If you’re scrambling to figure out what channel is the KU game today, you aren't alone. Between the Big 12’s massive expansion and the dizzying array of streaming deals, finding the Jayhawks on your TV guide can feel like a part-time job. Whether you're looking for the blue-blood men's squad or the rising women's team, the broadcast landscape has changed a lot.
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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What Channel Is the KU Game Today?
For the Kansas women's basketball team, the game is officially in the books. They took on Arizona State today at Desert Financial Arena in Tempe. If you were looking for it on your traditional cable box, you likely had some trouble. The game was broadcast exclusively on ESPN+, the digital streaming arm of the "worldwide leader in sports."
Unfortunately for the Jayhawk faithful, it was a rough afternoon in the desert. Kansas fell to Arizona State with a final score of 67-51. This marks the fourth straight loss for the women's team as they struggle through a difficult Big 12 road stretch.
As for the KU men's basketball team, they are currently in a gap in their schedule. They just coming off a dominant 80-62 win over Baylor at Allen Fieldhouse yesterday, January 16. If you're looking for them on TV tonight, you won't find them—they don't play again until Tuesday.
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Where to Find the Next Few Games
Because the Big 12 now stretches from West Virginia to Arizona, tip-off times and channels are all over the place. Here is exactly where you need to look for the upcoming matchups so you don't miss a single second of the action.
- Men’s Basketball at Colorado: Tuesday, Jan 20. This one is a late-nighter. Tip-off is set for 10:00 p.m. CT and will be on ESPN.
- Women’s Basketball at Arizona: Tuesday, Jan 20. They play at 7:00 p.m. CT and, once again, the broadcast is strictly on ESPN+.
- Men’s Basketball at Kansas State (The Sunflower Showdown): Saturday, Jan 24. A huge rivalry game. It’s set for 7:00 p.m. CT on FOX.
The Streaming Struggle: Why Can't I Find KU on Cable?
It’s honestly frustrating. You pay for a massive cable package, yet half the time the Jayhawks are tucked away on a streaming service. Basically, the Big 12's current media rights deal gives ESPN+ a huge chunk of "lower-tier" games.
While the marquee matchups usually land on Big FOX, ESPN, or even CBS, those midweek or non-conference games are increasingly digital-only. If you haven't bitten the bullet on an ESPN+ subscription yet, you're going to miss a significant portion of the season, especially for the women's team.
How to Stream Without Cable
If you've cut the cord, you have a few options that aren't just a single app.
- Hulu + Live TV: This is usually the easiest because it includes ESPN+ as part of the bundle. You get the local channels like FOX and CBS for the big games, plus the streaming-only ones.
- Fubo: Great for sports, though it lacks some of the Turner networks (TNT/TBS) which can be a pain during March Madness.
- YouTube TV: Probably the most reliable interface, and it carries the major networks you'll need for the Kansas State and Colorado games coming up.
Key Players to Watch Right Now
The men's team is currently ranked No. 17 in the NET, which is fifth in a brutally deep Big 12. Freshman sensation Darryn Peterson is leading the charge, averaging nearly 22 points per game. He's been the spark plug this roster needed after some early-season jitters.
On the women's side, they are trying to find their footing. Today's loss to Arizona State was a setback, but they have a chance to bounce back against Arizona on Tuesday. The move to the Big 12 has been a "welcome to the deep end" moment for several programs, and KU is currently feeling that pressure.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
- Download the ESPN App: Since so many games are on ESPN+, make sure the app is on your smart TV or phone and that you're logged in before tip-off. There is nothing worse than missing the first five minutes because of a password reset.
- Check the "Big 12 Now" Section: On your streaming device, search for "Big 12 Now" within the ESPN interface. This is where most Jayhawk content lives.
- Set Your DVR for Tuesday: The men's game against Colorado starts at 10 p.m. Central. If you've got work early Wednesday, set that recording now.
The schedule is only getting tougher from here. With trips to Boulder and Manhattan on the horizon, the Jayhawks are entering the most critical stretch of the January calendar. Keep your remote handy and your streaming apps updated.