If you're staring at your remote trying to figure out what channel is the Michigan basketball game on, you aren't alone. Following Dusty May’s squad in 2026 feels a bit like a scavenger hunt. One night they’re on a major network like NBC, and the next, you’re scrambling to remember your Peacock password.
Honestly, the "where to watch" game has become almost as competitive as the Big Ten itself.
Where to Watch Michigan vs. Oregon Tonight
For the big matchup on Saturday, January 17, 2026, against the Oregon Ducks, you can put the specialized apps away for a second. The game is being broadcast nationally on NBC.
It’s a 4:00 PM ET tip-off (that's 1:00 PM for the folks out in Eugene) at Matthew Knight Arena. If you’re a cord-cutter or just prefer your tablet, the game is also streaming live on Peacock. Since this is a "Big Ten on NBC" feature, expect the full production treatment.
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The 2026 TV Gauntlet: Why It’s So Confusing
The Big Ten’s massive media rights deal means the Wolverines are spread across a half-dozen different platforms. It’s a lot. You've got the traditional heavy hitters, but the streaming-exclusive games are the ones that usually catch fans off guard.
Basically, your viewing schedule for the rest of January looks like this:
- January 20 vs. Indiana: This one is a Peacock exclusive. You won’t find it on your standard cable box.
- January 23 vs. Ohio State: Back to the big screen on FOX. This is the Trey Burke jersey retirement night, so they’ll have the cameras rolling for the pre-game ceremony.
- January 27 vs. Nebraska: Another Peacock game.
- January 30 at Michigan State: The big rivalry game is scheduled for FOX.
It’s a zigzag. One week it’s broadcast TV, the next it’s a digital login. If you don't have a plan, you're going to miss the first ten minutes of a game just trying to find the right input.
Essential Streaming Services for Michigan Fans
If you’re trying to survive the season without missing a bucket, you really need a "Big Three" setup.
First, a live TV service like Fubo, YouTube TV, or Hulu + Live TV is pretty much mandatory. These carry the Big Ten Network (BTN) and FS1, where a huge chunk of conference play lives. For example, the February 11 game at Northwestern is tucked away on BTN.
Second, you absolutely need Peacock. There's no way around it. With six regular-season games and the early rounds of the Big Ten Tournament locked behind that paywall, it’s the only way to see the full picture.
Third, keep an eye on B1G+. While most of the "big" games are on the main channels, some of those early-season matchups or exhibition games (like the Cincinnati or St. John's exhibitions) only show up there.
Common Misconceptions About Finding the Game
A lot of people think if the game isn't on BTN, it must be on ESPN. That’s old-school thinking. In 2026, the Big Ten has largely moved away from ESPN. If you’re searching the "E" channels for Michigan, you’re mostly going to find ACC or Big 12 games.
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Also, don't assume the "local" channel always means CBS. While CBS still has a package—like the home game against Ohio State later in February—NBC and FOX have taken over a huge portion of the weekend afternoon slots.
How to Listen if You Can't Watch
Sometimes you're stuck in the car or the TV is taken over by someone else. In the Detroit area, 94.7 WCSX is the go-to for the radio broadcast. Most of the games start their pre-game coverage about 30 minutes before the actual tip. You can also stream the audio through the Varsity Network app if you’re out of range of the local towers.
Actionable Steps for the Rest of the Season
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official Michigan Athletics site and download the schedule directly to your phone. It usually updates with the specific channel once the networks finalize their "flex" picks.
- Check Your Peacock Subscription: Make sure it’s active before the Indiana game on January 20. There is nothing worse than trying to update a credit card while the game is in the first half.
- Use a Sports Aggregator: Apps like the ESPN app or Bleacher Report are actually great for one thing: they list the "Live On" channel right at the top of the game card.
Don't let the tech get in the way of the basketball. This 2025-26 team is currently ranked No. 4 in the country for a reason, and missing a game because of a confusing TV schedule is a rookie mistake. Get your logins ready, check the NBC signal for the Oregon game, and prepare for a heavy dose of Peacock as the month winds down.