If you're scrambling to figure out the badger game today what channel situation, you probably just realized the schedule is a bit of a whirlwind this week. Honestly, the Big Ten has been absolute chaos lately. One night you're watching a buzzer-beater in Minneapolis, and the next, you're trying to figure out if the team is even playing.
Here is the deal. The Wisconsin Badgers men's basketball team actually just wrapped up a massive, heart-stopping thriller against the Minnesota Golden Gophers last night, January 13. John Blackwell hit a buzzer-beater that basically silenced Williams Arena. It was one of those shots where you just kind of stare at the screen for a second to make sure it actually went in.
Because of that Tuesday night game, the Badgers do not have a game today, Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
Where to find the Big Ten action today
Even though Bucky is taking a breather, the Big Ten Network (BTN) is still the place to be if you're looking for conference action. If you turned on the TV looking for a game, you're likely seeing the double-header featuring Purdue vs. Iowa followed by Oregon taking on Nebraska.
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Usually, when you're looking for the badger game today what channel, the answer is almost always one of these three:
- Big Ten Network (BTN): This is the bread and butter for mid-week conference games.
- FS1: They pick up a lot of the high-profile evening slots.
- CBS/FOX: Mostly reserved for those big Saturday afternoon showdowns at the Kohl Center.
For those of you who have cut the cord, streaming is pretty straightforward. You've got Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV. They all carry BTN. If the game happens to be on Peacock—which the Big Ten does more often now—you'll need that specific app. It’s annoying, I know. Nobody wants another five-dollar subscription just to watch one game, but that's the current state of college sports.
When do the Badgers play next?
You won't have to wait long to see them back on the court. Wisconsin returns home to the Kohl Center this coming Saturday, January 17, 2026. They’ll be taking on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
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The tip-off for that one is set for 1:00 PM CT.
As for the channel? That game is scheduled to be broadcast on CBS. It’s a nice change of pace to have a game on local airwaves where you don't need a special cable package.
The John Blackwell Era is officially here
Can we talk about John Blackwell for a second? If you missed the game last night against Minnesota, you missed a coming-out party. He finished with 27 points. The kid is fearless. Between him and Nick Boyd, the backcourt looks way more athletic than we've seen in Madison in a long time.
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Greg Gard has this team sitting at 12-5 overall and 4-2 in the Big Ten. They are right in the thick of the title race. It’s a weird season because there isn't one "super team" in the conference this year. Purdue is still Purdue, but they’re beatable. Illinois is hit or miss. This makes every single game—like that Rutgers matchup on Saturday—massive for seeding.
Quick tips for Saturday's game
If you’re planning on watching the Rutgers game or heading to Madison:
- Check the local CBS affiliate: Since it's a national broadcast, it’s easy to find.
- Streaming: If you’re out and about, the Paramount+ app will have the CBS feed.
- Radio: If you're stuck in the car, the Badger Sports Network (available on the Varsity Network app) is still the gold standard for play-by-play.
Basically, enjoy your Wednesday off from the stress of Badger basketball. Grab some cheese curds, watch the Purdue/Iowa game to scout the competition, and get ready for Saturday at the Kohl Center.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your local listings for CBS on Saturday morning to ensure the 1:00 PM CT tip-off hasn't been nudged by programming shifts. If you are a streamer, verify your Paramount+ login now so you aren't resetting passwords three minutes before the game starts.