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The Big Ten tournament is always a must-watch event in March, especially considering the championship game is the last game before the bracket reveal.
This year's Big Ten tournament is the biggest yet, with all 18 teams set to battle for the conference crown. After a fierce regular season where Michigan separated itself above the rest, the Wolverines are prepared to defend their title in Chicago.
For some teams, this tournament is a chance to prove they belong in the NCAA tournament, while others are simply trying to improve their seeding.
Here's how fans can watch the 2026 Big Ten tournament.
Where to watch Big Ten men's basketball tournament
- TV Channels: Big Ten Network, CBS
- Live Streams: DIRECTV, Peacock, Paramount+
The Big Ten Tournament will be broadcast on three different networks (see the full schedule below). The first four games can be seen on Peacock, while the bulk of the tournament will be broadcast on the Big Ten Network. Finally, the semifinals and final will be on CBS, with Ian Eagle, Grant Hill and Bill Rafferty on the call.
Live streams of the BTN and CBS games are available via DIRECTV, and Paramount+ also will have the semifinals and final.
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Big Ten men's basketball tournament schedule 2026
- Dates: Tuesday, March 10 - Sunday, March 15
- Location: United Center in Chicago
This year's Big Ten tournament will take place at the United Center in Chicago. All 18 teams will participate, with the worst four teams playing on Tuesday while the best four teams won't play until Friday.
Tuesday, March 10: First round
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
| Game 1: No. 17 Maryland 70, No. 16 Oregon 50 | FINAL | Peacock |
| Game 2: No. 15 Northwestern 76, No. 18 Penn State 66 | FINAL | Peacock |
Wednesday, March 11: Second round
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
| Game 3: No. 9 Iowa vs. No. 17 Maryland | 12 p.m. | Peacock |
| Game 4: No. 12 Washington vs. No. 13 USC | 2:30 p.m. | Peacock |
| Game 5: No. 10 Indiana vs. No. 15 Northwestern | 6:30 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
| Game 6: No. 11 Minnesota vs. No. 14 | 9 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
Thursday, March 12: Third round
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
| Game 7: No. 8 Ohio State vs. Game 3 winner | 12 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
| Game 8: No. 5 Wisconsin vs. Game 4 winner | 2:30 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
| Game 9: No. 7 Purdue vs. Game 5 winner | 6:30 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
| Game 10: No. 6 UCLA vs. Game 6 winner | 9 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
Friday, March 13: Quarterfinals
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
| Game 11: No. 1 Michigan vs. Game 7 winner | 12 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
| Game 12: No. 4 Illinois vs. Game 8 winner | 2:30 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
| Game 13: No. 2 Nebraska vs. Game 9 winner | 6:30 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
| Game 14: No. 3 Michigan State vs. Game 10 winner | 9 p.m. | BTN, DIRECTV |
Saturday, March 14: Semifinals
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
| Game 15: Game 11 winner vs. Game 12 winner | 1 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+, DIRECTV |
| Game 16: Game 13 winner vs. Game 14 winner | 3:30 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+, DIRECTV |
Sunday March 15: Championship
| Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
| Game 15 winner vs. Game 16 winner | 3:30 p.m. | CBS, Paramount+, DIRECTV |
Big Ten tournament bracket 2026
Seeding for the Big Ten tournament is determined by the Big Ten standings, which don't include non-conference games. The final seedings and bracket are as follows, with the full game schedule below.
| Seed | Team | Record (Big Ten) |
| 1. | Michigan | 29-2 (19-1) |
| 2. | Nebraska | 26-5 (15-5) |
| 3. | Michigan State | 25-6 (15-5) |
| 4. | Illinois | 24-7 (15-5) |
| 5. | Wisconsin | 22-9 (14-6) |
| 6. | UCLA | 21-10 (13-7) |
| 7. | Purdue | 23-8 (13-7) |
| 8. | Ohio State | 20-11 (12-8) |
| 9. | Iowa | 20-11 (10-10) |
| 10. | Indiana | 18-13 (9-11) |
| 11. | Minnesota | 15-16 (8-12) |
| 12. | Washington | 15-16 (7-13) |
| 13. | USC | 18-13 (7-13) |
| 14. | Rutgers | 13-18 (6-14) |
| 15. | Northwestern | 13-18 (5-15) |
| 16. | Oregon | 12-19 (5-15) |
| 17. | Maryland | 11-20 (4-16) |
| 18. | Penn State | 12-19 (3-17) |
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