So, you're looking for the KU basketball game today time. It's the middle of January, the Big 12 grind is officially in high gear, and if you’re like most Jayhawk fans, your Saturday isn’t complete without seeing Bill Self’s squad on the hardwood. But here is the thing: today, January 17, 2026, the "game day" vibe in Lawrence is a little different than usual.
If you’re hunting for the men’s team, you might want to take a breath and pace yourself. The men actually just wrapped up a physical battle against Baylor yesterday, Friday night. They took care of business at home with an 80-62 win, moving to 13-5 on the year.
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That means today is all about the Kansas Women’s Basketball team as they continue their road swing through the desert. Honestly, if you aren't following Brandon Schneider’s group yet, you’re missing out on some of the most competitive basketball in the conference.
KU Basketball Game Today Time and Broadcast Details
For those looking to catch the action today, the Jayhawks are taking on Arizona State in Tempe. It’s a late-afternoon tip-off that fits perfectly between your lunch plans and dinner.
The official KU basketball game today time is 3:00 p.m. CT (2:00 p.m. local time in Arizona).
Don't expect to find this one on your local cable channel or a major network like FOX. Today’s matchup is being broadcast exclusively on ESPN+. You’ve probably noticed that more and more Big 12 games are moving to the streaming world, and while it’s a bit of a hassle to manage another subscription, the production quality has actually stayed pretty solid. Alex Coil and Kelly Burke are expected to be on the call for this one.
Quick Game Info for January 17, 2026:
- Opponent: Arizona State Sun Devils
- Location: Desert Financial Arena, Tempe, AZ
- Tip-off: 3:00 p.m. CT
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Radio: Jayhawk Radio Network
Why Today’s Game Matters for the Jayhawks
It has been a bit of a rough stretch for the Kansas women lately. They’ve dropped three straight games, including a tough 85-76 loss to Oklahoma State just a few days ago. Sitting at 11-7 overall, they really need a road win to get some momentum back before heading to Tucson to face Arizona next Tuesday.
Arizona State isn't exactly a "get right" game, though. The Sun Devils are 16-2 and have been playing some inspired basketball. They’ve got Gabby Elliott averaging over 16 points a game, and their defense has been suffocating teams in the paint.
Kansas, on the other hand, relies heavily on S’Mya Nichols. She’s the engine of this offense, averaging nearly 20 points and 5 assists. If she can find her rhythm early, KU has a real shot at the upset. Jaliya Davis is another name to watch—she’s been a scoring machine lately, and the Jayhawks will need every bit of her 21-point average to keep pace with ASU.
Looking Ahead: When do the KU Men Play Next?
Since you're likely here because you follow the blue and crimson religiously, you’re probably already wondering about the next men's game. After that dominant win over Baylor, the men get a few days of rest before hitting the road.
The next KU men's basketball game is Tuesday, January 20, 2026, against Colorado.
That one is going to be a late one—a 10:00 p.m. CT tip-off on ESPN. It’s one of those classic "after dark" matchups that usually results in a lot of coffee for Kansas fans the following Wednesday morning. After that, the rivalry heat turns up as they head to Manhattan for the Sunflower Showdown against K-State on January 24.
How to Stay Updated on KU Basketball Times
Schedule changes happen. Basically, between TV networks flexing games and the occasional weather delay in the Midwest, it's easy to lose track. I usually suggest keeping the official KU Athletics "Live Events" page bookmarked. They’re pretty quick about updating tip-off times and TV designations, which often don't get finalized until a week or two before the game.
Another tip? Follow the "KU Hoops" accounts on social media. They usually post a "Game Day" graphic about four hours before tip-off that confirms the exact time and where to watch. It’s much more reliable than those generic sports apps that sometimes glitch out on time zones.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check your ESPN+ login now. There is nothing worse than realizing you're logged out two minutes after the game starts.
- Adjust for the time zone. If you’re following the Jayhawks from the West Coast or East Coast, remember that 3:00 p.m. CT is 4:00 p.m. ET and 1:00 p.m. PT.
- Listen via the app. If you’re on the go and can't stream video, the KU Athletics app offers free radio broadcasts. The energy from the radio crew is usually better than the TV announcers anyway.