Finding the right channel for a Penn State game used to be simple. You’d flip to the local affiliate, grab a beverage, and settle in. Now? It’s a literal scavenger hunt across three different cable networks and a handful of streaming apps that seem to change their interface every Tuesday. If you're asking what station is Penn State on, the answer depends entirely on whether you're looking for the football team's bowl highlights, the current basketball grind, or a radio broadcast to keep you company on a long drive through the Alleghenies.
The Big Ten TV Maze
Basically, Penn State is a cornerstone of the Big Ten’s massive media rights deal. This means games are split between FOX, CBS, NBC, and the Big Ten Network (BTN).
If it’s a high-stakes football matchup against Ohio State or Michigan, you’re almost certainly looking at a "Big Noon" kickoff on FOX or a primetime slot on NBC. For basketball and "mid-tier" football games, the Big Ten Network is the workhorse. You've probably noticed that more and more games are migrating to digital-only platforms, which honestly feels like a tax on being a fan.
Where to Stream the Nittany Lions
Streaming isn't just an "extra" anymore; sometimes it’s the only way to watch. For the 2025-26 season, Peacock has become a major player. NBC often puts at least one or two exclusive Penn State games behind the Peacock paywall. If you tune into NBC and see golf instead of the Lions, check the app.
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Here is the quick breakdown of where the digital action lives:
- Peacock: Exclusive home for select NBC-distributed Big Ten games.
- Paramount+: If the game is on CBS, you can usually stream it here (provided you have the right tier).
- Big Ten Plus (B1G+): This is for the die-hards. You won’t find the massive football games here, but if you want to watch Penn State wrestling, soccer, or hockey, this is the station you need.
- Fubo and YouTube TV: These carry all the major networks (FOX, CBS, NBC, BTN, and FS1), making them the easiest "all-in-one" solution if you’ve cut the cord.
Radio: The Penn State Sports Network
There is something special about listening to a game on the radio. Maybe it's the nostalgia, or maybe it's just the fact that Steve Jones and Jack Ham are legends. If you're in State College, the flagship stations are WLGJ 104.3 FM and WJGJ 1260 AM.
But the network is huge. It stretches from Erie to Philadelphia. In Pittsburgh, you're looking for WPIT 96.5 FM, and in the Philly area, WEEX 1230 AM often carries the load. If you’re outside the state, the Penn State Nittany Lions app and SiriusXM (usually on the Big Ten channels like 84 or 372) are your best bets. Honestly, the app is surprisingly reliable for a free service.
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What Channel is Penn State Basketball On?
We are deep into the 2025-26 hoops season right now. Most of these games land on the Big Ten Network. However, don't be shocked to see a stray game on FS1 or even Peacock. The Big Ten Tournament in March is a different beast entirely, with games jumping between BTN and CBS as the bracket narrows down.
If you are following the Lady Lions, their schedule is even more concentrated on B1G+, so keep that subscription active if you're tracking their run through the conference.
Common Confusion and Blackouts
One thing that trips people up is the "local" vs. "national" broadcast. Because Penn State has a national following, they are rarely blacked out, but the time of the game often dictates the station. "What station is Penn State on?" is a question that usually gets answered 6 to 12 days before kickoff or tip-off. Networks like FOX and NBC use "selection windows" to grab the best games for the best time slots.
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If you're ever in doubt, the official GoPSUsports.com site updates the specific TV assignments the second they are finalized. It's better than guessing and missing the first quarter because you were scrolling through the 600s on your cable box.
Actionable Steps for the Season
- Download the LionVision/Penn State App: It’s the easiest way to get live radio audio for free if you aren't near a tuner.
- Check the Peacock Schedule Early: Don't wait until five minutes before kickoff to realize you need to update your Peacock password.
- Sync Your Calendar: Most digital calendars (Google, Outlook) allow you to subscribe to the Penn State schedule, which usually includes the TV station in the event notes.
- Bookmark the Big Ten Network "GameFinder": If you’re traveling, this tool uses your zip code to tell you exactly what channel BTN is on in your hotel or rental.
Staying on top of the schedule is a bit of a chore these days, but once you have the apps logged in and the radio frequencies saved, you’re set. See you at the Tailgate.