If you're looking for what time is the Iowa women's basketball game today, you've probably noticed the schedule feels a bit different this year. It's Saturday, January 17, 2026, and while the Iowa Hawkeye men's team is lacing up for a massive showdown in Bloomington, the women's team is actually in the middle of a rare weekend gap before their next Big Ten battle.
Honestly, it's easy to get the schedules mixed up. Especially with how both programs have been drawing sellout crowds lately.
The Iowa Hawkeye women’s basketball team does not play today, Saturday, January 17. Their next game is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST (7:00 PM CST) against the Michigan State Spartans. This is a home game, so the lights will be bright at Carver-Hawkeye Arena tomorrow night.
Why the Sunday Slot Matters for the Hawkeyes
Moving games to Sunday night isn't just a random choice by the Big Ten. It’s all about the "Caitlin Clark effect" ripple. Even though she's long gone to the pros, the TV viewership for Iowa remains astronomical. Networks like FOX and Peacock are fighting for these prime-time slots.
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Basically, the Sunday 8:00 PM EST slot is designed to catch the national audience. You've got people winding down their weekend, looking for high-level basketball, and Jan Jensen’s squad is exactly what they want to see.
Key Details for Tomorrow's Game
- Opponent: Michigan State Spartans
- Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026
- Tip-off Time: 8:00 PM EST / 7:00 PM CST
- Venue: Carver-Hawkeye Arena, Iowa City
- TV/Streaming: Typically airs on Big Ten Network or Peacock (check your local listings)
The Confusion with Iowa State Today
If you're seeing "Iowa" on your sports app for today, you might be looking at the Iowa State Cyclones. They are very much active today. The No. 2 ranked Iowa State men's team is taking on Cincinnati at 10:30 AM EST on Peacock.
On the women's side, the Iowa State women's team is also traveling. They play Oklahoma State on Sunday at noon. It’s a busy weekend for the state of Iowa, but for the Hawkeye women specifically, today is a travel and practice day.
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What to Expect from the 2025-26 Hawkeyes
This team isn't the same as the 2024 roster. Obviously. But Jan Jensen has kept the momentum rolling in a way that’s kinda shocked the "experts" who thought the program would fall off a cliff.
Hannah Stuelke has transformed into an absolute force in the paint. She’s averaging around 13.5 points and over 8 rebounds a game. Then you have the young guards like Chazadi Wright and Taylor Stremlow who are playing with a level of confidence you don't usually see in sophomores.
The matchup against Michigan State tomorrow is a big one. The Spartans have a pesky defense and like to run a high-tempo offense. Iowa needs this win to keep their standing in the Big Ten race, especially with road games at Maryland and USC looming later this month.
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How to Watch and Follow
Since there's no game today, you've got time to get your streaming setup ready. Most of these Big Ten games are split between the Big Ten Network (BTN), FOX, and Peacock.
- Check Peacock: Many of the high-stakes Big Ten women's games have moved exclusively to streaming.
- Download the Hawkeye Sports App: This is the most reliable way to get live stats and radio broadcasts.
- Local Radio: If you're driving through the cornfields, tune into the Hawkeye Radio Network. Hearing the play-by-play is still one of the best ways to experience the game.
Looking Ahead at the Schedule
After the Michigan State game tomorrow, the Hawkeyes hit a brutal stretch. They head to Maryland on January 22nd, then back home for Ohio State on the 25th.
The end of January is particularly wild. The team heads to the West Coast to face the new Big Ten additions, USC and UCLA. That’s a lot of frequent flyer miles. If you're a fan, you'll want to double-check those tip-off times because those 9:00 PM EST starts in California can sneak up on you.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're disappointed there's no game today, use this time to prep for the Michigan State matchup.
- Confirm your Peacock subscription: Don't be the person trying to find your password five minutes after tip-off tomorrow night.
- Check the Big Ten standings: See how the Spartans are doing compared to Iowa. It’ll give you a better idea of the stakes.
- Rest up: An 8:00 PM EST tip-off on a Sunday means a late night for the Hawkeye faithful.
The energy in Carver-Hawkeye is still the best in the country. Whether you're watching from the stands or your couch, tomorrow night is going to be a battle.