If you’re staring at your remote trying to figure out what channel is the lynx game on tonight, you aren't alone. It’s a mess sometimes. One night they’re on a local network you haven't thought about in years, and the next, they’re buried in a streaming app that requires a password you forgot back in 2024.
Let's get the big reality check out of the way first. Today is Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Here is the thing: the WNBA regular season doesn't actually tip off until May. If you were hoping to see Napheesa Collier dropping 30 points in a meaningful league game tonight, you’re a few months early. However, the basketball world doesn't just go dark in January anymore. Between the expansion of the league, the new TV deals with NBC/USA Network, and the rise of off-season tournaments like Unrivaled, there is a lot to track if you want to stay ready for the 2026 season.
What Channel Is The Lynx Game On Tonight (And Why It’s Complicated)
Usually, when people ask about the channel, they’re looking for the local broadcast. In Minnesota, that has historically been FanDuel Sports Network North (the channel formerly known as Bally Sports). But 2026 is a transition year. The WNBA just signed a massive, landmark media rights deal with Disney (ABC/ESPN), Amazon Prime Video, and NBCUniversal.
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Basically, the "where to watch" map has been redrawn.
The 2026 TV Landscape
- National Games: You’ll find these on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN2.
- The New Player: USA Network (via NBCUniversal) is now a major destination, especially for Wednesday night doubleheaders.
- Streaming Giants: Amazon Prime Video has grabbed a bigger slice of the pie, including exclusive streaming rights for certain marquee matchups.
- Friday Nights: ION remains the home for Friday night doubleheaders, which became a huge hit with fans last season.
- Local Broadcasts: If you’re in the Twin Cities market, FanDuel Sports Network North is still your primary home for the non-national games.
Wait, Is There Actually A Game Today?
Technically, no WNBA game is happening tonight, January 18. But players like Phee (Napheesa Collier) are currently involved in the Unrivaled league. This is that new 3-on-3 league everyone is talking about. It’s designed to keep the best players in the U.S. during the winter instead of them heading to Europe or China.
If you are looking for that specific "winter basketball" fix, you'll usually find Unrivaled games on TNT Sports platforms or specialized streaming services. It’s not "The Lynx" as a full roster, but it's the core of the team playing at an incredibly high level. Honestly, it’s kinda the best way to bridge the gap until the Target Center opens its doors in May.
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The 2026 Schedule Outlook
The 2026 WNBA schedule is a beast. We’re looking at more games than ever. The league is expanding, the Golden State Valkyries are now in the mix, and the travel schedule is getting tighter.
| Platform | Best For |
|---|---|
| WNBA League Pass | Out-of-market fans who want to see every single play. |
| YouTube TV / Fubo | People who want the local FanDuel Sports Network and national ESPN coverage. |
| Amazon Prime | Thursday night exclusive matchups. |
| Antenna (Over-the-Air) | Watching ION and ABC for free (if you’re in the right spot). |
Dealing With Blackouts (The Absolute Worst)
We have to talk about blackouts. It’s the number one reason people can't find what channel is the lynx game on tonight.
If a game is being shown on your local regional sports network (FanDuel Sports North), WNBA League Pass will black it out for you if you live in Minnesota. It’s frustrating. You pay for the subscription, you click the game, and you get a "not available in your area" message.
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To get around this, you either need a cable/satellite package that includes the local RSN, or a live TV streaming service like DIRECTV STREAM or Fubo that carries it. Alternatively, if the game is on ION, you can often pick that up with a cheap digital antenna.
Why 2026 Is Different For Lynx Fans
The 2026 season is special. We’re coming off a period where the league’s popularity exploded. The TV deals reflect that. You’re going to see more pre-game shows, better camera angles, and—thankfully—fewer games hidden on obscure websites.
The Lynx have become one of the most "televisable" teams in the league. Cheryl Reeve has built a roster that moves the needle. Whether it's the defensive masterclass they put on or the emergence of new stars, the networks are fighting over their time slots.
Quick Tips for Game Day
- Check the WNBA App: It’s usually the most accurate for "live" updates.
- Follow the Lynx on X (Twitter): They usually post the exact channel/stream link about two hours before tip-off.
- The "Sling" Factor: If you’re a cord-cutter, Sling Orange is usually the cheapest way to get ESPN, but it won't give you the local Minnesota channels.
Actionable Next Steps For Fans
Since there isn't a game literally tonight, here is how you stay ahead of the curve so you never miss tip-off once the season starts.
- Download the Minnesota Lynx App: This is where the 2026 schedule will be fully integrated with "Watch Live" buttons.
- Invest in a Digital Antenna: A $20 antenna from a big-box store will get you ION and ABC in high definition without a monthly bill.
- Sync to Calendar: Go to the official Lynx website and use the "Add to Calendar" feature. It automatically updates the game times and broadcast partners on your phone so you aren't Googling at the last second.
- Monitor the Unrivaled Schedule: If you need your basketball fix right now, check the TNT/Max schedule for 3-on-3 games featuring Lynx stars.
The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride. Between the new expansion team and the massive increase in national TV coverage, the answer to what channel is the lynx game on tonight will change almost daily. Stay flexible, keep your apps updated, and get ready for a deep playoff run.