You’re sitting there, remote in hand, or maybe you're scrolling through your phone trying to figure out why the game isn't where it usually is. We've all been there. It’s Saturday, January 17, 2026, and if you’re looking for the Kentucky vs. Tennessee game, you’ve likely realized that the SEC broadcast schedule is a bit of a moving target these days.
The short answer: Today’s showdown between the Wildcats and the Volunteers is on ESPN.
But as any member of Big Blue Nation knows, just knowing the channel isn't always enough. Between the move to exclusive Disney-era SEC contracts and the rise of various streaming tiers, finding the Cats can sometimes feel like a full-time job.
Finding the Kentucky Basketball Game Today
Honestly, the 12:00 PM ET tip-off today is a classic rivalry slot. Because this is a high-stakes matchup at Thompson-Boling Arena, the game is getting the "Big" ESPN treatment. This isn't one of those games tucked away on SEC Network or requiring a weird login for SECN+.
If you have a standard cable or satellite package, just head to ESPN. For those who have cut the cord, you’re looking for the ESPN feed on services like Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling. If you're using the ESPN app, it'll likely be listed under the "Featured" or "SEC" tabs, but you'll still need those provider credentials to unlock the stream.
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Why the Channel Matters This Season
This 2025-26 season under Mark Pope has been... different. We’ve seen a shift in how these games are distributed. Earlier in the month, we had games on the SEC Network against teams like Mississippi State and LSU, but once you hit the "meat" of the schedule in late January, the major networks like ESPN, ESPN2, and even ABC start hogging the rights.
It’s a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, you don't have to hunt for a regional sports network. On the other, if you don't have a specific tier of service, you might find yourself staring at a "Content Not Available" screen.
What Channel Is Kentucky Basketball Game On for Upcoming Matchups?
Don't get too comfortable with the ESPN app just yet. The schedule for the next few weeks is a bit of a rollercoaster. If you're planning your life around the Wildcats, keep these upcoming dates and channels in mind:
- Wednesday, Jan 21 vs. Texas: This one flips back to the SEC Network at 7:00 PM ET. It's the Longhorns' first trip to Rupp as a full-fledged SEC member, which is wild to think about.
- Saturday, Jan 24 vs. Ole Miss: We're back on ESPN for a noon tip-off.
- Tuesday, Jan 27 at Vanderbilt: Catch this on ESPN at 9:00 PM ET.
- Saturday, Feb 14 at Florida: This is the big one—the Cats land on ABC for a 3:00 PM ET game.
Basically, if it’s a Saturday game against a ranked opponent or a traditional rival, check ESPN or ABC first. If it’s a mid-week game against a middle-of-the-pack SEC team, the SEC Network is your best bet.
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Dealing with SEC Network+ (The "Plus" Problem)
Every year, fans get frustrated with SEC Network+. To be clear: this is not a channel you can find by flipping through your cable box. It’s a digital stream. While most of the conference games by this point in January are on linear TV (the ones with actual channel numbers), early-season games and some non-conference tilts often land here.
You access SEC Network+ through the ESPN app. If your cable package includes the regular SEC Network, you generally have access to the "Plus" content for free, but you have to authenticate your device. It’s a hassle, but it’s the only way to see every single minute of the Pope era.
Watching Without Cable
If you’re done with the traditional cable companies, you actually have more options than ever, though they aren't necessarily cheaper.
Hulu + Live TV is currently the "gold standard" for Kentucky fans because it includes the Disney Bundle. Since ESPN+ carries a lot of the secondary SEC content, having it all under one login saves a lot of headache. Fubo is great for the 4K feeds when they’re available, but they sometimes lack certain secondary channels depending on your region.
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If you are a radio person, remember that the UK Sports Network is still alive and well. Tom Leach is still the voice of the Cats, and you can find the broadcast on 630 AM WLAP in Lexington or via the iHeartRadio app if you’re outside the broadcast range. Sometimes, honestly, muting the TV and listening to the local radio call is the only way to preserve your sanity during a tight game in Knoxville.
Final Viewing Checklist
Before you settle in for the Kentucky vs. Tennessee game, do a quick "tech check" so you don't miss the opening tip:
- Check the App: If you’re streaming, open the ESPN app five minutes early to make sure you aren't logged out. Nothing is worse than frantically typing a password while the ball is in the air.
- Confirm the Time: Today is a 12:00 PM ET start. Don't let the "nooners" sneak up on you.
- Sync the Audio: If you’re using the radio/TV combo, use the pause button on your DVR to sync the TV image with the radio delay. It takes about 30 seconds to get it perfect, but it's worth it.
The SEC is brutal this year, and every game feels like a tournament game. Knowing exactly where to find the broadcast is half the battle.
Next Step: Open your streaming app or cable guide now and "favorite" the ESPN and SEC Network channels so they stay at the top of your list for the rest of the season.