewers," said Joshua Pila, Gray's vice president of content acquisition.
Watch with an antenna
Because the games air free over the air, an indoor or rooftop antenna is the cheapest way to watch if you live in the Huntsville, Montgomery or Jackson markets. Run a channel scan on your TV after you connect the antenna so it picks up each station and its subchannels. If a game is on a subchannel, it will show as a number like 12.2 rather than the main channel.
Watch on DIRECTV local channels
DIRECTV carries local broadcast channels in most markets, including the major network stations in Huntsville, Montgomery and Jackson. If a SWAC game airs on a Gray station's main channel, you should find it with your DIRECTV locals. Games placed on a digital subchannel may not be carried on DIRECTV, so check the station's listing before game day. You can also pair DIRECTV with an antenna to cover both.
Stream SWAC TV for free
The Gray broadcasts are simulcasts of the SWAC TV FAST channel, a free, ad-supported channel run by Triple B Media. It started live sports on September 19, 2026, with week three of the college football season. You can find it on:
- Prime Video
- Plex
- Xumo Play
- Amazon Fire TV
- Google TV
- Dingo TV
The free SWAC TV app, which launched in August 2025, also carries all 18 conference sports. If you're outside the three Gray markets, streaming is the way to watch these games. The announcement doesn't mention HBCU GO, so check that service's own schedule for any SWAC games it carries. Some bigger SWAC games also air on national networks under separate deals.
Frequently asked questions
Which Gray TV stations will air SWAC games?
The announcement names WAFF and WAAY in Huntsville, Alabama; WSFA, WCOV and WIYC in Montgomery, Alabama; and WLBT in Jackson, Mississippi.
Is it free to watch SWAC games on Gray stations?
Yes. The games air free over the air, so you can watch with an antenna. They are also simulcast on the free SWAC TV FAST channel.
What sports are included?
Football, basketball, soccer and other men's and women's sports from the local SWAC schools.
When do the Gray SWAC broadcasts start?
No start date or game schedule has been announced. Gray and the SWAC say to check local listings.
Where can I stream SWAC TV?
The SWAC TV FAST channel is on Prime Video, Plex, Xumo Play, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and Dingo TV, and the free SWAC TV app also carries conference sports.
Can I watch SWAC games on DIRECTV?
DIRECTV carries local channels in most markets, so games on a Gray station's main channel should show up with your DIRECTV locals. Some games may air on a digital subchannel, and the announcement doesn't say which channel each game is on, so check local listings.
Want local channels and more sports in one place? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 22, 2026. Game schedules and channel placements are set by Gray Media, Triple B Media and the SWAC and may change. Availability and lineups vary by market. SWAC, SWAC TV, Gray Media, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.