How To Watch Minnesota Golden Gophers Men’s Basketball
✦ Edited and fact-checked by Taylor Kujawa, our Sports Editor with over eight years of experience in sports media and digital publishing.
A look at 2026–2027 Minnesota men’s basketball
Niko Medved’s first season wasn’t always smooth, but Minnesota gave Gopher fans a few reasons to roar. The team beat three ranked Big Ten opponents despite finishing 15–18, offering glimpses of the kind of basketball that can bring The Barn to life. The next challenge is turning those flashes into more consistent wins.
The Gophers bring back more familiar faces than they had in Medved’s first year. Jaylen Crocker-Johnson returns after ranking second on the team in scoring, while Isaac Asuma and Bobby Durkin provide valuable experience. North Carolina transfer Kyan Evans, who previously played for Medved at Colorado State, joins newcomers Malachi Palmer and Nolan Groves in a roster that’s still evolving.
Finding the games is its own kind of Big Ten challenge. FOX Sports and NBC Sports carry much of Minnesota’s conference coverage, while ESPN and the Big Ten’s streaming platforms handle additional matchups. Below, I’ll explain how to watch Minnesota men’s basketball, which services complement one another, and where to find each game.
2026–2027 Minnesota men’s basketball TV schedule
Minnesota’s nonconference slate includes a Twin Cities matchup with St. Thomas, a trip to Cincinnati, and games against Oklahoma State and Utah at the Charleston Classic. The Gophers also face California in Sioux Falls and meet SMU at a neutral site in Frisco, Texas.
In Big Ten play, the Border Battle with Wisconsin gets two chapters, alongside home dates against Purdue and Indiana and road tests at Michigan State, UCLA, and Iowa. Check out the schedule below for game times and channel listings. We’ll keep it updated as additional broadcast assignments are confirmed throughout the season.
NCAAM - Minnesota Golden Gophers Schedule
| Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
November | |||
North Dakota Fighting Hawks | Monday, Nov. 2 | 9:00 p.m. | B1G+ |
St. Thomas Tommies | Friday, Nov. 6 | 8:00 p.m. | |
At Cincinnati Bearcats | Monday, Nov. 9 | 7:00 p.m. | |
Southern Jaguars | Thursday, Nov. 12 | 8:00 p.m. | B1G+ |
Western Illinois Leathernecks | Monday, Nov. 16 | 8:00 p.m. | |
Oklahoma State Cowboys | Friday, Nov. 20 | 12:30 p.m. | |
Utah Utes | Sunday, Nov. 22 | 6:00 p.m. | |
California Golden Bears | Saturday, Nov. 28 | 8:00 p.m. | |
December | |||
Wednesday, Dec. 2 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Dec. 8 | 7:00 p.m. | ||
At SMU Mustangs | Saturday, Dec. 12 | 1:30 p.m. | |
Texas Southern Tigers | Wednesday, Dec. 16 | 8:30 p.m. | |
Alcorn State Braves | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 2:00 p.m. | |
UTSA Roadrunners | Tuesday, Dec. 29 | 8:00 p.m. | B1G+ |
January | |||
Sunday, Jan. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Jan. 6 | 8:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 9 | Noon | ||
Tuesday, Jan. 12 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Jan. 17 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Jan. 20 | 8:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Jan. 23 | Noon | ||
Tuesday, Jan. 26 | 9:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Jan. 31 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
February | |||
At USC Trojans | Saturday, Feb. 6 | 4:00 p.m. | |
At UCLA Bruins | Tuesday, Feb. 9 | 10:00 p.m. | |
Saturday, Feb. 13 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
Tuesday, Feb. 16 | 8:00 p.m. | ||
Sunday, Feb. 21 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
Wednesday, Feb. 24 | 6:30 p.m. | ||
Saturday, Feb. 27 | 2:00 p.m. | ||
March | |||
Thursday, March 4 | 8:30 p.m. | ||
Sunday, March 7 | 7:00 p.m. |
Best TV plans for Minnesota men’s basketball
Most Minnesota games on national television air on Big Ten Network (BTN) and FS1, while four additional matchups air on NBCSN and stream on Peacock. ESPN2 carries the Charleston Classic games, ESPN+ has the trip to Cincinnati, and The CW televises the SMU matchup. Meanwhile, B1G+ carries a few non-televised home games.
My top recommendation is YouTube TV because it brings the Gophers’ main TV networks together, with ESPN Unlimited access on eligible plans. FOX One offers a more focused way to watch BTN and FS1 games, while B1G+ fills the digital-only gaps. You won’t necessarily need Peacock separately if your TV plan already includes NBCSN.
Best Overall
YouTube TV brings Minnesota’s main FOX and NBC Sports coverage together, including games simulcast on Peacock and NBCSN. Plans with ESPN also integrate ESPN Unlimited streams, helping cover the Gophers’ ESPN+ road matchup. Unlimited DVR makes it a versatile choice, but B1G+ exclusives still require separate access.
Best Standalone Option
FOX One combines Big Ten Network and FS1 in a standalone subscription, covering much of Minnesota’s regular-season TV schedule. It’s especially useful for fans who mainly want the Gophers’ conference games without a full live TV package. You’ll need other services for NBCSN, ESPN, and The CW broadcasts, though B1G+ is available as an add-on.
Best for Exclusive Games
B1G+ carries Minnesota’s non-televised home games, including select nonconference matchups that don’t appear on regular TV channels. It’s a useful supplement for fans who want to follow the entire schedule rather than just the nationally distributed games. A subscription doesn’t include the live Big Ten Network channel or broadcasts assigned to other networks.
How to watch Minnesota men’s basketball FAQ
How can I watch Minnesota men's basketball for free?
Minnesota's matchup with SMU airs on The CW, which you may be able to watch with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna, depending on local availability. Most other Gophers games require a qualifying TV or streaming subscription.
How can I stream Minnesota basketball without cable?
YouTube TV is my top recommendation for streaming Minnesota men's basketball without cable because it carries the Gophers' major TV networks. FOX One is a more focused option for Big Ten Network and FS1 games, while B1G+ covers select non-televised matchups.
Do I need Peacock to watch Minnesota men's basketball?
Not necessarily. Peacock streams four Minnesota games on the announced regular-season schedule, but each also airs on NBCSN. If your TV provider already carries NBCSN, you can watch those matchups without a separate Peacock subscription.
Does B1G+ include Minnesota games on Big Ten Network?
No. B1G+ streams additional non-televised Minnesota games, but it doesn't include the live Big Ten Network channel. You'll need a separate subscription or qualifying TV provider for games airing on BTN.
Why you should trust us
Our CableTV.com editorial team cross-referenced the official Minnesota men’s basketball schedule with the channel lineups of major TV providers. Using those details, we selected our viewing recommendations based on channel availability, streaming access, subscription requirements, and ease of use.
We’ll update this guide throughout the season as game times and broadcast assignments change. To learn more about our methods, check out our How We Rank page.
More ways to watch Minnesota sports
Follow the Golden Gophers from The Barn to the postseason! Find the Minnesota women's basketball TV schedule, game times, and streaming options.
Ready to howl for the Wolves? Our Minnesota Timberwolves watch guide includes the complete TV schedule, channel info, and expert tips for streaming every game.
Ready to yell Skol? Discover how to watch Minnesota Vikings football in 2026 with our ultimate guide to local TV channels and streaming packages.
