Updated – Will ESPN Air the Women’s Final Four In 4K?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

TV Answer Man, can you confirm that ESPN will have the ladies’ college basketball Final Four in 4K? – Gene, Pittsburgh. 

Gene, I can confirm that. ESPN tonight (April 4, 2025) will air both games of the NCAA Women’s college basketball Final Four in upscaled 4K as well as the final (April 6, 2025) on Sunday.

The Friday action begins at 7 p.m. ET at the Amalie Arean in Tampa Bay with two number one seeds, South Carolina and Texas, facing off. Then in the second game roughly 150 minutes later, number one seed UCLA will play second seeded UConn. The final on Sunday will begin at 3 p.m. ET. ESPN’s main channel will simulcast all three games in HD.

Which TV Providers Will Show the Women’s Final Four In 4K?

YouTube TV, Fubo, Dish, Sling TV, DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, Comcast, Optimum and Verizon are expected to offer the game on their ESPN 4K channels. ESPN does not offer 4K programming on its ESPN TV Everywhere app or ESPN+.

It’s noteworthy that Fubo will offer the games in 4K. While Fubo carries ESPN’s main channel, the live streamer has not provided any of the sports network’s 4K broadcasts until now.

What Is Upscaled 4K?

The ESPN 4K broadcast will be ‘upscaled’ from 1080p HD.  The upscaled 4K means that the game will be produced in 1080p HD on site and upgraded to 4K for the home transmission. ESPN switched to upscaled 4K more than a year ago after previously doing some games in native 4K.

Is It Worth Watching a Game In Upscaled 4K?

Yes. From personal experience, I can assure you the picture is better. The high-def image from ESPN sometimes lacks detail and makes you wonder if it’s actually in high-def. However, the upscaled 4K image usually removes the blurriness and adds a realistic feel to the picture.

Gene, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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Phillip Swann

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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch TV. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.