Finding exactly what channel does colorado play on has become a bit of a moving target lately. If you're looking for the Buffaloes today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, you aren't looking for a football field. The pads are off. Coach Prime’s squad finished their 2025 campaign a while back, ending with a 3-9 record that left fans hungry for the next transfer portal window.
Right now, the spotlight is entirely on the hardwood.
Where to catch the Buffs today
The Colorado men’s basketball team is out in Morgantown today taking on West Virginia. It’s a big-time Big 12 road test. If you’re scrambling for the remote, here is the quick answer: The Colorado vs. West Virginia game is on CBS Sports Network.
Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. MT (that’s 6:00 p.m. ET for those on the East Coast).
Honestly, the Big 12 TV schedule is a jigsaw puzzle. Since Colorado jumped back into the Big 12, their games are scattered across a dozen different platforms. You’ve got games on ESPN, legacy cable like TNT, and then the ones that drive everyone crazy: the streaming exclusives on Peacock or ESPN+.
Breaking down the 2026 broadcast schedule
If you’re a die-hard fan, you’ve probably realized that "what channel does colorado play on" depends entirely on the day of the week. The Big 12’s media deal is massive but complicated.
For the rest of this season, you’re going to need a few different logins. Here is how the television designations usually shake out for Colorado:
- ESPN and ESPN2: These are for the "marquee" matchups. Think Kansas or Arizona. The Buffs host Kansas on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and that one is a guaranteed ESPN primetime slot at 9:00 p.m. MT.
- CBS Sports Network: This is where today’s game lives. It's available on most basic cable tiers and digital services like Fubo or Hulu + Live TV.
- Big 12 Now on ESPN+: This is the most common home for the Buffs. If it isn't a "national" game, it’s probably here. You basically can't be a Colorado fan in 2026 without an ESPN+ subscription.
- Peacock: NBC’s streamer has a handful of exclusive Big 12 games. Colorado already played one on Peacock against Cincinnati earlier this week.
What about Colorado football?
I know, I know. A lot of you are actually asking "what channel does colorado play on" because you're already thinking about the 2026 football season. Even though we are in the dead of winter, the hype around Deion Sanders never actually stops.
The 2025 season was a rollercoaster. We saw games on FOX, ESPN, and even a few on TNT/truTV. That "TNT Sports" deal was a new addition to the Big 12 landscape last year, and it’s likely to stay. When the 2026 football schedule kicks off in late August, expect the Buffs to remain a "national" draw regardless of their record.
Basically, if Coach Prime is on the sidelines, the major networks will find a way to put them on a channel you actually have. Usually.
How to listen if you’re on the move
If you’re driving through the mountains and can’t get a steady stream, the radio remains the most reliable way to catch the action.
- KHOW 630 AM: This is the primary home for today's basketball game against West Virginia.
- KOA 850 AM & 94.1 FM: The legendary home of the Buffaloes for most football and basketball broadcasts.
- Sirius XM: Today's game is on Channel 381.
Streaming options for cord-cutters
If you’ve ditched cable, you have a few ways to watch. FuboTV is generally the best for sports fans in Colorado because it usually carries Altitude (for Avalanche and Nuggets) along with the national channels like CBS Sports Network. YouTube TV is another solid bet, though they’ve had some disputes with regional networks in the past.
For today’s game, if you have a login for a provider that carries CBS Sports Network, you can also stream it via the CBS Sports app. Just don't try to find it on the standard CBS local channel—it’s not there.
Practical next steps for fans
To make sure you never miss a tip-off or a kickoff, here is what I recommend:
- Download the "Official CU Buffs" App: It sounds simple, but they update the "Watch" links about two hours before every game. It saves you from Googling "what channel does colorado play on" every single time.
- Check the Big 12 Now Schedule: If you see a game listed as "Big 12 Now," it means it's an ESPN+ exclusive. Don't wait until five minutes before the game to realize your subscription expired.
- Sync your calendar: The university website allows you to download the schedule directly to your phone calendar, and it usually includes the TV network in the event notes.
The Buffs are currently 12-5 and fighting for respect in a very deep Big 12. Whether you're watching on CBS Sports Network today or prepping for the Kansas game on ESPN this Tuesday, make sure your apps are updated and your snacks are ready.