You’re staring at the remote, the wings are cooling on the counter, and you’ve got that familiar itch to see some Bill Self-led brilliance at Allen Fieldhouse or on some distant road court. If you’re asking what channel is KU basketball on tonight, you’ve probably realized that keeping up with the Jayhawks in 2026 isn't as simple as just flipping to "the sports channel." The Big 12 is a monster now, and the broadcast rights are spread across more platforms than a freshman's elective schedule.
Honestly, the answer changes depending on the day of the week. Tonight, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the men’s squad actually has the night off after their dominant 80-62 win over Baylor yesterday. But don't put the remote down just yet. The KU Women’s basketball team is taking the floor today against Arizona State. If you want to catch that action, you’ll need to pull up ESPN+ at 3:00 p.m. CT.
For those of you already planning your Tuesday night for the men's next big test, here is the breakdown you need.
What Channel Is KU Basketball On Tonight (and Next Week)?
The "Blue Blood" status of Kansas means they are a fixture on national television, but the "Big 12 on ESPN+" deal has moved several games a year behind a subscription wall. It's frustrating, I know. You pay for cable, then you pay for three different streaming apps just to see a layup.
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For the next men’s game on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, against Colorado, the game will be broadcast on ESPN. Tip-off is set for 10:00 p.m. CT. Yes, that’s a late one—blame the mountain time zone and the Big 12’s expansion into the West.
Upcoming Jayhawk TV Schedule
- Jan 17 (Today): Women at Arizona State — ESPN+ (3:00 p.m. CT)
- Jan 20 (Tuesday): Men at Colorado — ESPN (10:00 p.m. CT)
- Jan 24 (Saturday): Men at Kansas State — FOX (7:00 p.m. CT)
- Jan 31 (Saturday): Men vs. BYU — ESPN (3:00 p.m. CT)
Why Is the Channel Always Changing?
It’s basically all about the money and the "Inventory." The Big 12 has a massive media rights deal with ESPN and FOX. When KU plays a high-profile matchup, like the Sunflower Showdown against K-State on January 24, the big networks like FOX or ABC will snatch it up for a national audience.
When it’s a mid-week conference game or a non-conference "buy game," it often lands on ESPN+ or Peacock. For example, the Jayhawks already had a game earlier this month against UCF that was exclusive to Peacock. If you don't have those logins ready, you're basically stuck following the box score on your phone like it’s 2005.
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How to Stream if You Don't Have Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't totally out of luck. Most Jayhawk games on ESPN or FOX can be found on:
- YouTube TV (Best for local channels and the "big" ESPN)
- FuboTV (Great for sports fans, though sometimes misses certain Turner-owned channels)
- Hulu + Live TV (A solid middle ground)
For the games on ESPN+, you need the standalone app. It’s about eleven bucks a month now, which is a bit of a sting, but if you're a die-hard KU fan, it's basically a mandatory tax for the season.
Radio and Bars: The Old School Fix
If the internet goes down or you just can’t deal with another "buffering" circle, the Jayhawk Radio Network is still the most reliable way to catch the game. Brian Hanni's "Rock Chalk Jayhawk" call is iconic for a reason. You can find the broadcast on local Lawrence/KC stations like 1320 AM or 105.9 FM, or via the KU Athletics app.
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And let's be real—sometimes the best "channel" is the one at the local pub. Places like The Wheel or Johnny’s Tavern in Lawrence will always have the game on, even if it's on some obscure streaming platform that nobody can find at home.
Key Stats to Know for the Colorado Matchup
Since you’re waiting for Tuesday’s game, keep an eye on Flory Bidunga. He’s been a force in the paint lately, especially during that Baylor rout. Kansas is currently sitting at 12-4, and the Big 12 race is getting tighter than a drum. Colorado is 12-5 and playing at home in Boulder is a nightmare for visiting teams because of the altitude.
The Jayhawks have struggled a bit on the road this year, specifically in that tough loss at West Virginia. If they want to stay in the hunt for another regular-season title, the ESPN game on Tuesday is a "must-win" scenario.
Next Steps for Jayhawk Fans:
Check your subscription status for ESPN+ today if you want to watch the women's game at 3:00 p.m. Otherwise, make sure your DVR is set for the 10:00 p.m. window this coming Tuesday on ESPN so you don't miss the battle in Boulder.