So, you’re looking for the game. Whether you’re bleeding Orange and Navy for Detroit or screaming for Penny Hardaway’s squad in Memphis, tracking down the right channel has become a bit of a headache lately. Between the messy collapse of regional sports networks and the weird timing of the 2026 sports calendar, finding the "Tigers" on your TV guide isn't as simple as it used to be.
Honestly, it's a bit of a maze. You've got the Detroit Tigers ramping up for spring ball and the Memphis Tigers right in the thick of a gritty American Conference run. Depending on which team you're actually looking for, your remote is going to need some different directions.
Finding the Tigers Game on Today: The Memphis Basketball Schedule
If you are looking for the Memphis Tigers today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you are in luck. They have a massive home game at the FedExForum.
The Memphis Tigers are hosting the UTSA Roadrunners in an American Conference showdown. This isn't just a "check the score later" kind of game; Memphis is currently sitting at 8-8 and is desperately trying to claw their way up the standings after a gutsy win over Temple earlier this week.
- TV Channel: National coverage is on ESPNU.
- Tip-off Time: 5:00 PM CT (6:00 PM ET).
- Radio: 98.9 THE ROAR OF MEMPHIS.
- Streaming: You can catch it on the ESPN app if you have a cable login.
It’s kind of wild to see how this team has evolved. Coach Penny Hardaway has really leaned into a "defensive identity" this year. Right now, they’re ranked 28th nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. They’ve been absolutely suffocating on the three-point line, holding teams to under 30% from deep. If you're watching tonight, keep an eye on Curtis Givens III. He’s been the engine lately, and after his 12-point performance against Temple, he’s definitely the one UTSA is going to try to double-team.
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Missouri Tigers vs. Florida Gators (Women’s Basketball)
Maybe you’re looking for the Missouri Tigers? The women’s team is also in action today. They are traveling to Gainesville to face the Florida Gators at the Exactech Arena.
- TV Channel: This one is on SEC Network+.
- Tip-off Time: Afternoon tip-off.
- The Stakes: Missouri is looking to capitalize on Florida's recent five-game losing streak.
What Channel Is the Detroit Tigers Game on Today?
Now, if you’re a baseball fan asking what channel is the tigers game on today regarding Detroit, the answer is a little more "sit tight."
It is mid-January. The snow is probably still on the ground at Comerica Park. We aren’t quite to the first pitch of the 2026 MLB season yet. However, the countdown is officially on. Pitchers and catchers are scheduled to report to Lakeland on February 11, which is basically right around the corner.
The first televised action for the Detroit Tigers won’t happen until Saturday, February 21, 2026, when they take on the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa.
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The 2026 Detroit Tigers TV Drama
Here is where things get messy. If you’ve been following the news, you know the Tigers’ television situation is basically a soap opera. Last week, a judge actually voided the Tigers' contract with the FanDuel Sports Network (the old Bally Sports Detroit) because of missed rights-fee payments by the parent company, Main Street Sports Group.
Basically, the Tigers are currently in a "fork in the road" moment. They might return to a restructured deal with FanDuel, or they might follow the lead of teams like the Diamondbacks and Padres by letting MLB produce and distribute the games directly.
For now, here is what we know about the 2026 broadcast plans:
- FanDuel Sports Network (Still TBD): If the deal is salvaged, this remains the primary home.
- Amazon Prime Video: A new deal for 2025/2026 allows fans in the Tigers' territory to subscribe to FanDuel Sports Network as an "add-on" channel directly through Prime.
- MLB.TV: Still the go-to for out-of-market fans, though local blackouts usually apply unless MLB takes over the broadcast entirely.
- NBC and Peacock: There are reports that NBC is looking at Tigers announcer Jason Benetti as a top candidate for their national Sunday Night Baseball coverage in 2026. If that happens, we might see more national Tigers games on NBC or Peacock this summer.
Tiger Sports: What to Watch Next
Since there isn't a Detroit baseball game to flip on today, you’ve got a few other "Tiger" options to fill the void. The college hoops season is hitting its peak, and the "January Grind" is where tournament resumes are built or broken.
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If you’re a Memphis fan, you’ve basically got to win these home games against UTSA to stay in the hunt for a decent seed in the AAC tournament. The Roadrunners are 4-13 and haven't won a conference game yet (0-5), so this is a "must-win" for Memphis. Anything less than a blowout is going to have the fans at the FedExForum a little nervous.
Actionable Steps for Today:
- Memphis Fans: Tune into ESPNU at 5 PM CT. If you’re at the game, remember that the Tigers have held opponents to just 23.8% from three-point range at home this year—watch the perimeter defense.
- Missouri Fans: Check your SEC Network+ login through the ESPN app. These "plus" games aren't always on the main cable grid.
- Detroit Fans: Mark February 21 on your calendar. That’s the first spring training game. Also, keep an eye on the local news regarding the TV rights deal; we should have a final answer on whether the games stay on FanDuel or move to a "Tigers-only" streaming app by the first week of February.
- Check the Radio: If you're driving, 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit or 98.9 The Roar in Memphis are your best bets for live updates and post-game talk.
There’s no worse feeling than sitting down with a drink and a snack only to find out the game is on a channel you don't have. Double-check your ESPN login now so you don't miss the tip-off in Memphis.