You're sitting there, remote in hand, wondering what channel is the panthers game on today because, let’s be honest, sports broadcasting in 2026 is a fragmented mess. If you're looking for the Carolina Panthers, I have some news that might sting a little. If you're looking for the Pitt Panthers or High Point, you’re in luck.
Timing is everything. Today is Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The NFL world is currently buzzing about the Divisional Round, but the Carolina Panthers are officially in "next year" mode. After a rollercoaster 8-9 season that saw them actually clinch the NFC South, their playoff run ended abruptly this past Saturday, January 10, with a 34-31 heartbreaker against the Los Angeles Rams.
Basically, there is no NFL Panthers game on TV today. But don't click away yet—there is plenty of "Panther" action happening on the hardwood and some massive news regarding the team’s future.
Where to Find the Panthers on TV Today (January 14)
Since the NFL season is over for Charlotte, the "Panthers" spotlight shifts to college basketball. You actually have two major options tonight if you need your feline-themed sports fix.
Pitt Panthers vs. Georgia Tech
If you’re a fan of the Pitt Panthers, they are heading into a gritty ACC matchup against Georgia Tech. This isn't just a random mid-week game; Pitt is desperate for their first true road win of the season after a rocky 0-3 start in conference play.
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- Channel: ACC Network
- Tip-off Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: McCamish Pavilion, Atlanta
- Radio: 93.7 The Fan (for the locals)
- Key Names: Watch for freshmen Roman Siulepa and Omari Witherspoon. They’ve been carrying the scoring load lately.
High Point Panthers vs. Winthrop
Maybe you’re looking for the High Point Panthers? They are currently on a tear with an eight-game winning streak. They’re taking their 16-3 record to Rock Hill to face Winthrop.
- Streaming: ESPN+
- Tip-off Time: 6:30 PM ET
- The Vibe: This is a classic Big South rivalry. High Point won the last five, but Winthrop is 7-1 at home this year.
Why the Carolina Panthers Aren't Playing Today
It’s weird to think the season is over when the Divisional Round hasn't even started. The NFL schedule for 2026 has the big games set for this coming weekend, January 17-18. If Carolina had managed to stop the Rams last Saturday, we’d be talking about them preparing for a trip to Chicago or Denver.
Instead, the building at 800 South Mint Street is focused on the front office. Honestly, the biggest "Panthers" news today isn't a game at all—it’s the fact that the team just officially exercised the fifth-year option on Bryce Young.
The move locks Young in through the 2027 season with a guaranteed $26.53 million. Even though they finished 8-9, Dan Morgan and the staff are clearly doubling down on the kid. He threw for 3,011 yards and 23 touchdowns this year, which, compared to his rookie season, looks like a Hall of Fame trajectory.
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NFL Playoff Schedule: Who IS Playing?
If you just want to watch football this weekend, here is who took the Panthers' spot in the limelight:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET, CBS/Paramount+)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET, FOX)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET, ESPN/ABC)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET, NBC/Peacock)
How to Watch Panthers Games Without Cable
Look, we've all moved away from the $200 cable bill. By 2026, the "how to watch" question usually involves about four different apps. Whether it's the 2026 regular season or the basketball games tonight, here is the toolkit you need.
For the NFL Season (Carolina):
You’ve gotta have Paramount+ for the CBS games and Peacock for the NBC exclusives. Most local fans in the Carolinas still rely on a good old-fashioned digital antenna. It’s free, it’s 4K-ish, and it doesn't buffer when the weather gets nasty. NFL+ is the other big one, specifically if you’re okay watching on a phone or tablet.
For College Hoops (Pitt/High Point):
ESPN+ is basically mandatory for High Point and smaller conference games. For Pitt, you need a service that carries ACC Network, like YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Panthers Broadcasts
I hear it all the time: "Why is the game blacked out?"
Usually, it's because of the "in-market" rules. If you’re in Charlotte, you can’t stream the game on certain national platforms because the local FOX or CBS affiliate has the exclusive rights. In 2026, the NFL has loosened this a bit with NFL+, but the "blackout" remains the ghost in the machine for many fans.
Another misconception is that every game is on Sunday. This past season, we saw more Saturday games and even those weird Wednesday "holiday" fixtures. You really have to check the schedule every Tuesday morning just to be safe.
Actionable Steps for the Offseason
Since the Carolina Panthers aren't on your TV today, you might as well get ready for the 2026-2027 cycle.
- Check the Cap Space: With Bryce Young’s option picked up, the Panthers are working with a tighter budget. Keep an eye on the "Legal Tampering" period starting March 9.
- Draft Position: Since they lost in the Wild Card round, Carolina will likely be picking in the late teens or early 20s. Start looking at edge rusher prospects; that's the glaring hole right now.
- Basketball Pivot: If you need live sports tonight, open the ESPN app and search for the ACC Network at 7:00 PM. Pitt vs. Georgia Tech is going to be a physical, ugly, beautiful college game.
The path forward for Carolina involves building around a quarterback who finally looks like a No. 1 overall pick. For the fans, it involves a lot of waiting and a lot of college basketball.