Wait. If you’re looking for a WNBA game right now, in the middle of January, you’ve probably noticed something is up. The Indiana Fever aren't on the court today. Honestly, the WNBA season doesn't even tip off until May. So, why are we even talking about what channel does the fever play on tonight?
Well, because while the Fever itself is resting, the players absolutely are not. We are in the middle of a massive shift in how women's basketball works. If you were hoping to see Aliyah Boston or the rest of the crew, they are likely scattered across the globe or, more likely this year, competing in the brand-new Unrivaled league.
The January Reality Check: Is There a Game?
Basically, there is no Indiana Fever game tonight, January 16, 2026. The WNBA schedule is a summer thing. We usually see the full schedule drop around late winter, and the actual games don't start until the weather warms up.
If you see a headline claiming there’s a Fever game tonight in January, it’s probably a hallucination or an old link.
However, women’s basketball is currently having its "NFL in the offseason" moment. Tonight, Friday, January 16, 2026, the Unrivaled Basketball League is in full swing. This is that high-stakes 3-on-3 league everyone is buzzing about.
What to watch tonight instead
Since the Fever isn't playing, here is the real lineup for tonight's basketball fix. These games feature WNBA stars, many of whom are Fever teammates or rivals:
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- 7:30 p.m. ET: Laces BC vs. Phantom BC
- 8:45 p.m. ET: Rose BC vs. Hive BC
You can catch these on TNT and truTV. If you’re a cord-cutter, they are streaming on Max. It’s not the Fever in their navy and gold, but it’s the closest you’ll get to that level of play right now.
Where the Fever Usually Airs (and Will in 2026)
When the actual season starts, finding what channel does the fever play on tonight becomes a much more complex riddle. Gone are the days when you just flipped to a local sports network and hoped for the best. The "Caitlin Clark Effect" has essentially shattered the old broadcast model.
Last season, the Fever were featured in 41 nationally televised games. That is practically the whole season. Expect 2026 to be even bigger.
The Heavy Hitters
Most Fever games land on the "big" networks. You’ll need to keep these on your radar:
- ABC and ESPN/ESPN2: These are the flagship homes for the big matchups. If the Fever is playing a rival like the Chicago Sky or the Las Vegas Aces, it’s almost certainly here.
- ION TV: This has become the "Friday Night WNBA" home. It’s free over-the-air, which is kinda great for fans who don't want to pay for a dozen apps.
- CBS and CBS Sports Network: They usually take the weekend afternoon slots.
The Streaming Mess
Then there's the digital side. Amazon Prime Video has a handful of exclusive games. If you’re not an Amazon subscriber, you’re just out of luck for those specific nights.
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NBA TV also picks up about 10 games a year.
Local Indiana Fans: WTHR and WALV
If you actually live in the Indianapolis area, things are a little different. TEGNA (which owns WTHR-TV and WALV) has been the local savior. They usually broadcast about 17 or 18 games for free to local residents.
This is huge. It means if you have a digital antenna, you can watch about half the season without paying a dime to a cable company.
What About Fever Direct?
There’s been a lot of talk about Fever Direct, the team's specific streaming service. It’s a direct-to-consumer option for fans who live in the local region (Indiana, parts of Kentucky, and Ohio).
- Price: Usually around $5.99 a month (though prices for 2026 haven't been finalized).
- Catch: It only works if you are in the "local" broadcast territory. If you’re in California trying to watch the Fever, this app will tell you to go away.
WNBA League Pass: The "Out-of-Market" Solution
If you’re a fan living outside of Indiana, WNBA League Pass is basically mandatory. It costs about $35 for the entire year. It’s the cheapest sports pass in existence, honestly.
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But—and this is a big "but"—it’s subject to blackouts. If a game is airing on ESPN or ION tonight, it will not be live on League Pass. You’ll have to wait until the game is over to watch the replay.
Why the Schedule is So Weird This Year
The 2026 season is going to feel a bit different. The league is expanding, and the schedule is getting longer. We are moving toward a 44-game regular season.
This means more games, more travel, and more nights where you'll be asking what channel does the fever play on tonight.
The Olympic Factor (Or Lack Thereof)
Unlike 2024, there’s no month-long Olympic break in 2026. The season will be a steady grind from May through September. This is better for fans because we don't lose momentum in the middle of the summer.
Key Dates to Circle for the 2026 Fever Season
While the exact "tonight" schedule isn't out yet, we know the rhythm.
- Draft Day (April): This is when the next crop of stars joins the team.
- Training Camp (Late April): No TV for this, but the social media clips are gold.
- Opening Night (Mid-May): This is usually a massive ESPN event.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since there isn't a game tonight, here is how you prepare so you're never scrambling again:
- Download the WNBA App: It’s the only place with an accurate "Where to Watch" button that updates in real-time.
- Check your ION signal: If you have an antenna, do a channel scan today to make sure you get ION (usually sub-channels like 6.3 or 13.2 in some markets).
- Audit your streamers: Make sure your Disney+ or Max subscriptions are active, as they often carry the ESPN and TNT feeds respectively.
- Follow the Fever on X/Twitter: They post a "Gameday" graphic about 4 hours before every tip-off that lists the exact channel and local start time.
Check back in late April when the league officially drops the 2026 broadcast calendar. That's when we'll have the play-by-play for every single night of the summer.