The Iowa women’s basketball team continues to be one of the most compelling stories in sports. The incredible fan support and the team’s high-level play mean every game is a must-see event.
However, the excitement of game day is often tempered by the confusion of finding the right channel.
The modern media landscape, particularly within the Big Ten Conference, has scattered games across multiple networks and streaming services. This guide is your definitive playbook for tracking the Hawkeyes, ensuring you know exactly when and where to tune in.
What channel is the Iowa women’s basketball game on today?
As of today, January 16, 2026, the Iowa Hawkeyes are not scheduled to play. They are preparing for their next high-stakes matchup.
The most recent game was a thrilling 74-66 victory over Oregon on January 15, which was broadcast on FS1.
This is a perfect example of the “Big Three” in action: the games are split between FOX, FS1, Big Ten Network (BTN), and the streaming giant Peacock. Always check the official schedule on the day of the game, as last-minute changes are not uncommon.
When are the next Hawkeye games scheduled?
The remainder of the 2025-2026 season is packed with Big Ten and high-profile matchups. Knowing the full timetable is the first step to a stress-free viewing experience.
Here is the detailed schedule for the remainder of January and February, verified against the official Iowa Hawkeyes Athletics website:
| Date | Opponent | Time (CST) | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun, Jan 18 | vs. #15 Michigan State | 7:00 PM | BTN |
| Thu, Jan 22 | at Maryland | 5:00 PM | NBC / Peacock |
| Sun, Jan 25 | vs. Ohio State | 1:00 PM | Peacock |
| Thu, Jan 29 | at USC | 8:00 PM | Peacock |
| Sun, Feb 1 | at UCLA | 3:00 PM | FOX |
| Thu, Feb 5 | vs. Minnesota | 6:00 PM | BTN |
| Wed, Feb 11 | vs. Washington | 6:30 PM | BTN |
| Mon, Feb 16 | at Nebraska | 11:00 AM | FOX |
| Thu, Feb 19 | at Purdue | 6:00 PM | B1G+ |
| Sun, Feb 22 | vs. Michigan | 11 AM / 1 PM | FOX / FS1 |
Note: The Big Ten Tournament runs from March 4-8 in Indianapolis, IN, with times and opponents to be determined.
Which platforms carry Iowa women’s basketball?
The Big Ten’s media rights deal has created a viewing ecosystem that requires access to a family of networks. To watch every game, you will need a combination of traditional cable or a live TV streaming service, plus a dedicated subscription to the Big Ten’s streaming partners.
Traditional Networks: FOX, FS1, and BTN
These are the primary homes for the majority of televised games. FOX and FS1 often carry the highest-profile matchups, while the Big Ten Network (BTN) is the workhorse, broadcasting the bulk of the conference schedule. Access to these channels is typically included with most cable packages and live TV streaming services.
Streaming Exclusives: Peacock and B1G+
This is where the viewing experience gets complicated. The Big Ten’s $7 billion media deal included a significant commitment to streaming, making these two platforms essential for the dedicated fan.
- Peacock: This NBC streaming service is the exclusive home for a number of Big Ten games, including both men’s and women’s basketball. If a game is listed on NBC, it is almost always an exclusive Peacock stream. This has been a major point of controversy for fans who are forced to subscribe to yet another service to see their team play.
- B1G+: This is the Big Ten’s own dedicated streaming service. It primarily carries non-televised events, such as early-season matchups and some smaller conference games. It also provides on-demand replays of games shown on BTN. If a game has no TV designation, it is likely on B1G+.
How do you choose the right streaming service?
Since no single service carries every game, the best approach is to combine a live TV streaming package with a Peacock subscription.
| Live TV Streaming Service | Price Point | Key Channels Included | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fubo | Premium | FOX, FS1, BTN, CBS | Sports-focused viewers who want a wide array of channels. |
| YouTube TV | Mid-Range | FOX, FS1, BTN, CBS | Excellent user interface and unlimited cloud DVR. |
| Hulu + Live TV | Mid-Range | FOX, FS1, BTN, CBS | Viewers who also want access to Hulu’s extensive on-demand library. |
The Bottom Line: To ensure you catch every game, you must have access to FOX/FS1/BTN (via a live TV service) and a separate Peacock subscription.
Why is the Big Ten TV deal so controversial?
The frustration among fans is palpable, and it stems from the shift from simple, accessible broadcasts to a fragmented, paywall-heavy model.
The massive media deal, while a financial boon for the conference, has created an accessibility crisis.
The primary complaint is the Peacock Exclusivity. Fans, particularly those who have followed the team for decades, feel that high-demand games are being “hidden” behind a new paywall, often forcing them to pay for a service they otherwise would not use.
This is a common discussion on fan forums, where the sentiment is that the financial gain has come at the expense of the loyal viewer.
Where to watch IOWA Hawkeyes without Blockout?
For the dedicated fan who travels frequently or lives outside the United States, geo-blocking is a significant hurdle. Streaming services like Peacock and Fubo are restricted to US viewers due to licensing agreements.
If you find yourself outside the US and are blocked from accessing your paid subscriptions, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the most reliable solution. A VPN allows you to connect to a server in the US, making it appear as though you are streaming from home.
For this purpose, we recommend a service that prioritizes speed and server reliability, as live sports streaming is highly demanding. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are consistently top-rated for their ability to handle high-bandwidth video with minimal buffering, ensuring you don’t miss a second of the action.
Top 5 ways to never miss a Tip-Off
A seasoned fan knows that preparation is key to a perfect game day. Here are five simple steps to ensure your game-day viewing experience is flawless:
- Check the Official Schedule Daily: The official Iowa Hawkeyes schedule is the single most reliable source for game times and broadcast platforms.
- Sync Your Calendar: Use the “Add to Calendar” feature on the official website to automatically update your personal schedule with game times.
- Test Your Logins: Log into your streaming services (Peacock, Fubo, etc.) at least 30 minutes before the game to ensure your subscription is active and your connection is stable.
- Know Your Radio Stations: The Hawkeye Radio Network is a reliable backup. Find your local affiliate (e.g., KXIC 800 AM in Iowa City) for audio-only coverage.
- Use a Wired Connection: For the best quality and lowest latency, connect your streaming device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.
Enjoy the game, and go Hawkeyes!
