Finding out what channel is wisconsin badger game on used to be simple. You’d flip to a local channel, maybe find a grainy broadcast on a regional network, and call it a day. Nowadays? It feels like you need a PhD in telecommunications and three different passwords just to see a kickoff or a tip-off.
If you're staring at your remote right now trying to find the Badgers, you aren't alone. Between the Big Ten's massive media rights deals and the rise of streaming-only exclusives, the "channel" depends entirely on which sport is playing, who they're playing, and what time of year it is.
Today’s Game: Rutgers vs. Wisconsin (January 17, 2026)
If you are looking for the immediate answer for right now, the Wisconsin men's basketball team is playing Rutgers today, Saturday, January 17, 2026.
The game is being broadcast on the Big Ten Network (BTN). Tip-off is set for 1:00 PM CT at the Kohl Center in Madison.
If you aren't near a TV, you can stream the game through the Fox Sports app, provided you have a cable login that includes BTN. For the cord-cutters, services like YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV all carry the Big Ten Network in their standard sports packages.
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Quick Look: Other Badger Sports Today
- Women's Hockey: The Badgers take on St. Thomas at 2:00 PM. This one is on B1G+, the conference's subscription streaming service.
- Men's Tennis: Hosting SMU at noon. Usually, these aren't televised, but you can often find live scoring on the official UW Badgers website.
The Big Ten TV Maze: Where to Look First
The reality is that Wisconsin sports are split across a handful of "partners." Since the Big Ten expanded and signed its most recent multi-billion dollar deal, the rotation is pretty specific.
1. The Big Three: FOX, CBS, and NBC
For football and high-stakes basketball, these are your go-to spots.
- FOX: Often gets the "Big Noon Kickoff" slot. If the Badgers are playing a ranked opponent at 11:00 AM or noon, check FOX first.
- CBS: Usually handles the mid-afternoon window. They’ve become a huge player in Big Ten basketball too, often taking the Saturday or Sunday showcase games.
- NBC: This is the home of "Big Ten Saturday Night." If it's a night game at Camp Randall, there’s a high probability it’s on NBC.
2. The Specialty Channels: FS1 and BTN
When the main networks are showing NFL or golf, the Badgers move here. FS1 (Fox Sports 1) takes a lot of weeknight basketball and secondary football matchups. Big Ten Network is the workhorse. It carries the vast majority of Badger basketball games and at least 3-4 football games a season, especially the non-conference tilts against smaller schools.
3. The Streaming "Gotchas": Peacock and B1G+
This is where fans usually get frustrated.
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- Peacock: NBC’s streaming service now has exclusive games. These do not air on traditional TV. If the schedule says "Peacock," don't bother looking for a channel number. You have to open the app.
- B1G+: This is different from the Big Ten Network. It’s a standalone subscription for "non-revenue" sports like volleyball, wrestling, and hockey, plus early-season basketball exhibitions.
Wisconsin Football 2026: A Glimpse Ahead
While we are currently in the thick of hoops season, the 2026 football schedule is already making waves. The big one everyone is circling? September 6, 2026, against Notre Dame.
Because this is part of the Shamrock Series and played at Lambeau Field, it’s a national broadcast. You’ll find that one on NBC and Peacock.
For the rest of the 2026 season, expect the "TBA" slots to be filled about 6 to 12 days before kickoff. The networks use a "selection" process where they pick the best games for the best time slots as the season unfolds. Basically, if the Badgers are winning, they move to FOX or CBS. If it's a rough year, you'll be spending a lot of time on BTN.
How to Stream Without Cable
If you’ve ditched the traditional cable box, you’ve actually got it pretty easy, provided you have a high-speed internet connection.
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- YouTube TV: Honestly, this is the most seamless for Badger fans. It includes FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC, BTN, and FS1.
- Fubo: Great for sports because of the multi-view feature, though it's occasionally missing certain local channels depending on your zip code.
- Hulu + Live TV: Similar to YouTube TV, and it often bundles in ESPN+ (which you’ll occasionally need for non-conference away games).
- Sling TV: Be careful here. You need the "Blue" package for FS1 and BTN, and you might still need an antenna for your local FOX/NBC stations.
Common Misconceptions About Badger Broadcasts
I hear a lot of fans complaining that they "can't find the game" even when they have the right channel. Often, this is due to regional blackouts or overflow channels.
If there are three Big Ten games happening at once and you are in a different part of the country, BTN might show a different game on their main feed. In those cases, you have to use the "BTN Overflow" channels (often tucked away in the 600s or 700s on DirecTV or Spectrum) or just use the Fox Sports app.
Also, don't confuse ESPN+ with B1G+. They are totally separate. Since the Big Ten moved away from ESPN, you will rarely—if ever—see a Badger home game on an ESPN property. The only exception is usually an away game at an ACC or Big 12 school, or a specific Bowl Game.
Actionable Steps for the Season
To make sure you never miss a play, do these three things right now:
- Download the Fox Sports and NBC Sports Apps: Even if you have cable, these apps are more reliable for streaming on your phone or tablet than your cable provider's clunky app.
- Bookmark the "UW Badgers Coverage" Page: The official athletic site (uwbadgers.com) updates the specific TV and radio info about 4 days before every game. It is the only 100% accurate source.
- Check the "Peacock" Schedule Early: Peacock games are usually announced weeks in advance. If you see one coming up, make sure your subscription is active so you aren't scrambling 5 minutes before kickoff.
The landscape of sports media is messy, but as long as you know the hierarchy of FOX, BTN, and the occasional Peacock exclusive, you'll be ready for every "Jump Around" and every "Varsity" highlight this year.
Next Steps: Check your local listings for the Big Ten Network to ensure your provider hasn't moved the channel location, and verify your Peacock login details before the next exclusive streaming window begins.