If you’re scrambling to find the remote because you’re worried about missing tip-off between the Hawkeyes and the Hoosiers, take a breath. You've got a second. Finding what channel is the iowa-indiana game on has become a bit of a scavenger hunt lately, especially with the Big Ten’s massive media rights deal scattering games across three or four different networks.
Honestly, it’s frustrating. One night you’re on Peacock, the next you’re digging through the 600s on your cable guide for the Big Ten Network, and then suddenly you're back on "regular" TV. For the men's matchup this week, things are actually looking up for those of us who hate hunting for apps.
The Short Answer for the Men's Game
The upcoming men's basketball showdown between Iowa and Indiana is slated for FOX.
No cable-only Big Ten Network (BTN) requirement for this one. No Peacock subscription needed. It is a national broadcast on big FOX. Specifically, we’re looking at Saturday, January 17, 2026. The game is set to tip off at 1:10 p.m. CT (which is 2:10 p.m. ET for those over in Bloomington).
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Jason Benetti and Steve Smith are expected to be on the call. If you've listened to Benetti before, you know he’s one of the best in the business—he actually makes the mid-game lulls worth watching.
Quick Broadcast Details
- TV Channel: FOX
- Live Stream: Fox Sports App (requires cable login) or Fubo
- Radio: Hawkeye Radio Network (Gary Dolphin and Bobby Hansen)
- Venue: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
Wait, What About the Women's Game?
Now, if you were looking for the women's game, you actually just missed a thriller. Iowa and Indiana’s women’s programs played on Sunday, January 11, 2026. That game was on the Big Ten Network.
It was a nail-biter. Iowa pulled off a 56-53 comeback win in Bloomington after trailing by double digits. If you’re looking for their next meeting, you’ll have to wait until later in the season. For today, January 15, the Iowa women are actually playing Oregon at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, which is a totally different broadcast situation.
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Why This Matchup Still Matters in 2026
It’s weird seeing Iowa without a "McCaffery" or "Clark" headline every five seconds, but the Ben McCollum era in Iowa City is off to a fascinating start. Iowa is currently ranked #23 and sitting at 12-5, but they’ve hit a bit of a skid with three straight losses.
Indiana is in a similar boat. They’re 11-7 and desperate to stop a slide after getting hammered by Michigan State earlier this week. This isn't just a regular-season game; it’s a "somebody needs to save their season" game.
McCollum brought a bunch of his guys over from Drake, including Bennett Stirtz. If you haven't watched Stirtz yet, you're missing out. He’s a senior guard who plays like he’s got eyes in the back of his head, averaging nearly 18 points a game. Indiana is going to try to bully him with their size at Assembly Hall, which is always one of the loudest places to play in the country.
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How to Stream If You Don’t Have Cable
Look, maybe you’re a cord-cutter. I get it. If you don’t have a literal antenna or a cable box, finding what channel is the iowa-indiana game on is only half the battle. You need to know where to click.
- The Fox Sports App: If you have a friend's cable login (no judgment), this is the easiest way.
- Fubo or YouTube TV: These services carry FOX in almost every market. They usually offer free trials, so if you’re desperate, you can sign up Saturday morning and cancel Sunday.
- Sling TV: Just make sure you have the "Blue" package, as that's the one that typically includes local FOX affiliates in select markets.
Radio is the Secret Hack
If you’re stuck in the car or just can't stand the TV announcers, the Hawkeye Radio Network is the way to go. Gary Dolphin is a legend. There is something about his voice that just feels like Iowa basketball. You can usually stream the radio broadcast for free through the Varsity Network app or the official Hawkeye Sports website.
Actionable Steps for Game Day
Don't wait until 1:09 p.m. to figure this out.
- Check your local FOX affiliate: Sometimes local programming or news can shift things to a sub-channel, though for a big Big Ten game, that's rare.
- Sync your devices: If you’re streaming, start the app five minutes early. Nothing is worse than the "Authenticating..." circle of death while the opening tip is happening.
- Verify the time zone: Remember, Bloomington is on Eastern Time. If you see a "2:00 PM" start time on an Indiana site, and you're in Des Moines, that means 1:00 PM for you.
This game is a Quad 1 opportunity for Iowa. A win in Bloomington would basically erase the sting of that Purdue loss. For Indiana, it’s about defending home court and proving they belong in the tournament conversation. Grab your snacks, find FOX, and settle in.