You're probably staring at a blank TV guide or scrolling through social media trying to figure out if you missed tip-off. Honestly, women’s hoops has become so popular that the schedule is packed every single night, and keeping track is a total nightmare. If you are looking for what time is the women's basketball game today, you've got a massive slate of Top 25 matchups and conference battles hitting the hardwood this Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
We aren't just talking about mid-major scraps here. We have top-tier programs like UCLA, TCU, and Ohio State all in action.
The biggest thing to remember is that most of these games are clustered in that evening "prime time" window. If you’re on the East Coast, grab your snacks by 6:30 PM. If you’re out West, you can basically roll from work straight into a double-header.
Major Top 25 Matchups: Who is Playing and When?
The AP Top 25 is looking a little wild this week after some big upsets, and tonight features several teams trying to protect their ranking. Here is the breakdown of the heavy hitters.
- No. 14 Ohio State vs. Penn State: This one starts early. Tip-off is at 6:30 PM ET. The Buckeyes are at home in the Schottenstein Center, and they’ve been on a tear lately.
- No. 10 TCU at West Virginia: This is arguably the game of the night. TCU is sitting pretty at No. 10, but Morgantown is a notoriously difficult place to play. You can catch this one at 7:00 PM ET.
- No. 3 UCLA at Minnesota: The Bruins are traveling to the Barn. UCLA has been dominant, but Minnesota always plays tough at home. This game starts at 8:00 PM ET.
- No. 18 Baylor at Utah: A massive Big 12 showdown (yes, it still feels weird saying Utah is in the Big 12). Tip-off is set for 9:00 PM ET.
- No. 19 Iowa State at Colorado: Another 9:00 PM ET start. This is a battle of two teams that desperately need to stay relevant in the conference standings.
It’s a lot to keep track of. Basically, if you start watching at 6:30, you won't be able to turn the TV off until nearly midnight.
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What Time Is The Women's Basketball Game Today in the Mid-Majors?
While the Top 25 gets the headlines, the Atlantic 10 and Mountain West are having an absolute moment right now. A lot of people sleep on these games, but the intensity is usually higher because the margin for error is so slim for tournament bids.
For the A-10 fans, Saint Joseph’s at Saint Bonaventure and George Washington at Duquesne both tip at 6:00 PM ET. If you’re a night owl or living on the West Coast, the Mountain West schedule is your best friend. New Mexico is at San Diego State earlier in the day at 2:00 PM ET, but the bulk of the action like UNLV at San Jose State doesn't start until 10:00 PM ET.
A Quick Look at the Evening Slate (ET)
- 6:00 PM: Northern Kentucky vs. Milwaukee
- 6:30 PM: Ohio State vs. Penn State
- 7:00 PM: TCU vs. West Virginia
- 7:00 PM: UCF vs. Cincinnati
- 7:00 PM: Navy vs. American
- 8:00 PM: UCLA vs. Minnesota
- 9:00 PM: Baylor vs. Utah
- 9:00 PM: Iowa State vs. Colorado
- 10:00 PM: UNLV vs. San Jose State
Where Can You Actually Watch These Games?
This is where it gets kinda annoying. You can't just flip to one channel and see everything.
Most of the games tonight, specifically the Big 12 and A-10 matchups, are streaming on ESPN+. If you don't have a subscription, you might be out of luck for the TCU or West Virginia game. However, the Big Ten games (like UCLA and Ohio State) are usually split between Big Ten Network and B1G+.
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For those looking for the "free" options, sometimes local networks or platforms like Mountain West Network offer free streams, but for the high-profile stuff, you’re looking at the ESPN ecosystem.
Why Tonight’s Games Matter for the Standings
We are officially in the "grind" part of the season. It’s January. The holiday tournament hype has died down, and now it’s just about winning conference games to build a resume for March.
Take TCU, for example. They are ranked 10th, which is incredible for that program. But a loss at West Virginia tonight could slide them down five spots by next Monday. The Big 12 is a gauntlet this year. Every road game feels like a trap.
Similarly, UCLA is trying to keep pace with UConn and South Carolina for a No. 1 seed. They can’t afford to stumble against a Minnesota team that is scrappy but unranked. If you’re a fan of the Bruins, you're watching tonight to see if they can maintain that "killer instinct" on the road.
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Common Misconceptions About Game Times
One thing that trips people up constantly is the difference between "Doors Open" and "Tip-Off." If you see a ticket that says 6:00 PM, that’s usually when the arena opens. The actual game usually starts 30 to 40 minutes later.
Also, remember that TV windows are flexible. If an earlier game on the same network goes into overtime, your game will likely be pushed to a secondary channel like ESPN News or just start late on the app. It's always a good idea to check the live "Scoreboard" on the ESPN app about 10 minutes before the scheduled start.
Actionable Steps for Tonight’s Schedule
If you want to make sure you don't miss a second of the action, here is how you should prep:
- Check your timezone twice. Most national schedules are listed in Eastern Time. If you are in Denver or LA, do the math so you don't tune in an hour late.
- Verify your logins. Since so many games are on ESPN+ and B1G+, make sure your apps are updated and you're signed in before the 6:30 PM rush.
- Monitor the Top 25 Scoreboard. Use a live app to track games you aren't watching. In a night with five Top 25 teams playing, there is almost certainly going to be an upset alert somewhere.
- Follow local beat writers on X (formerly Twitter). They often post lineup changes or delay info faster than the national broadcasts.
Tonight is a perfect example of why women's basketball is the fastest-growing sport in the country. The talent is deep, the schedules are packed, and the games actually mean something. Whether you're rooting for the Buckeyes or just looking for some late-night Mountain West chaos, there is plenty of basketball to go around.
Finalize your viewing plan now, because once the ball drops at 6:30, it’s non-stop until the West Coast games wrap up.