Finding a way to tune into the Wolves is honestly a bit of a headache lately. You'd think that in 2026, catching Anthony Edwards turn a defender into a highlight reel would be as easy as breathing, but the regional sports network (RSN) mess has made things complicated. If you're wondering how can I watch the Timberwolves game tonight, you basically have to navigate a maze of streaming apps, cable legacy deals, and those annoying "out-of-market" blackouts that everyone hates.
It's frustrating. One night they’re on national TV, and the next they’re tucked away on a subscription service you forgot you had.
The Local Situation: Bally Sports North and the FanDuel Transition
For most people living in the Twin Cities or the surrounding "home" territory, the primary way to watch remains the regional network formerly known as Bally Sports North. As of the current season, many of these rights have shifted or are in the process of rebranding under the FanDuel Sports Network banner. It’s a weird corporate shuffle. If you have a traditional cable package through Xfinity or Midco, you’re usually set. You just flip to the channel and hope the pre-game show isn't running long.
But what if you cut the cord?
That's where it gets pricey. FuboTV is currently one of the few "skinny bundle" streamers that carries the local RSN. It's expensive, though. You're looking at a monthly bill that rivals a traditional cable package just to get that one specific channel. DirecTV Stream is another heavy hitter here. They have the "Choice" package which includes the Wolves games, but again, your wallet is going to feel it.
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The FanDuel Sports Network app (the artist formerly known as Bally Sports+) offers a direct-to-consumer option. You pay a monthly fee, usually around $20, and you get the local broadcast without needing a full cable setup. It’s buggy sometimes. Fans complain about the app crashing during the fourth quarter, which is exactly when you don't want it to fail.
National TV and the Blackout Headache
Sometimes the Timberwolves are too big for just Minnesota. When they play on TNT, ESPN, or ABC, the "how can I watch the Timberwolves game tonight" question gets a little easier—unless it doesn't.
See, even if a game is on ESPN, if you live in Minneapolis, it might still be blacked out locally if the RSN has exclusive rights for that window. It’s a relic of old-school broadcasting contracts that feels totally out of place in 2026. If the game is an exclusive national broadcast, you can find it on YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or even Sling TV (if you have the right "color" package).
NBA TV is another one. They pick up a lot of Wolves games, but it’s not a "national" broadcast in the same way ABC is. If you're in the local market, NBA TV will almost certainly be blacked out, and you’ll be forced back to the regional provider.
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Looking for the Game Outside of Minnesota
If you’re a Wolves fan living in, say, Seattle or New York, your life is actually much easier. You just buy NBA League Pass.
League Pass is the gold standard for out-of-market fans. You get every single game that isn't on national TV. The "catch" is that if the Wolves are playing the local team in your area (like the Knicks if you're in NYC), that specific game will be blacked out on League Pass, and you'll have to watch it on the local New York sports network.
- Check if the game is on TNT or ESPN first.
- If it's not, and you're in MN, open the FanDuel Sports Network app.
- If you're out of state, fire up League Pass.
Can You Watch for Free?
Legally? Not really. Occasionally, a game might be broadcast on "over-the-air" local TV (like Channel 29 WFTC), but those deals are rare and usually announced at the start of the season. If you have a digital antenna, it’s worth a scan just in case, but don't count on it for every Tuesday night matchup against the Jazz.
Radio is the only "always free" option. WCCO-AM 830 is the home for Wolves radio. There's something nostalgic about listening to the play-by-play while you're doing dishes or driving. It’s also a lifesaver when you’re stuck in traffic and the stream on your phone keeps buffering.
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Why the Tech Matters
The shift to 4K broadcasting is slowly happening, but most Wolves games are still pushed out in 1080p. If you are streaming via an app, your internet speed is the biggest bottleneck. You need at least 25 Mbps for a stable, high-definition stream. Anything less and Naz Reid's jump shot is going to look like a collection of blurry pixels.
Also, keep an eye on the "Multi-View" features on platforms like YouTube TV. If the Wolves are playing at the same time as a big MN Wild game, you can sometimes split the screen. It’s the ultimate setup for a Minnesota sports fan, even if it does lead to a bit of sensory overload.
Final Checklist for Tonight's Tip-off
Before the ball goes up, do a quick audit of your setup. Check the injury report—nothing is worse than paying for a stream only to realize KAT or Ant is sitting out for load management.
- Confirm the start time: Remember that "7:00 PM" often means the actual tip-off isn't until 7:15 PM.
- Verify your login: Streaming apps love to log you out right when the game starts.
- Check the provider: Use the NBA app or the Wolves' official website to see exactly which network has the call tonight.
The landscape of sports media is changing fast. By next season, we might be watching the Timberwolves on Amazon Prime or a completely different streaming service. But for right now, the path is clear: it's either the regional app, a high-end streaming bundle, or League Pass for the out-of-towners.
To ensure you don't miss a single bucket, the most reliable move is to download the NBA app and sync it with your cable or streaming credentials. This acts as a central hub that can often redirect you to the right viewing source regardless of where you are physically located. If the stream fails, have the radio 830 AM frequency ready on a mobile app as a fallback so you can at least hear the closing minutes of a tight game.