It's a big day for the Cardinal and White. If you're frantically checking your phone to see what time is the wisconsin game today, you're definitely not alone. Between the hockey rink, the wrestling mats, and the basketball court, the Badgers have a packed schedule this Friday, January 16, 2026.
Honestly, tracking UW sports can feel like a full-time job sometimes. One minute you're looking for a puck drop and the next you're trying to figure out if the wrestling dual is on BTN or just streaming on some obscure app.
The Headliner: Men's Hockey vs. Michigan State
The big ticket tonight is definitely at the Kohl Center. The No. 2 ranked Wisconsin Men's Hockey team is looking for a massive revenge win against No. 4 Michigan State.
If you missed last night, it was a heartbreaker. The Badgers fell 4-3 after a late comeback effort fell just short. Tyson Dyck scored in the third to give them a chance, but they couldn't find that equalizer.
- Game Time: 7:00 PM CT
- Location: Kohl Center, Madison, WI
- Where to Watch: B1G+ (Streaming)
- How to Listen: 1310 WIBA or the Varsity Network app
This is a top-five matchup. Basically, if you care about college hockey, this is the center of the universe tonight. Expect the Crease Creatures to be loud.
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Don't Forget the Women’s Hockey Team
While the men are at home, the No. 1 Wisconsin Women's Hockey team is up in St. Paul. They are taking on St. Thomas at the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena.
They’re coming off a split weekend against Duluth, but the energy is high. Fun fact: Five former Badgers were just named to the Canadian Olympic team for the 2026 Milano-Cortina Games. That brings the total to 12 Badgers across three different national teams. That’s insane.
The puck drops for the women at 2:00 PM CT. It’s an afternoon tilt, so hopefully you can "work from home" or at least keep a tab open on Big Ten Plus.
Wrestling: No. 18 Badgers vs. Northwestern
If you prefer the mat to the ice, the Wisconsin Wrestling team is back at the UW Field House. They are currently ranked No. 18 and sitting at a solid 9-1 record.
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They’re facing Northwestern tonight. Historically, Wisconsin has dominated this series (63-42-2), but the Wildcats got the better of them last season. The Badgers are looking to wash out the taste of that 23-12 loss to Iowa from last week.
The dual starts at 7:00 PM CT. If you can’t make it to the Field House, check the live stats on the UW Badgers website. It's going to be a grind.
What About Basketball?
A lot of people asking what time is the wisconsin game today are actually looking for hoops.
You’ll have to wait just a little longer for that. The Men’s Basketball team doesn't play today. They host Rutgers tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, at 1:00 PM CT at the Kohl Center.
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The Women's Basketball team is also off today. They have a home game against Oregon this Sunday, January 18, at 3:00 PM CT.
Pro Tips for Following the Badgers
Look, the schedule changes. Television networks flex games at the last minute. It's annoying.
If you want the most accurate info, the Badger Sports App is actually pretty decent. It sends alerts for start times and score updates. Also, keep an eye on the "Badger Gameday" social media accounts. They usually post "Keys to the Game" graphics about two hours before the start time, which is a great final confirmation of the schedule.
If you're heading to the Kohl Center tonight for hockey, remember the clear bag policy is still very much a thing. Don't be that person stuck at the gate.
Your Game Day Checklist
- Verify the streaming login for B1G+ if you aren't going in person.
- Check the weather if you're walking up State Street; Madison is looking chilly tonight.
- If watching the 2:00 PM women's game, make sure your boss isn't looking over your shoulder.
- Set an alarm for 6:55 PM so you don't miss the puck drop or the first whistle at the Field House.
Make sure you've got your gear ready. It's a busy Friday in Madison.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're planning to attend the Men's Basketball game tomorrow, check the secondary ticket markets now, as the Rutgers game is reportedly selling fast. You should also download the Varsity Network app today to ensure your audio stream is ready for the hockey game tonight if you'll be on the road during the first period.