Yes, they do. If you're looking for the short answer: Pitt plays Louisville today, January 17, 2026, at 8:00 PM ET. It's a big one. The Petersen Events Center is going to be rocking because this isn't just another mid-season ACC grind. We are talking about the No. 20 ranked Cardinals coming into Oakland. Pitt is coming off a massive, high-energy road win against Georgia Tech where they basically couldn't miss.
Whether you're heading to "The Pete" or just trying to figure out which channel to flip to while you order wings, here is the full breakdown of what’s happening with Pitt athletics today.
Pitt vs. Louisville: How to Watch and Listen
If you aren't one of the 12,500 people packed into the Petersen Events Center tonight, you've got plenty of ways to catch the action.
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- TV/Streaming: The game is being broadcast nationally on ESPN2. Dave O’Brien and Cory Alexander will be on the call.
- Radio: If you're driving or just prefer the home-town feel, tune into 93.7 The Fan (the flagship of the Panthers Radio Network). Bill Hillgrove—a literal legend—and Curtis Aiken will be providing the play-by-play and analysis.
- Time: Tip-off is set for exactly 8:00 PM ET.
Honestly, the energy around this team is shifting. After a couple of tough conference losses to Clemson and Syracuse earlier this month, that 89-66 blowout of Georgia Tech last Wednesday felt like a "we're still here" statement. Brandin Cummings has been on an absolute tear lately. He dropped 23 points in Atlanta, and he’s looking like the kind of playmaker Jeff Capel can lean on when things get tight in the second half.
Why Today’s Game Matters So Much
The ACC standings are a mess right now. In a good way.
Louisville enters today at 12-5 overall and 2-3 in the ACC. Pitt is sitting just half a game behind them at 1-3 in conference play. A win tonight doesn't just bump Pitt up the ladder; it proves they can handle a ranked opponent. The Cardinals have actually lost three of their last four, including a home loss to Virginia. They're vulnerable.
But history isn't exactly on Pitt's side here. Louisville leads the all-time series 23-11. They swept the Panthers last year. Before that, Pitt had a nice little five-game win streak going against the Cards, so this rivalry has been a bit streaky.
Expert Tip: If you're heading to the arena, tickets are currently hovering between $53 and $173 on the secondary market. Just a heads up—Pitt's ticket office usually bumps prices on game day if you're buying at the window, so try to snag them online before you park.
What Other Pitt Teams are Playing Today?
It's not just about the men's hoops team. The University of Pittsburgh has a busy Saturday across the board.
Track & Field is in action today at the Nittany Lion Challenge. They’re over in State College, which is always a bit of a weird vibe for Pitt fans, but the competition is top-tier.
Meanwhile, if you’re a fan of the "other" Pitt—Pittsburg State (the Gorillas) out in Kansas—they also play today. They are facing off against Central Oklahoma at 1:30 PM CST. It’s easy to get the two mixed up in search results, but the Oakland-based Panthers are the ones taking over ESPN2 tonight.
Looking Ahead at the Schedule
If you can't make it to the game today, the schedule stays busy. Pitt isn't getting much of a breather.
- Wednesday, Jan 21: Pitt at Boston College (7:00 PM).
- Saturday, Jan 24: Pitt vs. NC State (12:00 PM). This is an early one, so plan your brunch accordingly.
- Tuesday, Jan 27: Pitt vs. Wake Forest (6:00 PM).
The football season is officially in the rearview mirror after that 23-17 loss to East Carolina in the Military Bowl back in December. All eyes are on the hardwood now.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Check your cable login: Since it's on ESPN2, make sure your ESPN app or YouTube TV login is ready to go by 7:55 PM.
- Arrival time: If you have tickets for the Pete, doors typically open 90 minutes before tip-off. Aim to be in your seat by 7:30 PM to catch the warm-ups.
- Merch check: If you're looking for the latest "Zoo" gear, the Pitt Shop on Forbes usually has the best selection before the game-day crowds get too thick.
Tonight is a prime opportunity for the Panthers to claw back into the middle of the ACC pack. The No. 20 Cardinals are a "resume win" waiting to happen, provided Pitt can maintain the defensive intensity they showed in Atlanta.
Grab your gear. Set your DVR. It's game day in Pittsburgh.