Let's be real. If you’re trying to find iowa women’s basketball radio coverage these days, you’re not just looking for a score. You want the atmosphere. You want the voice of Rob Brooks or the energy of the Hawkeye Radio Network because, honestly, the TV broadcast sometimes just doesn't capture the vibe of Carver-Hawkeye Arena properly.
The era of Caitlin Clark might be over, but the demand for Hawkeye hoops has never been higher. With Jan Jensen taking the reins, the radio broadcast has become a lifeline for fans who can't get to the Iowa River Landing or don't want to shell out for a dozen different streaming services. But finding the right frequency? That’s where it gets kinda tricky.
Why Iowa Women's Basketball Radio is the Best Way to Watch (Without Watching)
Most people assume that because the games are on Big Ten Network or Peacock, the radio is just a secondary thing. Wrong. The iowa women’s basketball radio feed is actually the most consistent way to follow the team. While TV rights bounce between FOX, FS1, and NBC, the Hawkeye Radio Network is always there.
Rob Brooks is the heartbeat of these broadcasts. He’s been around the block, and his chemistry with Coach Jensen during the "Hawk Talk" segments is genuine. If you haven’t listened to "Hawk Talk with Jan Jensen," you’re missing out on the real stories. It broadcasts every week for 60 minutes (usually 6-7 p.m. CT) from the Watermill Kitchen + Bar in Coralville.
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How to Tune In Right Now
If you’re local, you probably have your presets ready. But for the rest of us, here is the breakdown of how to actually catch the game:
- AM 800 KXIC: This is the flagship station for Iowa City. If you’re within a 50-mile radius, this is your gold standard.
- The Hawkeye Radio Network: It’s a massive web. Stations like KROS (FM 105.9 or 1340 AM in Clinton) or 100.5 The Hawk (KDHK) in the Tri-States area carry the games. Basically, if you’re in Iowa, flip through the dial—you’ll likely hit a Hawkeye affiliate.
- The Varsity Network App: This is the secret weapon. It’s a free app. No subscriptions, no blackouts. Just search for "Iowa Hawkeyes" and you’ve got the live radio stream in your pocket.
- YouTube: Interestingly, the official Iowa Hawkeyes YouTube channel often streams the live audio of the "Hawk Talk" shows and select game previews.
The Evolution of the Broadcast in 2026
Things have changed a bit this season. With the Big Ten expanding, the travel is brutal. You’ve got games in Los Angeles and Seattle now. This has made the radio broadcast even more vital because those late-night West Coast tips aren't always easy to find on your cable package.
One thing that surprises people is the sheer number of affiliates. We're talking about a network that stretches from Albia (KIIC-FM 96.7) to Sioux City (KSCJ-AM 1360). It’s one of the most robust radio footprints in women’s college sports. Period.
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Common Misconceptions About the Feed
I hear this all the time: "The radio is delayed compared to the TV."
Well, yeah. Usually by about 5 to 30 seconds depending on if you're streaming or using an actual antenna. If you're trying to sync the radio audio with your TV (because let’s face it, the national announcers sometimes don’t know our bench players), you’re going to need a delay app. But honestly? The radio guys know the roster better. They know the history. They know that a Jan Jensen-led team is going to play a specific style that national guys might miss.
Where to Find Your Local Station
If you’re driving through the cornfields and need the game, here’s a quick-and-dirty list of where to look. No fancy tables here, just the facts:
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In Des Moines, look for 1460 KXNO. In Cedar Rapids, it's usually WMT 600. If you’re way up north in Mason City, check KRIB 1490. Out west in Council Bluffs, you’re looking for the Omaha affiliates or catching it via the digital stream.
The coverage typically starts 30 minutes before tip-off. That pre-game show is actually where you get the best nuggets—injury updates, Coach Jensen’s specific keys to the game, and the vibe of the crowd during warmups.
The Digital Shift
Let’s talk about TuneIn and the Hawkeye Sports properties. While "free internet radio" is a popular search term, many of those sites are cluttered with ads. The official Hawkeye Sports website has a "Listen" tab that is remarkably clean. If you're on a laptop at work (don't worry, we won't tell), that's your best bet.
Actionable Steps for the Next Game
Don't wait until five minutes after tip-off to find the station. The 2025-2026 season moves fast, and the Big Ten standings are a meat grinder.
- Download The Varsity Network app today and set "Iowa Hawkeyes" as your favorite. This bypasses the struggle of finding a local signal if you're traveling.
- Check the schedule on Hawkeyesports.com specifically for the "Hawk Talk" dates. These aren't always on the same night every week depending on the team's travel to places like Oregon or Washington.
- Get a portable AM/FM radio if you’re heading to a tailgate or a watch party. There is something nostalgic and technically superior about a zero-latency analog signal when you're in a crowd.
The iowa women’s basketball radio experience is more than just a broadcast; it's a connection to a program that has redefined sports in the state of Iowa. Whether you're listening to Gary Dolphin handle the big-picture stuff or Rob Brooks calling a buzzer-beater at Carver, the radio remains the most authentic way to ride with the Hawkeyes.