Where to Watch IPL 2026 Auction in USA (December 16 at 4 AM ET)
The IPL 2026 auction happens Monday, December 16 at 4:00 AM Eastern Time. Here’s exactly how to watch it live in the USA—no fluff, just what you need to know.
📺 How to Stream (3 Easy Options)
Option 1: Willow TV – $9.99/month
The official US broadcaster. Watch on:
- Willow.tv (direct subscription)
- Amazon Prime Video (add Willow TV channel)
- FuboTV (7-day free trial available)
What you’ll need: Fire TV Stick 4K or Roku Streaming Stick if you don’t have a smart TV.
Option 2: Watch at a Sports Bar
Call ahead to confirm they’re showing it:
- New Jersey/NYC: O’Hara’s Downtown (Jersey City), Three Monkeys (Manhattan)
- Bay Area: Sports bars in Fremont/Sunnyvale
- Chicago: Duke of Perth, bars on Devon Avenue
- Dallas: Irving/Plano area sports bars near India Bazaar
Option 3: Use FuboTV Free Trial
Start your 7-day trial on December 15, watch the auction, cancel if you want. Includes Willow TV.
📱 Quick Links
- Watch Live on Willow TV
- Add Willow TV to Prime Video
- Start FuboTV Free Trial
- Shop Fire TV Stick 4K
- Shop Streaming Devices
⏰ What Time Does It Start?
| Your City | Start Time |
|---|---|
| NYC/Boston/Miami | 4:00 AM |
| Chicago/Dallas | 3:00 AM |
| Denver/Phoenix | 2:00 AM |
| LA/SF/Seattle | 1:00 AM |
Duration: 6-8 hours (wraps up around 10-11 AM ET)
🛒 Essential Viewing Gear (Amazon)
If watching at home, grab these:
Streaming:
- Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max – $60, best for Willow TV
- 55″ 4K Smart TV – If you’re upgrading anyway
Comfort for 4 AM viewing:
- Electric kettle – Quick chai/coffee
- Portable coffee maker – You’ll need multiple cups
- Heated blanket – Early morning = cold
Food:
- Indian snack variety pack – Samosas, namkeen, chakri
- Instant chai mix – Authentic tea at home
- Or order from your local Indian restaurant
🎯 Quick Setup Guide
Tonight (December 15):
- Subscribe to Willow TV or start FuboTV free trial
- Test your stream – make sure it works
- Set 3-4 alarms for 3:45 AM
- Prep coffee/snacks
- Charge your phone
Monday Morning:
- Wake up 15 minutes early
- Make coffee
- Open Willow TV app or website
- Enjoy the auction drama
🏏 Why Watch the Auction?
359 players going under the hammer, teams have ₹237+ crore combined to spend. Last year’s auction saw:
- Record-breaking bids
- Surprise picks from unknown players
- Teams overpaying in bidding wars
- Drama when teams run out of money
It’s basically the NFL Draft meets reality TV. Entertaining even if you’re new to cricket.
💡 Pro Tips
Can’t stay awake? Most services let you replay. Highlights will be on YouTube by 9 AM.
Want company? Check Facebook for “IPL watch party [your city]” – many Indian community groups organize viewings.
Budget tight? Split a Willow TV subscription with 2-3 friends ($2.50 each).
Complete beginner? The commentators explain everything. Just watch and enjoy the bidding drama.
After the Auction
IPL 2026 season starts in March 2026. If you subscribe now for the auction, keep your subscription through May to watch all 70+ matches.
Most games air 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM ET (perfect for lunch breaks and after-work viewing).
Questions? Drop a comment below. Know a good cricket bar? Share it with the community!
Disclosure: Contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe will enhance your viewing experience.
Last Updated: December 14, 2025