So, you’re looking for the game. I get it. Being a hockey fan in the 2025-26 season feels a little like being a private investigator. One night the team is on a channel you’ve had since the nineties, and the next, they’re tucked away on a streaming app you didn't even know existed. If you’re asking what channel is the Minnesota Wild on tonight, the short answer is: there is no game tonight, Friday, January 16, 2026.
The Wild just wrapped up a rough one at the Grand Casino Arena—which, yeah, still feels weird to say instead of the Xcel Energy Center—falling 6-2 to the Winnipeg Jets last night. If you missed that one, honestly? You might have dodged a bullet. Mark Scheifele went off for four points and the Wild just looked... tired.
But don't go putting the jersey away yet. The schedule picks right back up tomorrow, and knowing where to look is half the battle.
Where to Find the Wild Tomorrow: Saturday, Jan 17
Since there’s a gap in the schedule tonight, you’re likely prepping for the next matchup. On Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Minnesota Wild travel to New York to face off against the Buffalo Sabres.
Here is the breakdown for tomorrow's game:
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- Time: 12:30 PM CT (Yes, it’s a matinee. Don't sleep in.)
- Local TV: FanDuel Sports Network North (formerly Bally Sports North).
- National/Out-of-Market Stream: ESPN+ (NHL Power Play).
Basically, if you live in the "State of Hockey" (Minnesota, North/South Dakota, parts of Wisconsin and Iowa), your go-to is FanDuel Sports Network North. If you’re outside that bubble, you’ll be firing up ESPN+.
Navigating the FanDuel Sports Network Rebrand
Wait, FanDuel? Yeah. If you haven't been paying attention to the corporate musical chairs, the network formerly known as Bally Sports North rebranded to FanDuel Sports Network at the start of this season.
It’s the same channel number on your cable box, but the graphics look different and the app has a new coat of paint. If you’re a cord-cutter, you can still get the direct-to-consumer subscription for about $19.99 a month. It's pricey, sure, but it's the only way to catch about 70 of the 82 regular-season games without a traditional cable package like Xfinity or Spectrum.
Why "What Channel Is the Minnesota Wild on Tonight" Changes Constantly
The NHL’s TV deals are a spiderweb. This season, the Wild have 16 games that are "nationally exclusive." When a game is national, it gets yanked off FanDuel Sports Network North entirely.
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Here’s where they land when that happens:
- ESPN/ABC: The big-time broadcasts. Usually Tuesday or Thursday nights.
- TNT/TBS: These are the Wednesday night games or Sunday afternoons. They usually have the best intermission panels (looking at you, Biz and Gretzky).
- ESPN+/Hulu: These are "digital exclusives." They aren't on a channel. You must have an app-ready device or a smart TV.
If you try to find a game on FanDuel Sports Network and see a poker tournament or a fishing show instead, check the national listings.
The Remaining 2026 January Schedule
The Wild are heading into a busy stretch. After the Buffalo game, they’re staying out East for a bit. If you're trying to clear your calendar for the rest of the month, here’s the roadmap for where the games will be:
- Jan 19 @ Toronto Maple Leafs: 7:30 PM CT. Look for this on FanDuel Sports Network North.
- Jan 20 @ Montreal Canadiens: 7:00 PM CT. Another FanDuel Sports Network North night.
- Jan 22 vs. Detroit Red Wings: 8:30 PM CT. Heads up! This one is a national broadcast on ESPN.
- Jan 24 vs. Florida Panthers: 8:00 PM CT. Back on the local FanDuel Sports Network.
Watching the Wild Without Cable
Honestly, it’s getting easier, but it still requires a few logins. If you’ve ditched the satellite dish, you have three real options:
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Fubo TV
This is probably the most popular choice for local fans because it carries FanDuel Sports Network North. It feels like cable, has a DVR, and includes the local channels like NBC and ABC for the playoff runs.
DirectTV Stream
Similar to Fubo, it has the regional sports networks (RSNs). It’s usually a bit more expensive, but it’s reliable if you want the "traditional" channel surfing experience.
The FanDuel Sports Network App
You can go straight to the source. You don't need a cable provider to sign up for this. Just pay the monthly fee and you can stream the Wild, the Timberwolves, and the Lynx on your phone or Roku.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Since the Wild aren't playing tonight, now is actually the perfect time to audit your setup so you aren't scrambling five minutes before puck drop tomorrow.
- Check your ESPN+ login: Many fans get this free through Verizon or the Disney Bundle. If you're out of market, make sure your password still works.
- Update the FanDuel Sports Network app: If you haven't opened it since the Bally days, it likely needs a forced update to function.
- Set an alarm for 12:20 PM Saturday: Matinee games are notorious for being half-empty because people forget the early start time. Don't be that person.
- Download the NHL App: Use the "Follow" feature for the Wild. It usually pushes a notification 15 minutes before the game telling you exactly which network has the broadcast rights for that specific night.
The 2025-26 season has been a bit of a rollercoaster for Kaprizov and the boys, but missing a game because of a "Channel Not Found" error is the worst way to experience it. Get your apps ready now, and we'll see if they can bounce back against the Sabres tomorrow.