If you’re grabbing the remote and scrolling through ESPN or ION looking for the Indiana Fever, I’ve got some news that might be a bummer.
There isn't an Indiana Fever game on TV today, Friday, January 16, 2026.
Honestly, the WNBA schedule is a bit of a weird beast if you're used to the NBA or NFL calendar. We are currently in the middle of the dead zone. The 2026 WNBA regular season doesn't actually tip off until May. Right now, Gainbridge Fieldhouse is busy hosting the Indiana Pacers (who actually play the Pelicans tonight) and Disney on Ice, while the Fever players are scattered across the globe or playing in new off-season leagues.
It’s confusing because the "Fever" brand is everywhere lately. You see Caitlin Clark in Gatorade commercials and Aliyah Boston on studio sets, so it feels like they should be playing. But for the actual WNBA season, we’re still months away from the first whistle.
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Is Fever game on TV today? Breaking down the 2026 schedule
To understand why the answer to is Fever game on TV today is a "no," you have to look at the league's lifecycle. The WNBA is a summer league. While the NBA is hitting its mid-season stride in January, the Fever are technically in their off-season.
Where is everyone?
If you're wondering what the roster is up to while the TV is dark, they aren't just sitting around.
- Unrivaled Basketball: This is the big one. If you're looking for WNBA-level talent on TV right now, you should check out the Unrivaled league on TNT and Max. It’s a 3-on-3 league that actually has games tonight! While Caitlin Clark isn't playing in it this year, her teammate Aliyah Boston is currently tearing it up for the Phantom BC squad.
- The Overseas Grind: For years, the only way to see Fever players in January was to find a sketchy stream of a game in Turkey or Italy. Because WNBA salaries are what they are, many players still head to Europe or Australia to keep their game sharp and their bank accounts full.
- The CBA Negotiations: Behind the scenes, there's a lot of boring (but vital) legal talk happening. The league and the players' union are working on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. This is actually pretty high-stakes because if they don't reach a deal, the start of the 2026 season in May could technically be delayed.
When can you actually see a Fever game?
Historically, the WNBA drops its official schedule in late autumn or early winter, but because of those CBA talks I mentioned, things are a little slower this time around.
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The 2026 season is expected to follow the usual pattern: training camps in late April and the regular season opener in mid-May. Last year, the Fever opened on May 14th. If you're planning your life around the TV schedule, mark your calendars for the second week of May 2026.
Plus, this isn't just a regular season. The WNBA is expanding. The 2026 season will welcome the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo to the mix. This means more games, more travel, and a 44-game schedule for the Fever—the longest in league history.
The "Caitlin Clark Effect" on TV coverage
When the games do start, you won't have to look hard to find them.
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Basically, the Fever became the most-watched team in women's basketball history over the last two years. Because of that, almost every single one of their 44 games will be on national TV. We’re talking ABC, ESPN, ION, and even some new partners like USA Network and Peacock that are joining the fray this year.
If you're a cord-cutter, WNBA League Pass is still the best $35 you'll ever spend, though local blackout rules are a total pain if you live in the Indianapolis area.
What to watch instead of the Fever tonight
Since you've already got the snacks ready and the couch claimed, here are your best bets for basketball today:
- The Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans: They play at 7:00 PM ET tonight. It’s the same court the Fever use, just a different hoop.
- Unrivaled (3-on-3): As I mentioned, check TNT. You’ll see stars like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. It’s fast, it’s high-scoring, and it fills that Fever-shaped hole in your heart.
- College Hoops: Keep an eye on the Big Ten. If you’re a Fever fan, you’re probably an Iowa fan by proxy, and the college game is currently in peak conference play.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Stop checking the TV guide every morning and do these three things instead:
- Download the WNBA App: It’s the only way to get an alert the second the 2026 schedule goes live.
- Sync to Calendar: Most ticket sites like SeatGeek or the official Fever site have a "Sync to Calendar" button. Do it. It automatically populates your phone with game times and TV channels so you never have to Google this again.
- Check the "Unrivaled" Schedule: If you need a basketball fix right now, follow the Unrivaled league. It’s the closest thing to WNBA action you’re going to get until the spring thaws out.
The wait is long, but with a revamped roster and a healthy Caitlin Clark, the 2026 season is probably going to be the biggest year in Indiana sports history. Just hang tight until May.