Where to Watch Iowa Women’s Basketball vs. Illinois

Where to Watch Iowa Women’s Basketball vs. Illinois: TV Channel, Time, Streaming Info for Big Ten Showdown

 

If you’re searching for Where to Watch Iowa Women’s Basketball vs. Illinois, here’s everything you need before tipoff TV channel, streaming options, radio coverage, key storylines, and why this late-season Big Ten clash carries real weight for postseason positioning.

 

No. 9 Iowa Hawkeyes women’s basketball (22-5, 13-3 Big Ten) return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Feb. 26 at 8 p.m. CT to host Illinois Fighting Illini women’s basketball (19-8, 9-7 Big Ten), closing out their regular-season home slate with momentum and hardware in hand.

 

Where to Watch Iowa Women’s Basketball vs. Illinois

 

For fans asking Where to Watch Iowa Women’s Basketball vs. Illinois, the broadcast details are clear:

 

TV Channel: Big Ten Network

 

Tipoff Time: 8 p.m. CT

 

Streaming: Fubo (free trial available)

 

Radio: Hawkeye Radio Network

 

Play-by-play voice Mike Hall and color analyst Brenda VanLengen will call the action on Big Ten Network from courtside in Iowa City. On radio, Rob Brooks handles play-by-play duties alongside Kathryn Reynolds for listeners across the state.

 

If you’ve cut the cord, Fubo provides live streaming access to BTN, and first-time subscribers can take advantage of a free trial.

 

Hawkeyes Riding High After Statement Win

 

Iowa enters Thursday night’s matchup coming off one of its most complete performances of the season a 62-44 takedown of then-No. 5 Michigan on Senior Day in front of a sold-out crowd.

 

The headliner? Sophomore center Ava Heiden.

 

The 6-foot-4 Sherwood, Oregon native delivered her third consecutive double-double, posting 24 points on 11-for-17 shooting, a perfect 2-for-2 from the free-throw line, and 10 rebounds. She added two blocks and two steals, dominating both ends of the floor against a ranked opponent.

 

That performance combined with two other Iowa victories last week earned Heiden a stunning sweep of national honors:

 

Big Ten Player of the Week

 

Naismith Trophy Player of the Week

 

Associated Press National Player of the Week

 

USBWA National Player of the Week

 

That’s not a vague “strong week.” That’s national recognition across every major voting body in women’s college basketball.

 

And it’s changed how opponents prepare for Iowa.

 

Illinois Arrives Red-Hot

 

Don’t mistake this for a comfortable home finale.

 

Illinois rolls into Iowa City riding a three-game winning streak, defeating Wisconsin, Rutgers, and Northwestern by an average margin of 26.3 points.

 

Sophomore forward Berry Wallace anchors the Illini offense, averaging 18.8 points per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. Freshman Cearah Parchment adds 13.6 points per contest on an even more efficient 50.8% shooting clip.

 

That frontcourt production presents a legitimate test for Iowa’s interior defens even with Heiden anchoring the paint.

 

Aaliyah Guyton’s Return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena

 

There’s another storyline woven into Thursday’s matchup.

 

Former Iowa guard Aaliyah Guyton returns to Carver-Hawkeye Arena for the first time as an opponent. The junior has elevated her game this season, averaging 6.4 points in 19:36 minutes per contest across 23 appearances.

 

More impressively, she’s shooting:

 

42.1% from the field

 

40.0% from three-point range

 

87.5% from the free-throw line

 

Her perimeter efficiency could prove pivotal if Illinois hopes to stretch Iowa’s defense.

 

Emotionally, that return carries weight but statistically, it’s her shooting splits that matter most.

 

Series History Favors Iowa

 

The Hawkeyes own a commanding 61-21 edge in the all-time series and have won eight of the last 10 meetings.

 

At home, Iowa has consistently controlled tempo and forced Illinois into half-court possessions, limiting transition opportunities. If that pattern repeats, the Hawkeyes could dictate the pace early.

 

But this Illinois team isn’t the same group from seasons past. Their defensive rotations have improved, and their scoring balance gives them multiple options late in games.

 

Full Iowa Women’s Basketball Schedule (All Times CT)

 

Here’s a complete look at Iowa’s 2025-26 season to date:

 

Nov. 3 vs. Southern: Iowa 86, Southern 51

 

Nov. 9 vs. Evansville: Iowa 119, Evansville 43

 

Nov. 13 vs. Drake: Iowa 100, Drake 58

 

Nov. 16 at Northern Iowa: Iowa 74, UNI 41

 

Nov. 20 vs. Baylor (WBCA Showcase): Iowa 57, Baylor 52

 

Nov. 22 vs. Miami (WBCA Showcase): Iowa 64, Miami 61

 

Nov. 26 vs. Western Illinois: Iowa 86, Western Illinois 69

 

Nov. 30 vs. Fairfield: Iowa 86, Fairfield 72

 

Dec. 6 at Rutgers: Iowa 79, Rutgers 36

 

Dec. 10 at Iowa State: Iowa State 74, Iowa 69

 

Dec. 13 vs. Lindenwood: Iowa 102, Lindenwood 68

 

Dec. 20 vs. UConn (Champions Classic): UConn 90, Iowa 64

 

Dec. 28 vs. Penn State: Iowa 99, Penn State 76

 

Jan. 1 vs. Nebraska: Iowa 86, Nebraska 76

 

Jan. 5 at Northwestern: Iowa 67, Northwestern 58

 

Jan. 11 at Indiana: Iowa 56, Indiana 53

 

Jan. 15 vs. Oregon: Iowa 74, Oregon 66

 

Jan. 18 vs. Michigan State: Iowa 75, Michigan State 68

 

Jan. 22 at Maryland (OT): Iowa 85, Maryland 78

 

Jan. 25 vs. Ohio State: Iowa 91, Ohio State 70

 

Jan. 29 at USC: USC 81, Iowa 69

 

Feb. 1 at UCLA: UCLA 88, Iowa 65

 

Feb. 5 vs. Minnesota: Minnesota 91, Iowa 85

 

Feb. 11 vs. Washington: Iowa 65, Washington 56

 

Feb. 16 at Nebraska: Iowa 80, Nebraska 67

 

Feb. 19 at Purdue: Iowa 83, Purdue 74

 

Feb. 22 vs. Michigan: Iowa 62, Michigan 44

 

Feb. 26 vs. Illinois: 8 p.m., BTN

 

March 1 at Wisconsin: 2 p.m., BTN+

 

March 4-8: Big Ten Tournament

 

That 22-5 overall record includes statement wins over Baylor, Ohio State, and Michigan, while losses to UConn, USC, UCLA, Minnesota, and Iowa State have tested Iowa’s consistency on the road.

 

Why This Game Matters for Seeding

 

At 13-3 in conference play, Iowa sits firmly in contention for a top seed entering the Big Ten Tournament.

 

A victory over Illinois would:

 

Secure momentum entering the regular-season finale at Wisconsin

 

Strengthen résumé positioning

 

Maintain pressure atop the conference standings

 

In late February, margins get thinner. Every possession counts. Every rebound shifts probability.

 

For Illinois, a road win against a top-10 opponent would dramatically boost postseason outlook.

 

Final Thoughts Before Tipoff

 

This isn’t just about where to tune in — it’s about what’s at stake.

 

Iowa has a nationally decorated sophomore center playing the best basketball of her career. Illinois arrives confident, efficient, and balanced offensively. A former Hawkeye returns to familiar hardwood. The Big Ten Tournament looms.

 

And Carver-Hawkeye Arena will be loud again.

 

If you’re planning to watch, now you know exactly how.