What Channel Is Michigan State Basketball On?

By Sarah Miller · June 25, 2039

Michigan State basketball games are primarily broadcast on ESPN, CBS, and Big Ten Network (BTN), with select games airing on FOX, FS1, and NBC. For the 2024-2025 season, most conference matchups will be on BTN or ESPN platforms, while marquee non-conference games may appear on CBS or FOX.

Where to Watch Michigan State Basketball in 2024-2025

Fans of the Michigan State Spartans can catch their games across several national and regional sports networks. The primary broadcaster for Big Ten men's basketball is the Big Ten Network (BTN), which carries over 200 live games each season. However, due to media rights agreements with ESPN and Fox, many high-profile matchups are distributed across major networks.

Main National Broadcast Channels

ESPN – Regularly airs key Big Ten matchups, especially during early conference play and rivalry weeks.
CBS – Features select Saturday afternoon games, typically marquee matchups with national implications.
FOX and FS1 – Air a growing number of Big Ten games under the conference’s media partnership with Fox Sports.
NBC and Peacock – Occasionally stream games, particularly during holiday tournaments or special events.

Big Ten Network (BTN) Coverage

The Big Ten Network remains a cornerstone for Michigan State fans. It broadcasts nearly all non-marquee conference games and provides in-depth coverage including pre-game shows, post-game analysis, and classic replays. Subscribers can access BTN via cable providers, streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and the official BTN website.

Streaming Options for Spartan Fans

With traditional cable declining, many fans prefer streaming platforms to watch Michigan State basketball. Below are reliable options:

YouTube TV – Includes ESPN, CBS, FS1, BTN, and more; allows cloud DVR storage.
Hulu + Live TV – Offers BTN, ESPN, FOX, and CBS depending on your region.

fuboTV

Sling TV – Does not include BTN in its base packages, so not ideal for consistent MSU coverage.
ESPN+ – Streams some non-conference games not picked up by main ESPN channels.

2024-2025 Michigan State Basketball TV Schedule Overview

Date	Opponent	Time (ET)	TV Network	Location
Nov 4, 2024	vs. Northern Arizona	7:00 PM	FS1	East Lansing, MI
Nov 25, 2024	vs. UConn (Players Era Festival)	9:30 PM	NBC	Las Vegas, NV
Dec 7, 2024	at Kentucky	12:00 PM	ESPN	Lexington, KY
Jan 5, 2025	vs. Purdue	12:00 PM	CBS	East Lansing, MI
Feb 2, 2025	at Illinois	6:00 PM	BIG TEN NETWORK	Champaign, IL
Feb 18, 2025	vs. UCLA	7:00 PM	ESPN2	East Lansing, MI
Mar 8, 2025	vs. Wisconsin	6:00 PM	FS1	East Lansing, MI

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The table above highlights key televised games for Michigan State in the 2024-2025 season. Most home games are scheduled for evening broadcasts, while road games often fall on weekend afternoons. Networks like CBS and ESPN prioritize matchups with ranked teams or historical rivalries, such as the Purdue game on January 5. Midweek and lower-profile games are typically assigned to BTN or FS1.

Tips for Never Missing a Game

Check weekly updates: TV selections for Big Ten games are often announced 6–12 days in advance, especially for BTN and FS1 slots.
Use the ESPN App or Fox Sports App: Authenticate with your provider to stream games live on mobile devices.
Sign up for Big Ten alerts: Visit bigten.org to receive email notifications about broadcast changes.
Follow MSU Athletics on social media: Twitter/X, Instagram, and Facebook posts often confirm last-minute broadcast details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan State Basketball Broadcasts

What channel is Michigan State basketball on tonight?

To find tonight's broadcast channel, check the official Michigan State Athletics schedule or use the ESPN app. Games are typically on ESPN, CBS, FOX, FS1, or Big Ten Network. If no national pickup occurred, the game may air on BTN.

Is every Michigan State basketball game televised?

Most games are televised, especially conference matchups. Non-conference games against smaller schools may not be nationally broadcast but could be available via MSU’s official multimedia platform or regional sports networks.

Can I stream Michigan State basketball for free?

Limited free streaming is available through services like Peacock (for NBC-broadcast games) or the ESPN app during promotional events. However, a paid subscription via YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or fuboTV is required for full access.

Does Sling TV carry Big Ten Network for Michigan State games?

No, Sling TV does not currently offer the Big Ten Network in any package. Fans relying on Sling will miss BTN-exclusive games unless they purchase an add-on via another service or use a trial from YouTube TV or Hulu.

Are Michigan State basketball games on ESPN+?

Some non-conference games not selected for linear TV may stream exclusively on ESPN+. However, most regular-season games involving ranked opponents are aired on main ESPN networks rather than ESPN+.