Tracking down a Michigan basketball game used to be simple. You’d flip to a local channel or maybe check ESPN, and there it was. Now? Honestly, it feels like you need a PhD in streaming services just to find tip-off. With the Big Ten's massive media rights deal and the arrival of new West Coast rivals like Oregon and Washington, the map has shifted completely.
If you’re staring at your TV guide wondering why the game isn't on the "usual" channel, you’ve likely run into the new reality of the Big Ten schedule. It’s a mix of legacy broadcast networks, specific cable sports tiers, and a growing list of games trapped behind digital paywalls.
Where to Watch Michigan Basketball Right Now
The 2025-26 season under Dusty May has been electric. After a gritty 82-72 win at Washington recently, the Wolverines have climbed to No. 4 in the country. But finding that win wasn't easy—it was tucked away on the Big Ten Network (BTN).
For the rest of this month, the locations are all over the place. Tomorrow, January 17, the Wolverines take on Oregon at 4:00 PM ET, and you'll find that one on NBC. But don't get comfortable. Just three days later, when Indiana comes to Crisler Center on January 20, you'll have to switch over to Peacock.
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Basically, the distribution is split across four "families" of media:
- FOX Sports: This includes the main FOX broadcast channel and FS1. High-profile games like the January 23rd matchup against Ohio State and the January 30th battle at Michigan State are usually here.
- NBCUniversal: This is the big change. You’ll see games on NBC (like the Oregon game) and a significant handful exclusively on Peacock.
- CBS Sports: They still own the weekends. Big Sunday afternoon games in February often land here or on Paramount+.
- Big Ten Network: The workhorse. If it’s a mid-week game against a team like Minnesota or Northwestern, BTN is your safest bet.
The Peacock Problem and Other Streaming Hurdles
I get it. Nobody wants another subscription. But if you're serious about figuring out where to watch Michigan basketball, you sort of have to accept that Peacock isn't optional anymore. Michigan has six regular-season games slated exclusively for Peacock this year. If you aren't signed up, you’re missing nearly 20% of the schedule, including the upcoming games against Nebraska and Iowa.
Then there’s B1G+. This is the "deep tracks" of Michigan sports. While the major conference games stay on TV, those early-season exhibitions or very specific non-conference matchups (like the McNeese game back in December) live here. It’s produced by students and feels a bit more "hometown," but it’s the only way to see every single second of the season.
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Avoiding the "Blackout" Blues
One thing people often get wrong is assuming their cable package covers everything because they have "the sports pack." Even with a top-tier Xfinity or Spectrum plan, you won’t get the Peacock games.
For cord-cutters, the best strategy is usually a combination. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo will give you FOX, FS1, CBS, NBC, and BTN. That covers about 80% of the schedule. To bridge the gap, you’ll need that standalone Peacock subscription.
Sling TV is a bit of a gamble. It’s cheaper, sure. But Sling Blue doesn’t always carry your local CBS or NBC stations depending on where you live. You might end up staring at a "Content Unavailable" screen right when 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara is about to tip off.
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Looking Toward the Postseason
As we move toward March, the "where" becomes more stable but higher stakes. The Big Ten Tournament (March 10–15, 2026) starts on Peacock for the early rounds, moves to BTN for the quarterfinals, and finishes on CBS for the championship.
If Dusty May keeps this No. 4 ranking alive, the NCAA Tournament is a guarantee. Those games are easier to find—split between CBS, TNT, TBS, and truTV. It's the one time of year when the "old" rules of TV still mostly apply.
Practical Steps for Fans
- Check the Specific Date: Don't assume a Tuesday game is on BTN; it might be a Peacock night.
- Sync Your Calendar: The official Michigan Athletics site (MGoBlue) updates the "TV" column in real-time. Use it.
- The Radio Backup: If the tech fails, WJR 760 AM in Detroit still carries every game. It’s free, it works everywhere, and Brian Boesch’s call is top-tier.
- Internet Speed Check: If you’re streaming on Peacock or B1G+, you need at least 3-5 Mbps for a stable picture. Anything less and you’ll be watching a pixelated mess.
The reality of 2026 is that being a fan requires a little more legwork. But with this squad looking like a legitimate Final Four contender, the extra clicks to find the right app are probably worth it. Keep your logins handy and your remote closer.