It's Wednesday night, January 14, 2026. You’re settled on the couch, the snacks are ready, and you just want to know what channel is the ball game on tonight so you don't miss tip-off or the first puck drop.
Honestly, trying to keep track of sports schedules these days is basically a full-time job. With the new media rights deals that kicked in this year, your old channel presets might lead you to a blank screen or a "content unavailable" message. Between the NBA’s massive shift to NBC and Peacock and the NHL’s steady presence on TNT, it’s a lot to juggle.
Tonight is a heavy-hitter for both the hardwood and the ice. We’ve got a massive Western Conference NBA showdown and some crucial mid-season NHL matchups that could dictate playoff seeding way down the line.
NBA Schedule: Where to Catch the Hoops Action
The NBA landscape changed forever this season. If you’re looking for the national broadcast, you’ve basically got two places to look tonight: ESPN and the local affiliates.
The National Doubleheader
Tonight’s marquee matchup features the Denver Nuggets visiting the Dallas Mavericks. This isn't just a regular season game; it’s a battle of MVP candidates.
- Game: Denver Nuggets vs. Dallas Mavericks
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Local Alternatives: KFAA (Dallas) and ALT (Denver)
Earlier in the evening, the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:00 p.m. ET. You can catch that one on ESPN as well. It’s a classic Eastern Conference grind that’ll likely come down to the final possession.
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Regional and League Pass Games
If your team isn't on the national stage, you’re likely diving into the world of Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) or NBA League Pass.
The Chicago Bulls face the Utah Jazz at 8:00 p.m. ET. For those in Chicago, it’s on CHSN, while Utah fans can tune in via KJZZ or the Jazz+ streaming service.
Down south, the Brooklyn Nets are at the New Orleans Pelicans at 8:00 p.m. ET. This one is airing on YES for the New York crowd and Gulf Coast Sports for the Pels faithful.
NHL on TNT: Wednesday Night Hockey
Hockey fans, you know the drill. Wednesday night belongs to TNT. They’ve really leaned into the "doubleheader" format, and tonight is no exception.
The Early Slot
The Philadelphia Flyers head to Buffalo to face the Sabres at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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- Channel: TNT
- Streaming: HBO Max (Max)
The Late Night Cap
Out west, things get spicy. The Vegas Golden Knights are visiting the L.A. Kings at 10:00 p.m. ET. If you like fast-paced, physical hockey, this is your game. It’s also on TNT and streaming on HBO Max.
If you aren't near a TV, remember that NHL Power Play on ESPN+ is still the go-to for out-of-market games that aren't nationally televised.
College Basketball: The Mid-Week Madness
College hoops is where the "what channel is the ball game on tonight" question gets really complicated. There are dozens of games, and they’re scattered across everything from Big Ten Network to Peacock.
Big Ten and ACC Highlights
The Big Ten is in full swing tonight. UCLA is at Minnesota at 8:00 p.m. ET. Since the Bruins joined the Big Ten, these cross-country trips have become the new normal. You’ll find this one on the Big Ten Network (BTN).
Over in the ACC:
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- Pittsburgh at Georgia Tech (7:00 p.m. ET) – Check your local ACC Network listings.
- North Carolina at Stanford (9:00 p.m. ET) – Another coast-to-coast clash on the ACC Network.
- Duke at California (11:00 p.m. ET) – A late-night special for the East Coast die-hards.
Big 12 and SEC
The Big 12 is arguably the toughest conference in the country this year. Tonight, TCU travels to BYU for an 11:00 p.m. ET tip-off on ESPN2. Meanwhile, the SEC offers Kentucky at LSU at 7:00 p.m. ET, which is always a circus in Baton Rouge.
Why Is It So Hard to Find the Game?
You aren't imagining things—it is harder to find the game than it was five years ago. The 2025-2026 season marked the beginning of the "fragmented era."
The NBA’s new deal with NBC and Amazon Prime Video means games are no longer just on TNT and ESPN. While TNT still has the NHL, they lost a big chunk of their basketball dominance.
Pro Tip: If you can't find a game on "regular" cable, check the "Plus" apps. Peacock has become the exclusive home for many NBC-produced sports, and ESPN+ is almost a requirement for college basketball fans who want to see their specific alma mater.
Actionable Steps for Tonight
Before you get too comfortable, do these three things:
- Check your local RSN: If you're in-market for the Pelicans, Bulls, or Jazz, make sure your provider still carries their specific regional network (like CHSN or YES).
- Update your streaming apps: If you're planning to watch the Flyers or Golden Knights on Max, ensure the app is updated to avoid that annoying "update required" screen right at puck drop.
- Sync your calendar: Use an app like theScore or Bleacher Report and "favorite" your teams. They send push notifications 15 minutes before a game starts telling you exactly which channel it's on.
Tonight’s schedule is packed. Whether it’s the Nuggets trying to survive Dallas or the Golden Knights looking to pillage L.A., you’ve got plenty of options. Just make sure you’re on the right input.