If you're frantically googling what channel is the cardinal game on today, you've probably realized that "Cardinal" isn't exactly a one-team name. It's confusing. Honestly, depending on which coast you’re on or what season it is, you could be looking for a gridiron battle, a diamond duel, or a high-stakes ACC basketball matchup.
Today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the primary "Cardinal" in action is the Stanford Cardinal men's basketball team. They are facing off against the Duke Blue Devils. If you were looking for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals or MLB's St. Louis Cardinals, the news is a bit different, but let's get you to the right screen first.
Where to Watch the Stanford Cardinal Today
The big game for Stanford fans today is at Maples Pavilion. They are hosting a powerhouse Duke team, and it’s a massive test for the program.
- Channel: ACC Network (ACCN)
- Tip-off Time: 6:00 PM ET / 3:00 PM PT
- Streaming: WatchESPN app, FuboTV, or Hulu + Live TV
Basically, if you have a cable package that includes the ACC Network, you’re golden. If you've cut the cord, you’ll need a service like Fubo or YouTube TV that carries the network. It’s one of those games where the atmosphere in Palo Alto is going to be electric, so you definitely don't want to miss the jump ball.
What About the Arizona Cardinals?
I know some of you are here for the NFL. If you’re asking what channel is the cardinal game on today regarding Arizona, I’ve got some bad news. The Arizona Cardinals' 2025-2026 season officially wrapped up on January 4, 2026, with a loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
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The Cardinals finished the season with a 3-14 record. While they aren't playing today, the NFL playoffs are very much in full swing. Today is actually the Divisional Round, and while Arizona isn't on the field, their NFC West rivals are.
NFL Games Airing Today (January 17, 2026)
If you just want to watch some high-level football while wearing your Kyler Murray jersey, here is what’s on:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
- Time: 4:30 PM ET
- Channel: CBS / Paramount+
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Channel: FOX / FOX One
It’s kinda painful to watch the Seahawks and 49ers battle it out in the playoffs while the Cardinals are already looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft, but that’s the reality of the NFC West this year.
St. Louis Cardinals: When Does Baseball Start?
If you are a baseball fan looking for the Birds on the Bat, you’re a little early. We are currently in the heart of the "Hot Stove" season. The St. Louis Cardinals aren't playing today, but the countdown to Spring Training is officially on.
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The first St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training game is scheduled for February 21, 2026, against the Washington Nationals at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Jupiter, Florida.
Quick tip for Cards fans: Single-game tickets for Spring Training actually went on sale today, January 17, so if you were looking for "Cardinal" action, you might want to head over to the official MLB site and grab some seats before they're gone.
Streaming Options for the Stanford Cardinal Game
Since most people asking what channel is the cardinal game on today are likely trying to find the Stanford vs. Duke broadcast, let's talk about the best ways to stream it if you aren't near a TV.
The ACC Network is owned by ESPN, which means the WatchESPN app is your best friend. You’ll need to log in with your provider credentials (like Xfinity, Spectrum, or even a streaming service login).
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If you don't have a provider, look into:
- FuboTV: They usually offer a 7-day free trial, which is perfect if you just want to catch this one game.
- Sling TV: You’ll need the "Orange" package plus the "Sports Extra" add-on to get the ACC Network.
- YouTube TV: This is arguably the easiest "set it and forget it" option for sports fans, as it includes almost all college sports networks.
Why Today’s Stanford Game Matters
It’s not just another Saturday in January. Stanford (14-4) is having a solid run in the ACC, and facing a Duke team (16-1) that’s ranked near the top of the nation is a "resume-builder" game. Ebuka Okorie has been a force for the Cardinal lately, and seeing how he matches up against Cameron Boozer is going to be the highlight of the night.
Most analysts are giving the edge to Duke, but Maples Pavilion has a weird way of swallowing up ranked teams. If the Cardinal can pull this off, their seeding for the NCAA Tournament in March is going to skyrocket.
Key Takeaways for Today
- Stanford Cardinal (Basketball): 6 PM ET on ACC Network.
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL): Season over; Divisional Playoffs are on CBS and FOX today.
- St. Louis Cardinals (MLB): Spring Training tickets are on sale now; games start Feb 21.
To make sure you don't miss tip-off, set a reminder for 5:55 PM ET. If you are using a streaming service, log in a few minutes early to ensure your app doesn't need a random update right as the game starts—we've all been there, and it’s the worst. Check your local listings if you're in a region where blackout rules might apply, though for a national broadcast like the ACC Network, that's rarely an issue.