Finding out what channel is the Penn State game on feels like a part-time job lately. Honestly, with the way TV deals keep shifting between the Big Ten Network, FS1, Peacock, and the main networks, you almost need a degree in broadcast journalism just to find the kickoff or tip-off. Whether it's the roar of Beaver Stadium or the squeak of shoes at the Bryce Jordan Center, the "where to watch" question is the first thing every Nittany Lion fan asks on game day.
If you are looking for the basketball game right now, the Nittany Lions are deep into the Big Ten grind. Following their recent home stand against UCLA, the schedule is moving fast. For most of these conference matchups, you’re going to be toggling between FS1 and the Big Ten Network (BTN).
Where to Find Penn State Basketball Today
If you missed the UCLA game on FS1, don't worry—the schedule is packed. On Sunday, January 18, 2026, Penn State travels to take on Maryland. That game is slated for a noon ET start, and you can catch it on the Big Ten Network.
After that, the TV carousel keeps spinning. The home game against Wisconsin on Thursday, January 22, moves back over to FS1 at 7:00 p.m. ET. It is a bit of a pattern: high-profile midweek games often land on FS1, while the weekend afternoon slots are the bread and butter of BTN.
But wait, there’s a catch. Streaming.
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You’ve probably noticed that some games aren't on traditional cable at all. This season, Penn State has a handful of games exclusive to Peacock. For example, the upcoming January 29 game at Northwestern is a Peacock-only affair. If you don't have the app downloaded and a subscription active, you're going to be staring at a blank screen while the rest of State College is cheering.
What About the Football Game?
I know, I know. Even in the middle of basketball season, everyone is thinking about football. We just came off the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson in late December, and now the focus is on the 2026 season.
While the exact kickoff times and channels for the 2026 opener against Marshall (September 5) haven't been set in stone yet, we know the "neighborhood" they'll live in. Because of the Big Ten's massive media rights deal, Penn State football games will be split between:
- FOX (The "Big Noon" window is basically a Penn State residency at this point)
- CBS (The 3:30 p.m. ET window)
- NBC (Primetime "Big Ten Saturday Night")
If the game isn't on one of those three "Bigs," it will likely land on the Big Ten Network or, occasionally, a streaming-exclusive spot on Peacock.
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The Confusion of "B1G+"
Here is something that trips up a lot of fans: the difference between the Big Ten Network and B1G+.
Think of it this way: if it’s a major men’s basketball or football game, it’s on the actual TV channel (BTN). If it’s a wrestling match, a women’s gymnastics meet, or some of the mid-week baseball games, it usually ends up on B1G+. That is a separate subscription service. You can't just log in with your cable provider for B1G+; it’s its own beast.
For the Penn State Lady Lions basketball team, for instance, many of their January games—like the recent one against Ohio State—are found on B1G+.
Quick Reference for January 2026 Games
- Jan 18 at Maryland: Big Ten Network (12:00 PM ET)
- Jan 22 vs. Wisconsin: FS1 (7:00 PM ET)
- Jan 26 at Ohio State: FS1 (7:00 PM ET)
- Jan 29 at Northwestern: Peacock (8:00 PM ET)
How to Stream if You Don't Have Cable
If you’ve cut the cord, you aren't out of luck. Most of the services that carry the Penn State game offer free trials.
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- Fubo: Probably the best for sports because it carries BTN, FS1, and local channels like FOX and NBC.
- Hulu + Live TV: Solid option, includes most of the necessary sports networks.
- YouTube TV: Very popular in Happy Valley for its "Key Plays" feature which lets you catch up if you’re late to the broadcast.
- Sling TV: You’ll need the "Sling Blue" package to get FS1, and usually a "Sports Extra" add-on for the Big Ten Network.
Honestly, the easiest way to never miss a game is to download the LionVision app or just keep a tab open on the official Penn State athletics site. They update the broadcast designations about 6–12 days before each game.
One last tip: if you’re ever stuck in the car or the TV isn't working, the Penn State Sports Network still does a killer radio broadcast. Steve Jones and Dick Jerardi are legends for a reason. You can find them on SiriusXM (usually channel 381 for Penn State home calls) or through the free LionVision audio stream.
Actionable Steps to Stay Ready
- Check the Calendar: Bookmark the Penn State Men's Basketball schedule page; it’s the only place that updates "TBA" times reliably.
- Verify Your Login: If the game is on FS1 or BTN, make sure you have your cable or streaming login credentials ready for the Fox Sports App.
- Download Peacock: Do this at least a day before the Northwestern game so you aren't fumbling with credit card info five minutes after tip-off.
- Sync to Phone: Most schedule sites let you "Add to Calendar." Use it. It’ll automatically update the channel info as soon as it's announced.
The landscape is messy, but as long as you know whether you're looking for a "linear" channel like FS1 or a "digital" one like Peacock, you'll be ready when the ball is in the air.