The Chicago Bulls are heading into the Barclays Center tonight, January 16, 2026, to face off against the Brooklyn Nets. If you’ve been trying to keep up with the team lately, you know the struggle is real. Between the new broadcasting deals and the shift in regional networks, finding the right channel sometimes feels harder than hitting a contested fadeaway.
Tonight’s tip-off is set for 7:30 PM ET (6:30 PM CT).
If you are wondering what channel are the bulls on tonight, the answer depends entirely on where you’re sitting. For the local Chicago crowd, the game is airing on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). If you’re a Nets fan or living in the New York area, you’ll find it on YES Network.
But wait. There's a national twist.
The Big Stage: National and Local Options
For those outside the immediate Chicago and New York markets, tonight is actually one of the rare instances where you might have an easier time. This matchup is scheduled as a national broadcast on ESPN.
That’s a big deal.
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The Bulls only have a handful of national TV slots this season—six, to be exact—and tonight is one of them. This means if you have a basic cable package or a streaming service like YouTube TV, you shouldn't have to hunt for a weird regional sub-channel.
Quick Breakdown for Tonight (Jan 16):
- Matchup: Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets
- Time: 7:30 PM ET / 6:30 PM CT
- Local Chicago TV: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)
- Local Brooklyn TV: YES Network
- National TV: ESPN
- Streaming (In-Market): CHSN+ App / Fubo / DIRECTV STREAM
- Streaming (Out-of-Market): NBA League Pass / ESPN App
Honestly, the "where to watch" game has changed a lot. We aren't in the NBC Sports Chicago era anymore. Since the 2025-26 season kicked off, CHSN has been the new home for the Bulls, Blackhawks, and White Sox. If you haven't updated your channel list yet, you might be looking at a black screen.
What Channel Are the Bulls on Tonight for Cord Cutters?
If you've ditched cable, you aren't out of luck, but you do need to be strategic.
For local fans, Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM are the main heavy hitters because they actually carry Chicago Sports Network. If you try to use Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV to find the local broadcast, you’re going to run into a wall—they typically don't carry the regional CHSN feed.
However, because tonight is an ESPN game, YouTube TV and Hulu users can just tune into the national feed and call it a day.
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The CHSN+ Factor
Earlier this season, the team launched the CHSN+ app. It’s basically a standalone subscription for people who live in the Chicago market but don't want a full $100 cable bundle. You can grab a Bulls-only sub for about $20 a month. It’s a solid deal if you’re a die-hard, but remember: it’s geo-fenced. If you’re on vacation in Florida, that app is going to tell you "no."
For the fans living outside the Midwest, NBA League Pass is still the gold standard. Since tonight is on ESPN, though, League Pass will likely have a national blackout for the live feed, meaning you'll have to watch via the ESPN app or your TV provider.
Why This Game Matters
The Bulls (19-21) are hovering right around that .500 mark, trying to shake off a rough patch on the road. Brooklyn (11-27) hasn't exactly been a powerhouse this year, but playing at the Barclays Center is never a "gimme" game.
Vegas actually has the Bulls as slight favorites tonight—about 2.5 points depending on where you look.
One thing to watch? The interior defense. The Nets have been scrappy, and if Chicago doesn't show up in the first quarter, things could get ugly fast. The Bulls have been dominant in the second quarter lately—hitting the "Under" on the total in 17 of their last 21 second quarters—but they need a full 48 minutes to stay in the Play-In hunt.
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How to Listen if You're Driving
Can't get to a TV?
670 The Score is the place to be. Chuck Swirsky is still the voice of the Bulls on the radio, and frankly, sometimes his energy is better than the TV broadcast anyway. If you prefer the Spanish-language call, head over to WRTO 1200 AM.
Actionable Steps for Tonight's Tip-Off
To make sure you don't miss the first bucket, here is exactly what you should do:
- Check your provider early: If you have DIRECTV or Xfinity, verify that Chicago Sports Network is in your package.
- Download the ESPN App: Since it’s a national game, having the ESPN app signed in with your provider credentials is a great backup.
- Check for Blackouts: If you are using NBA League Pass, be prepared to switch to the ESPN feed since national games are usually blocked on the League Pass app.
- Sync the Radio: If you're stuck in traffic, use the Audacy app to stream 670 The Score for free.
By following these steps, you won't be scrambling at 7:35 PM trying to figure out why your usual channel isn't working. Enjoy the game—it's a big one for the standings.