SoCon Announces Men's Basketball National Television Package

SPARTANBURG, S.C. – The Southern Conference announced its national television schedule for men’s basketball Tuesday, featuring 10 regular season games airing on ESPN networks and CBS Sports Network.

"We are proud that SoCon basketball will receive exceptional national exposure this season with 10 regular season games across ESPN and CBS Sports Network. Visibility on two of the most respected brands in sports media is a direct reflection of the consistently elite level of play that defines our conference," SoCon Commissioner Michael Cross said. "The Southern Conference has earned its reputation for championship-caliber basketball, and the entire country will be able to see why 'It's All Here' in the SoCon.  The combination of exceptional coaching, fierce competition, and student-athletes who excel both on the court and in the classroom showcases the very best of what college basketball should be.  

“This national platform not only elevates our member institutions exposure but reinforces the Southern Conference's standing among the nation's top basketball conferences."

Preseason favorite Chattanooga will host Furman – ranked second in the preseason poll – on January 7 in the first game of the package on CBS Sports Network. The two teams will play the rematch on ESPN2, facing off in Greenville on February 1.

Five regular season games will air on either ESPN2 or ESPNU in 2026. The final game of the package will air on February 14 – a Wildcard ESPNU matchup that will be chosen by ESPN and announced by the SoCon office on January 30. CBS Sports Network will air five games as well, with a Chattanooga-ETSU battle in Johnson City on February 11 the final date.

The complete national television schedule is listed below. The SoCon Tournament semifinals will also air on ESPNU, with the championship game set for Monday, March 9, on ESPN or ESPN2.

2025-2026 SoCon National Television Games (All Times Eastern)

CBS Sports Network

Wednesday, January 7 – Furman at Chattanooga (5:00 pm)

Saturday, January 17 – ETSU at Samford (2:00 pm)

Thursday, January 29 – Samford at Furman (5:00 pm)

Saturday, January 31 – ETSU at Wofford (2:00 pm)

Wednesday, February 11 – Chattanooga at ETSU (7:00 pm)

ESPN2

Sunday, February 1 – Chattanooga at Furman (1:00 pm)

Sunday, February 8 – UNCG at Furman (1:00 pm)

ESPNU

Wednesday, January 21 – ETSU at Chattanooga (7:00 pm)

Saturday, January 24 – Chattanooga at Samford (8:00 pm)

Saturday, February 14 – Wildcard Matchup (Noon) *

* Teams for ESPNU Wildcard Matchup will be announced by SoCon office on January 30