You're probably staring at your remote right now wondering what time does the fever play today on tv because, let’s be honest, the WNBA schedule has become a bit of a labyrinth lately. It used to be simpler. Now, with the league's massive growth, games are scattered across five different streaming platforms and three cable networks. If you're looking for the Indiana Fever's tip-off time for today, Thursday, January 15, 2026, there's a bit of a catch you need to know about first: we are currently in the thick of the off-season.
The WNBA typically runs from May through October. So, if you're checking the TV guide today, you won't find a live regular-season game. However, that doesn't mean the Fever are invisible. With the rise of "The Caitlin Clark Effect" and the team's deep playoff run last year, networks like ESPN, ION, and NBA TV are constantly running classic game marathons and "Season in Review" specials.
Usually, during the active season, Fever games tip off at 7:00 PM ET for home games at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, while West Coast road trips can push those start times as late as 10:00 PM ET.
Why the Indiana Fever Schedule is Hard to Track
Finding out what time does the fever play today on tv became a national pastime last season. The demand was so high that the league had to flex games from local networks to national broadcasts at the last minute. It was chaotic. One minute you think it's on a local Indiana station, and the next, it’s a national exclusive on Amazon Prime Video.
The 2025 season changed everything for Indiana fans. We saw a record-breaking 36 national TV appearances for the Fever. That’s almost the entire 40-game schedule. Because of that, the answer to "what time" often depends on which time zone the broadcast partner is prioritizing. ESPN likes those prime-time slots, whereas ION usually owns the Friday night doubleheaders which often feature the Fever in the early window.
💡 You might also like: Cómo entender la tabla de Copa Oro y por qué los puntos no siempre cuentan la historia completa
Where to Watch When the Season Returns
When the 2026 season kicks off this coming May, you'll need a checklist. Don't rely on just one app. It won't work. The broadcast rights are currently split between several heavy hitters:
- Disney-owned networks: This includes ABC and ESPN. These are usually the "big" games against rivals like the Chicago Sky or the Las Vegas Aces.
- ION Television: This is a lifesaver for cord-cutters. They have a dedicated WNBA Friday night window.
- Prime Video: Amazon has carved out a niche for mid-week games.
- WNBA League Pass: The holy grail for out-of-market fans, though local blackout rules still apply, which is frustrating but a reality of sports media.
- CBS and Paramount+: They usually take the weekend afternoon slots.
The Caitlin Clark Factor and TV Ratings
It is impossible to talk about the Fever without mentioning the gravity well that is Caitlin Clark. Since she joined, the Indiana Fever aren't just a basketball team; they are a media conglomerate. When you ask what time does the fever play today on tv, you are participating in a viewership surge that has eclipsed some NBA and MLB regular-season averages.
Last year, the Fever's opening game drew over 2 million viewers. That kind of heat means the "time" is often shifted to accommodate the largest possible audience. Advertisers want those eyeballs. Consequently, if a game was originally slated for 6:00 PM, don't be surprised if the league moves it to 8:00 PM to hit that "Sweet Spot" for West Coast viewers while keeping the East Coast engaged.
Honestly, the league's growth has outpaced the infrastructure. We’re seeing more "sell-outs" on TV than in the arenas sometimes. The 2025 playoffs saw Indiana pulling numbers that were previously unthinkable for women's professional sports. This isn't a trend. It's the new baseline.
📖 Related: Ohio State Football All White Uniforms: Why the Icy Look Always Sparks a Debate
Managing Blackout Restrictions
This is the part everyone hates. You check the time, you sit down with your snacks, you open the app, and—BAM—blackout. This usually happens because a local provider, like Bally Sports Indiana (or its successor under the Diamond Sports Group restructuring), holds the exclusive rights in your specific zip code.
If the game is on "national" TV but also on your local station, the national feed might be blocked out on your streaming service. It’s a mess of contracts. To avoid this, always check the WNBA App's "Game Detail" page about two hours before tip-off. They are usually pretty good about listing exactly which "channel" or "stream" is active for your specific location.
Key Dates for the 2026 Fever Season
Since we’re currently in the off-season, you’re likely looking for the next time they actually step on the court. While the official 2026 schedule hasn't been fully released by the league office yet, we can look at the historical patterns to give you a solid idea of when to set your DVR.
- The WNBA Draft (April 2026): This is the next "Big TV Event" for the Fever. Even though they won't have the #1 pick this year like they did with Clark and Aliyah Boston, the draft is a major broadcast on ESPN.
- Training Camp (Late April 2026): Local news usually starts carrying "What time" segments during the evening sports block.
- Pre-season (Early May 2026): These games are often only on the WNBA App or local streaming, but they are the first chance to see the roster's chemistry.
- Opening Night (Mid-May 2026): Expect the Fever to be the "Main Event" for the league's opening week.
Understanding the Shift in Start Times
Ever notice how a game says it starts at 7:00 PM but the ball doesn't actually go into the air until 7:15 PM? That’s the "TV Start" vs. "Actual Tip." National broadcasts on ESPN or ABC often have a 15-minute introductory block for analysis and player profiles. If you’re a purist who just wants the basketball, you can usually tune in ten minutes late. But if you want the hype—and with this team, the hype is half the fun—you better be there exactly at the time listed on the schedule.
👉 See also: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
The Fever’s pace of play also affects how long these games stay on your TV. They play fast. Coach Christie Sides (assuming no major coaching shakeups) has leaned into the transition game. This means games wrap up in a crisp two hours. Unlike the NBA, which can drag on for two and a half or three hours with endless timeouts, a Fever game is a sprint. It’s perfect for a weeknight viewing.
How to Stream if You Don't Have Cable
If you've cut the cord, finding what time does the fever play today on tv is only half the battle. You need to know which app to open.
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are the safest bets because they carry the local channels plus ESPN and ION. If you're going the "budget" route, a digital antenna can often pick up ION for free over the air, which covers a significant portion of the Fever's schedule. It’s an old-school move, but it works flawlessly and saves you $80 a month.
Actionable Next Steps for Fever Fans
Don't get caught searching at the last minute. The WNBA media landscape moves too fast for that.
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Indiana Fever website or the WNBA app and use the "Sync to Calendar" feature. This will automatically update your phone with the correct tip-off times and, more importantly, the specific TV channel for every game as they are announced.
- Check the "WNBA League Pass" status: If you live outside of Indiana, buy the League Pass early. It’s historically been one of the cheapest streaming subscriptions in pro sports, usually hovering around $35 for the entire season.
- Follow local beat writers: Journalists like Chloe Peterson or the team at The Next Hoops often tweet out "Tip-off in 30 minutes" alerts that include the exact broadcast details, which is often more reliable than the generic TV guide on your cable box.
- Verify the Time Zone: Always double-check if the time you're seeing is "ET" or "PT." The Fever's heavy travel schedule means they frequently play in different zones, and many apps default to the stadium's local time rather than yours.
By the time May 2026 rolls around, the hunt for the Fever’s TV schedule will be back in full force. Bookmark the league's official broadcast schedule page now, and make sure your streaming apps are updated and logged in before the first tip-off. Missing the first five minutes of a Caitlin Clark heater because you were fighting with a password is a mistake you only make once.