What Channel Is the Michigan State Basketball Game On?

By Sarah Miller · October 26, 2030

The Michigan State basketball game will be broadcast on ESPN or CBS, depending on the schedule. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check your local TV listings or the official Big Ten Network website.

How to Watch Michigan State Basketball Games

Fans looking to catch Michigan State Spartans men's basketball games can typically find them on major national networks such as ESPN, CBS, FOX, or FS1. The exact channel varies weekly based on the opponent, game time, and conference scheduling agreements.

Common Broadcast Networks for MSU Games

ESPN: Covers marquee matchups, especially in non-conference play and rivalry games.
CBS: Regularly broadcasts select Big Ten games, including high-profile MSU contests.
FOX and FS1: Frequently air Big Ten Conference games during conference season.
Big Ten Network (BTN): Features many regular-season games, particularly midweek matchups.
NCAA March Madness Tournament: Airs across TBS, TNT, TruTV, and CBS during postseason.

Michigan State's 2024-2025 Season TV Schedule (Selected Games)

Date	Opponent	Time (ET)	Channel	Location
Nov 4, 2024	vs. Florida Atlantic	7:00 PM	FS1	Breslin Center, East Lansing
Nov 25, 2024	vs. BYU (Battle 4 Atlantis)	9:30 PM	ESPN2	Atlantis, Bahamas
Dec 7, 2024	at Kentucky	12:00 PM	ESPN	Rupp Arena, Lexington
Jan 14, 2025	vs. Purdue	7:00 PM	CBS	Breslin Center, East Lansing
Feb 2, 2025	at Illinois	6:30 PM	FOX	State Farm Center, Champaign
Feb 23, 2025	vs. Wisconsin	4:00 PM	BTN	Breslin Center, East Lansing

Table data source:1, 2

The table above highlights key televised games for Michigan State during the 2024–2025 season. National exposure remains strong with appearances across ESPN, CBS, and FOX, reflecting the team’s continued prominence in the Big Ten. Home games at Breslin Center are frequently featured on BTN and FS1, while road games against top rivals often land prime-time slots.

Streaming Options for Spartans Fans

For viewers who prefer online access, several streaming platforms carry live broadcasts of Michigan State basketball games:

ESPN+: Offers select non-televised games and out-of-market coverage.
fuboTV: Includes ESPN, CBS, FOX, FS1, and BTN in its base package.
Sling TV: Provides access to ESPN and BTN (via Sling Blue), but limited FOX coverage.
Hulu + Live TV: Carries ESPN, CBS, FS1, and BTN—ideal for full-season coverage.
YouTube TV: Supports all major networks including BTN, making it a top choice for Big Ten fans.

Note: CBS games may require authentication through a cable provider or a service that includes local CBS affiliates.

Factors That Determine Game Broadcast Channels

The network airing a Michigan State basketball game depends on several factors:

Conference Television Contracts: The Big Ten has multi-billion-dollar deals with FOX, CBS, and NBC (starting 2025), influencing game placement.
Team Rankings and Rivalries: Higher-ranked teams and rivalry matchups (e.g., vs. Michigan, Purdue) are more likely to appear on CBS or ESPN.
Game Day and Time: Weekend games, especially Sundays, are often picked up by CBS or FOX.
Tournament Play: NCAA Tournament games rotate among TBS, TNT, TruTV, and CBS under the current contract.

Frequently Asked Questions About Watching Michigan State Basketball

What channel is the Michigan State basketball game on tonight?

The Michigan State basketball game tonight will likely air on ESPN, CBS, FOX, or BTN. Check your local listings or visit msuspartans.com for real-time updates on broadcast details.

Is the Michigan State game on ESPN or CBS this weekend?

It depends on the opponent and scheduling. High-profile games like those against Purdue or Michigan are often on CBS, while intra-conference or tournament matchups may appear on ESPN. Confirm via the official Big Ten or MSU athletics site.

Can I stream Michigan State basketball games online?

Yes, you can stream most games via services like fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. ESPN+ also streams select non-national games. Authentication with a TV provider may be required for some platforms.

Does every Michigan State basketball game get televised?

Virtually all Michigan State games are televised, either nationally or regionally on the Big Ten Network. Non-conference home games may appear on FS1 or ESPNU, while road games are typically covered by conference partners.

What time is the Michigan State basketball game this Saturday?

Game times vary weekly. Typically, home games start at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM ET, while away games may have afternoon or primetime slots. Visit espn.com or msuspartans.com for the latest schedule and tip-off time.