How to Watch the 2026 United Cup in Australia, USA, EU, and UK
Highlights
- A Unique Mixed-Team Season Opener: Running from January 2 to January 11, 2026, this tournament kicks off the global tennis season in Perth and Sydney. It features 18 nations competing in a unique mixed-gender format (ATP and WTA players together), offering massive prize money and up to 500 ranking points.
- Free-to-Air Access for Australian Fans: Host nation viewers can catch the action for free on the Nine Network. Comprehensive live streaming of every match from both cities is available via 9Now, with ad-free options on Stan Sport.
- Prime Time Viewing for the USA: American fans can watch exclusive coverage on the Tennis Channel and its app. Due to the time difference, day sessions in Australia translate to prime-time evening viewing in the US (starting around 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET), making it easy to follow defending champions Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz.
- diverse European Broadcast Partners: Viewing options vary by country across Europe: Sky Sports covers the UK and DACH region (Germany/Austria/Switzerland); Eurosport broadcasts in France; SuperTennis covers Italy; and Viaplay services the Nordics and Netherlands.
- Star-Studded Storylines: Beyond national pride, the 2026 edition features headline-grabbing narratives, including Naomi Osaka’s debut for Team Japan, Team Poland’s (Swiatek/Hurkacz) hunt for their first title, and a “Group of Death” featuring Italy, France, and Switzerland.
The 2026 tennis season has officially arrived, and it kicks off with a bang at the United Cup. As the premier mixed-team event on the calendar, the tournament unites the world’s best men (ATP) and women (WTA) players to compete for national pride, massive prize money, and critical ranking points.
With the action taking place across Perth and Sydney from January 2 to January 11, 2026, fans around the globe are eager to tune in. Whether you are rooting for the defending champions Team USA, the powerhouse Polish squad, or the home favorites in Australia, knowing where to watch is essential.
This comprehensive guide covers how to watch the 2026 United Cup in key markets, including Australia, the USA, and across Europe, along with a preview of what to expect from this year’s star-studded field.
The Spectacle Down Under: Tournament Overview
Before diving into the broadcast details, it is worth noting why this tournament is “must-watch” TV. The United Cup is unique because it features mixed teams. Ties are comprised of one men’s singles match, one women’s singles match, and a decisive mixed doubles match if the score is tied 1-1.
For 2026, 18 nations have been split into six groups.
- Perth (RAC Arena): Hosts Groups A, C, and E.
- Sydney (Ken Rosewall Arena): Hosts Groups B, D, and F.
The total prize money pool exceeds AUD $17 million, and players can earn up to 500 ranking points, making the stakes incredibly high for a season opener.
How to Watch in Australia
For local fans, the United Cup is the highlight of the “Summer of Tennis” leading up to the Australian Open. The good news for Aussies is that coverage is widely accessible and largely free.
Broadcaster: Nine Network & 9Now
- Free-to-Air TV: The Nine Network holds the exclusive domestic rights. Key matches, particularly those featuring Team Australia (led by Alex de Minaur and rising star Maya Joint) and the finals, will be broadcast on Nine’s primary channels (Channel 9 or 9Go!).
- Free Streaming: For those on the go or wanting to watch matches on outer courts, 9Now is the destination. Nine’s streaming platform will offer live and on-demand coverage of every tie from both Perth and Sydney. You can stream this for free on smart TVs, mobiles, and tablets, provided you have a registered account.
- Paid Option: Stan Sport often supplements Nine’s tennis coverage with ad-free, high-definition streams of every match, though 9Now remains the primary hub for the general public.
Local Viewing Tips:
Australian viewers have the luxury of prime-time viewing. Day sessions usually start around 10:00 AM (AWST/AEDT), and night sessions kick off at 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM. This means prime-time entertainment for families and die-hard fans alike.
How to Watch in the USA
Team USA enters the 2026 tournament as the defending champion, having lifted the trophy in 2025. With superstars Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz returning to lead the charge in Group A (Perth), American interest is at an all-time high.
Broadcaster: Tennis Channel
- Cable TV: Tennis Channel is the exclusive rights holder for the United Cup in the United States. They will provide comprehensive “whip-around” coverage, jumping between Perth and Sydney to show the biggest moments live.
- Streaming: For cord-cutters or those wanting to watch specific courts without interruption, Tennis Channel Plus and the Tennis Channel app are the go-to solutions. These platforms allow subscribers to select specific feeds and watch on-demand replays.
- Online: Tennis.com will also feature live scores, highlights, and select video content to keep fans updated.
Viewing Tips for US Fans:
Due to the time difference, American fans will need plenty of coffee.
- Perth matches: Perth is 13 hours ahead of US Eastern Time (ET). A 10:00 AM start in Perth is 9:00 PM ET the previous night.
- Sydney matches: Sydney is 16 hours ahead of ET. A 10:00 AM start in Sydney is 6:00 PM ET the previous night.This schedule is actually favorable for US evening viewers, who can catch the start of the day sessions in prime time before heading to bed.
How to Watch in Europe (EU & UK)
Europe is home to some of the strongest teams in the competition, including Poland (Swiatek/Hurkacz), Germany (Zverev/Lys), Greece (Tsitsipas/Sakkari), and Italy (Paolini/Cobolli). Broadcast rights in Europe are fragmented by country, so viewers need to check their specific local provider.
1. Pan-European & Major Markets
- Germany, Austria, Switzerland (DACH):
- Sky Deutschland is a primary broadcaster for these territories, offering comprehensive pay-TV coverage.
- Tennis Channel has also expanded its footprint in the DACH region and may stream specific matches.
- Switzerland specifically also has coverage on Tennis Channel.
- France:
- Eurosport France is the home of the United Cup. Fans can watch on the Eurosport TV channels or stream via the Max app (formerly Discovery+), which carries Eurosport’s digital content.
- Italy:
- SuperTennis (Sportcast) holds the rights. This is often free-to-air in Italy, making it very accessible for fans of the “Azzurri.”
- Spain:
- TVE (Televisión Española) will broadcast matches featuring Team Spain.
- Tennis Channel also operates in Spain, providing additional coverage options.
- Greece:
- ERT (the public broadcaster) will show matches, ensuring fans can follow Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari for free.
- Poland:
- Polsat is the official broadcaster. With Team Poland being a top contender, Polsat Sport will likely feature wall-to-wall coverage of Iga Swiatek’s matches.
2. The United Kingdom
- Broadcaster:Sky Sports
- In the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports has heavily invested in tennis rights (ATP and WTA). The United Cup will be shown on Sky Sports Tennis and Sky Sports Main Event.
- Streaming: Subscribers can watch via Sky Go or buy a pass on NOW (formerly Now TV) to stream without a long-term contract.
3. The Nordics & Netherlands
- Broadcaster:Viaplay (NENT Group)
- Viewers in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, and the Netherlands can watch via the Viaplay streaming service. This is a premium subscription service but guarantees coverage of all courts.
Rest of the World & Streaming Options
If you live outside these major markets, there are still reliable ways to tune in.
- Canada: TSN (English) and RDS (French) hold the rights. Team Canada, featuring Felix Auger-Aliassime, will be heavily featured on their linear channels and the TSN+ app.
- Latin America: TyC Sports covers Argentina and several other South American nations. ESPN/Star+ (or Disney+ depending on the region’s current merger status) generally covers major ATP/WTA events, but for United Cup specifically, check local listings as rights can vary.
- China: Coverage is available on iQIYI, Youku, and GDTV.
- Japan: Team Japan makes its debut this year with Naomi Osaka. Fans can watch on Unext.
- Tennis TV: For markets where no exclusive TV deal is in place, Tennis TV (the ATP’s official streaming service) often streams ATP matches. However, because this is a joint ATP/WTA event, broadcast restrictions can sometimes be complex. It is best to check the “Schedules” tab on Tennis TV to confirm availability in your country.
Key Storylines to Follow
Once you have your stream set up, here is what you should be looking out for:
- The Return of Naomi Osaka: Japan debuts in the competition in Group E. Seeing the four-time major champion play mixed doubles would be a rare treat for fans.
- Team Poland’s Quest: Led by World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and big-serving Hubert Hurkacz, Poland has been a finalist in previous editions. Is 2026 the year they finally take the title?
- The “Group of Death”: Group C in Perth features Italy, France, and Switzerland. This group includes heavy hitters like Jasmine Paolini and Stan Wawrinka. Every match here will feel like a final.
Summary Table: Broadcasters by Region
| Region | Broadcaster |
| Australia | Nine Network, 9Now, Stan Sport |
| USA | Tennis Channel, TC Plus |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports, NOW |
| Germany/Austria | Sky Deutschland, Tennis Channel |
| France | Eurosport (Max) |
| Italy | SuperTennis |
| Spain | TVE, Tennis Channel |
| Canada | TSN, RDS |
| Nordics | Viaplay |
| Japan | Unext |
Whether you are watching Coco Gauff defend the crown for the USA, or cheering on the Aussies under the lights in Sydney, the 2026 United Cup promises to be a spectacular start to the tennis year. Check your local listings, set your alarms, and enjoy the tennis!
