✦ Edited and fact-checked by our Contributing Writer David Vick, who has more than five years of experience covering sports.
Fresh off a Sweet 16 appearance, Michigan State is poised to contend late into March again under Hall of Fame head coach Tom Izzo. With him on the sidelines, the Spartans always seem to find a way when it matters most, and this year should be no different. MSU is pursuing an astonishing 29th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Who is betting against the Spartans? Not many.
Fans can watch a whole lot of “Sparty” basketball on major channels this season. CBS, FOX, FS1, and Peacock/NBCSN all carry at least five matchups. MSU will also appear on Big Ten Network, B1G+, ESPN, and ESPN2.
This guide details how to watch Michigan State Spartans basketball all season long. It includes the team’s TV schedule, recommended streaming choices, and answers to common viewing questions.
2026–27 Michigan State men’s basketball TV schedule
Michigan State’s nonconference slate features Duke in the Champions Classic, a road trip to Tennessee, and matchups with John Calipari’s Arkansas Razorbacks and the Gonzaga Bulldogs. Conference play brings two rivalry games against Michigan, along with tough road tests at Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana.
Find the start times and broadcast assignments for every MSU game in the table below. We’ll update it during the season if anything changes.
NCAAM - Michigan State Spartans Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
November | |||
Quinnipiac Bobcats | Monday, Nov. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | B1G+ |
Toledo Rockets | Thursday, Nov. 5 | 8:00 p.m. | |
Tuesday, Nov. 10 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Northern Iowa Panthers | Friday, Nov. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | |
Tuesday, Nov. 17 | 9:00 p.m. | ||
Detroit Mercy Titans | Saturday, Nov. 21 | Noon | |
Thursday, Nov. 26 | 4:30 p.m. | ||
December | |||
Wednesday, Dec. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
Drake Bulldogs | Saturday, Dec. 5 | 2:30 p.m. | |
Wednesday, Dec. 9 | 8:30 p.m. | ||
Merrimack Warriors | Saturday, Dec. 12 | 2:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Dec. 19 | 5:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Oakland Golden Grizzlies | Tuesday, Dec. 22 | 6:00 p.m. | |
Pennsylvania Quakers | Tuesday, Dec. 29 | 8:00 p.m. | |
January | |||
Saturday, Jan. 2 | 3:45 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Jan. 5 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
At UCLA Bruins | Saturday, Jan. 9 | 8:00 p.m. | |
At USC Trojans | Tuesday, Jan. 12 | 10:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Jan. 16 | 4:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 23 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Jan. 26 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 30 | TBD | ||
February | |||
Tuesday, Feb. 2 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Feb. 5 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Feb. 10 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Feb. 13 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Feb. 16 | 9:00 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Feb. 20 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Feb. 23 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
Friday, Feb. 26 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
March | |||
Tuesday, March 2 | 8:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, March 6 | 3:45 p.m. |
Best TV plans for watching Michigan State men’s basketball
Most Michigan State men’s basketball games air on national TV, making YouTube TV‘s Sports Plan a convenient way to follow the Spartans. The season opener against Quinnipiac streamed exclusively on B1G+, but no additional regular-season B1G+ exclusives are currently scheduled.
If you don’t need a full live TV package, FOX One covers the Spartans’ FOX Sports broadcasts, while Peacock offers another way to watch games airing on NBCSN. Here’s how each service fits into the picture.
Best Overall
If the AP Top 25 existed for live TV providers, YouTube TV would rank near the top. Why so high? Its Sports Plan includes the main channels carrying Michigan State games, bringing together ESPN, CBS, FOX Sports, BTN, and NBC Sports coverage. Unlimited DVR and multiview are nice bonuses for keeping up with the Spartans and the rest of college basketball.
Best Standalone Option
FOX One offers a lower-cost way to follow Michigan State without a full live TV package. With access to FOX, FS1, and Big Ten Network, the service covers a sizable portion of the Spartans’ regular-season schedule. You’ll need another option for games carried by ESPN, CBS, and NBC Sports.
Best NBCSN Alternative
Peacock carries several Michigan State matchups, including important Big Ten showdowns. Those games also air on NBCSN, so you won’t need another subscription if your TV provider includes the channel. Otherwise, Peacock Premium or Premium Plus gives you another way to tune in.
How to watch Michigan State men’s basketball FAQ
Where can I watch Michigan State men's basketball for free?
There isn't a free option that covers Michigan State's full season, but you can watch select Spartans games this season with a digital antenna — six on CBS and five on FOX. DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV also offer free trials of varying lengths for eligible new subscribers.
How can I watch Michigan State basketball without Peacock?
Each Michigan State game scheduled for Peacock will also air on NBCSN. If your TV package includes NBCSN, you can watch those matchups without a separate Peacock subscription.
How can I watch Michigan State in the NCAA Tournament?
If Michigan State qualifies for the NCAA Tournament, men's March Madness games are scheduled to air across CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV. CBS games will also stream on Paramount+ for Premium subscribers, while games on TBS, TNT, and truTV are available through HBO Max with a Standard or Premium plan.
Can I watch Michigan State men's basketball without B1G+?
Yes, you can watch most Spartans games without B1G+. But you'll need the service for at least one early-season exclusive if you want to watch every Michigan State matchup.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com Contributing Writer, David Vick, reviewed the official Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball schedule, along with relevant Big Ten and streaming information to determine the best ways to follow the team. Our recommendations consider channel availability, streaming access, pricing, and ease of use.
CableTV.com editors review and update the TV schedule throughout the season as game times and network assignments change. To learn more about our methods, check out our Editorial Policy.
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CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
