Sling TV’s cricket coverage comes through the Willow channel, and the plans, prices, and how to check match schedules depend on which Sling package you pick. You can watch Willow on Sling TV’s Orange, Blue, or Orange & Blue plans, but the channel is an add-on that costs extra each month, and match checks are done through the Sling TV guide or the Willow TV app. Below is the breakdown of what each plan costs, how the Willow add-on works, and how to find live cricket matches.
What Is Willow on Sling TV?
Willow is a dedicated cricket channel that broadcasts live international and domestic matches, including tests, ODIs, T20s, and leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Sling TV carries Willow as a paid add-on, not as part of the base packages. That means you must subscribe to at least one Sling base plan (Orange, Blue, or both) and then add Willow to your subscription.
Sling TV Plans and Willow Add-On Prices
Sling TV’s base prices change occasionally, but as of the most recent publicly available information, the plans are:
- Sling Orange – around $40 per month, includes about 30 channels like ESPN, TNT, and AMC.
- Sling Blue – around $40 per month, includes about 40 channels like Fox, NBC, and FS1.
- Sling Orange & Blue – around $55 per month, combines both channel lineups.
The Willow add-on costs an extra $10 per month on top of any Sling base plan. Some promotional offers may bundle Willow for a discounted rate for the first few months, but the standard price is $10/month. You can add Willow to either Orange, Blue, or the combined package—the channel lineup is the same regardless of which base you choose.
How to Add Willow to Your Sling TV Subscription
Adding Willow is straightforward through the Sling TV website or app:
- Log in to your Sling TV account at sling.com or open the Sling TV app.
- Go to “My Account� or “Settings� and look for “Extras� or “Add-ons.�
- Find Willow in the sports or international section and click “Add.�
- Confirm the price and the change takes effect immediately or at your next billing cycle, depending on when you add it.
You can also add Willow when you first sign up for Sling TV. The add-on appears during the checkout process, and you can select it before you pay.
How to Check Cricket Match Schedules on Sling TV
To see which cricket matches are airing on Willow through Sling TV, you have a few options:
- Sling TV Guide – Open the Sling TV app or website and go to the “Guide� tab. Scroll to the Willow channel (usually in the 300s or 400s depending on your device) to see the upcoming schedule for the next few days.
- Willow’s Own Schedule – The Willow TV website and mobile app list the full match schedule, including start times in your local time zone. This is often more detailed than the Sling guide because it includes all international and domestic matches.
- Search within Sling – Use the search bar in Sling TV and type “cricket� or “Willow� to find live and upcoming matches.
Match times are usually shown in your local time zone, but double-check because some listings default to Eastern Time. The Sling guide typically updates a week or two in advance, while Willow’s own schedule may list matches months ahead.
Common Problems and Workarounds
Some users report that Willow is not available in all regions or on all devices. Here are a few common issues:
- Channel not showing – If you added Willow but don’t see it, log out and back in, or restart the Sling app. If it still doesn’t appear, check that your subscription is active and that the add-on was actually added.
- Blackouts – Some live matches may be blacked out in certain regions due to broadcasting rights. If you see a blackout message, it’s a rights issue, not a Sling error.
- Device compatibility – Willow is available on most streaming devices (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iOS, Android, and smart TVs), but older devices may not support the channel. Check Sling’s supported device list.
- Streaming quality – Live cricket streams can buffer if your internet is slow. Sling recommends at least 25 Mbps for HD streaming.
Comparing Sling TV to Other Cricket Streaming Options
If you’re deciding between Sling TV and other ways to watch cricket, here’s a quick comparison:
- Willow TV Direct – Willow offers its own standalone streaming service (Willow TV) for around $10-15 per month. This is a good option if you only want cricket and don’t need other channels.
- ESPN+ – Some cricket matches, especially certain international tours, are on ESPN+. But coverage is not as comprehensive as Willow.
- Hotstar – In the U.S., Hotstar (now Disney+ Hotstar) used to carry some cricket, but it has been folded into Disney+ for some content. Availability varies.
- YouTube and other free streams – Some matches are available free on YouTube or the official cricket board’s website, but these are usually not live or are only for certain regions.
For a dedicated cricket fan, Willow via Sling is often the most reliable because it combines the channel with other live TV options. But if you only watch cricket, Willow’s own service might be cheaper.
Costs Beyond the Base Plan
Remember that the $10/month Willow add-on is in addition to your base Sling plan. So your total monthly cost would be:
- Sling Orange + Willow = about $50/month
- Sling Blue + Willow = about $50/month
- Sling Orange & Blue + Willow = about $65/month
These prices do not include taxes or fees, which vary by state. Sling sometimes runs promotions that give you a free month of Willow or a discount for the first three months, so check the Sling website for current offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Willow without a Sling base plan?
No, Sling TV requires you to have at least one base plan (Orange or Blue) before you can add Willow. You cannot subscribe to Willow as a standalone add-on through Sling.
Does Sling TV include Willow in any of its base packages?
No, Willow is not included in any base Sling package. It is always an add-on that costs an extra $10 per month.
How do I find out if a specific cricket match is on Willow?
Check the Willow TV website or app for the full schedule. You can also look at the Sling TV guide for the Willow channel, but the schedule may only show a few days in advance.
Can I watch Willow on multiple devices at once?
Yes, with Sling TV you can stream on up to three devices at the same time, but this depends on your base plan. Sling Orange allows one stream, Sling Blue allows three, and Orange & Blue allows four. The Willow add-on does not change this limit.
Is Willow available in 4K on Sling TV?
Willow is broadcast in standard HD (1080p) on Sling TV. It does not offer 4K streams at this time.
What should I do if Willow is not working during a live match?
First, restart the Sling app and check your internet connection. If the issue persists, check Sling’s status page for outages. You can also try watching on a different device. If none of that works, contact Sling customer support.
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