You’re sitting on the couch, jersey on, maybe a beverage in hand, and you’re scrolling through the guide. It’s frustrating. Since the massive shift in Chicago sports broadcasting, finding out what channel is the chicago bulls game today has become a bit of a scavenger hunt for fans. Gone are the days of just flipping to NBC Sports Chicago and calling it a night.
Honestly, the schedule is a mix of local dominance and rare national cameos. If you are looking for the game right now—meaning Thursday, January 15, 2026—the Bulls are actually off tonight. They just wrapped up a wild, heart-stopping 128-126 win against the Utah Jazz last night at the United Center. Nikola Vucevic was basically a cheat code in that one, dropping 35 points and hitting the game-winner with four seconds left.
But you aren't here for a history lesson. You want to know when they play next and where to see it.
The Next Battle: Bulls vs. Nets
The Bulls hit the road tomorrow, Friday, January 16, 2026, to take on the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center. This is a big one for a couple of reasons. First, the Nets are struggling, and Chicago needs to stack wins to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Second, the broadcast situation for this specific game is different than usual.
For the Friday night matchup in Brooklyn, here is the breakdown:
📖 Related: Barry Sanders Shoes Nike: What Most People Get Wrong
- National TV: ESPN
- Local TV: Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)
- Tip-off Time: 6:30 PM CST (7:30 PM EST)
Usually, you're stuck looking for a local feed, but since this is one of the few nationally televised games of the season, you can find it on ESPN. If you’re in the Chicago market and prefer the local flavor, it’ll still be on CHSN.
Navigating the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN)
If you've been living under a rock or just haven't tried to watch a game since last year, the Bulls moved all their non-national games to the Chicago Sports Network. This change caught a lot of people off guard. Basically, if the game isn't on TNT, ESPN, or ABC, this is your primary home for Bulls basketball.
You can find CHSN on several providers, but it's not universal yet. DIRECTV (channel 665) and DIRECTV STREAM carry it. If you’re a cable person, Xfinity has it, but you might need to check your specific package. Astound (RCN) and Fubo are also in the mix.
What about those of you who cut the cord?
👉 See also: Arizona Cardinals Depth Chart: Why the Roster Flip is More Than Just Kyler Murray
It’s a bit of a headache. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV famously do not carry many regional sports networks, including CHSN, at the moment. If you use those services, you’ll be banking on those rare national windows on ESPN or TNT. Otherwise, you’re looking at Fubo or the CHSN+ direct-to-consumer streaming app.
Streaming Options and Blackouts
Let’s talk about NBA League Pass because it’s the best and worst thing at the same time. If you live in or near Chicago (the "in-market" area), NBA League Pass will be blacked out for live Bulls games. They want you watching on CHSN.
However, if you are a Bulls fan living in, say, Phoenix or New York, League Pass is your best friend. You’ll get every game except the ones on national TV.
- CHSN+ App: This is the local streaming solution. It’s great if you don't want a full cable package.
- Fubo: Probably the easiest "cable-replacement" that still gives you the local Bulls channel.
- Amazon Prime Video: Keep an eye out. The NBA deal includes some games moving here, like the Bulls' February 5th game against Toronto.
Looking Ahead: The January Gauntlet
The Bulls have a busy end of the month. After the Nets game on Friday, they head back home for a rematch with Brooklyn on Sunday, January 18th. That one is back to a 6:00 PM CST start on CHSN.
✨ Don't miss: Anthony Davis USC Running Back: Why the Notre Dame Killer Still Matters
After that, the schedule gets heavy:
- Tuesday, Jan 20: vs. LA Clippers (7:00 PM CST) on CHSN
- Thursday, Jan 22: @ Minnesota Timberwolves (7:00 PM CST) on CHSN
- Saturday, Jan 24: vs. Boston Celtics (7:00 PM CST) on CHSN
- Monday, Jan 26: vs. LA Lakers (7:00 PM CST) on CHSN
Notice a pattern? Most of these are local broadcasts. The January 24th game against Boston is going to be a massive test for Coby White and Josh Giddey, especially with the way the Celtics have been playing.
Final Tips for Finding the Game
Always double-check the tip-off time about an hour before. The NBA loves to flex games, though it’s less common for the Bulls this season since they only have six national TV windows total.
If you're still asking what channel is the chicago bulls game today, your safest bet is to have the CHSN channel bookmarked on your remote. For tomorrow's game against the Nets, just head to ESPN and you're set.
To stay prepared for the rest of the season, you should verify if your current streaming provider carries CHSN. If they don't, and you're a die-hard fan, it might be time to look into Fubo or the CHSN+ standalone app to ensure you don't miss any of the action from the United Center.