Are you wondering what channel is the Montana Grizzly football game on this weekend? Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time viewer, knowing where to watch the Montana Grizzlies is crucial for staying up-to-date with the team’s schedule, rivalries, and major matchups. This guide provides you with a detailed breakdown of which channels and streaming services carry Montana Grizzlies football games so you never miss a play.
Understanding Montana Grizzlies Football Coverage
The Montana Grizzlies, representing the University of Montana in Missoula, compete in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are part of the Big Sky Conference. With a storied football history, the Grizzlies attract a passionate fan base that stretches beyond Montana. As a result, games are broadcast through various regional networks and national sports platforms.
Over the years, broadcasting arrangements have evolved, combining traditional TV with modern streaming platforms. So if you’ve been asking, “What channel is the Montana Grizzly football game on?”, the answer depends on your location, the opponent, and whether it’s a regular-season or postseason game.
Primary TV Broadcasters for Montana Grizzlies Football
1. Montana Television Network (MTN)
For fans within the state of Montana, most regular-season Grizzlies games are broadcast live on the Montana Television Network (MTN). MTN is a regional network that includes several local affiliates across the state. It serves as the main source for in-state viewers to watch Montana Grizzlies football games live.
Some of the key MTN affiliates include:
KPAX (Missoula)
KTVQ (Billings)
KRTV (Great Falls)
KXLF (Butte)
KBZK (Bozeman)
KXLH (Helena)
These stations usually air Griz games live on Saturdays and may also broadcast pre-game and post-game shows, interviews, and game-day specials.
2. The CW / The Spot MT
In recent seasons, some games have been aired on The CW Montana or a branded subchannel called The Spot MT. These channels typically carry games not scheduled on MTN’s main CBS affiliates. Depending on your city, The Spot MT is usually found on a digital subchannel such as 8.2 or 3.2.
This option is particularly useful for cable-cutters using antennas, as these games are available over the air and don’t require a cable subscription.
National Broadcasts: ESPN & ESPN2
While most Montana Grizzlies games are regional broadcasts, high-profile games — such as rivalry matchups, postseason appearances, or top-ranked contests — may be picked up by national sports networks like ESPN or ESPN2.
When this happens, the game typically replaces the MTN broadcast and airs nationwide. This increases visibility for the program and makes it easier for fans outside Montana to tune in.
If you are asking “what channel is the Montana Grizzly football game on” during a major game week, check listings for ESPN2, especially in the later part of the season or during playoffs.
How to Watch Montana Grizzlies Games Outside Montana
If you live outside of Montana or don’t have access to MTN affiliates, don’t worry — you still have options.
1. ESPN+
Many Montana Grizzlies games are also available to stream on ESPN+, especially those not picked up by national ESPN channels. ESPN+ is a subscription-based streaming service that allows fans across the country to watch college football games live or on demand.
This is the most reliable way to watch Grizzlies football if you are out-of-state or don’t have access to local TV affiliates in Montana.
2. Cable & Satellite Providers
If you’re using a national provider like DirecTV, DISH Network, or Xfinity, check for channels that carry MTN affiliates or regional sports networks. Some providers include out-of-market access to local Montana stations, which may allow you to view games through standard channel packages or sports add-ons.
Montana Grizzlies Game Viewing Options: Quick Breakdown
| Viewer Location | Channel / Platform | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Within Montana | MTN (KPAX, KTVQ, etc.) | Local CBS or CW affiliates |
| Within Montana (alternate) | The Spot MT or CW Montana | Secondary over-the-air channels |
| Outside Montana | ESPN+ | Streaming platform with no blackout |
| National Broadcast | ESPN2 | Select high-profile games |
| Radio (All locations) | Grizzly Sports Radio Network | AM/FM stations across Montana |
Radio Coverage for Montana Grizzlies Football
If you’re unable to watch the game on TV or stream it online, you can still follow every play through the Grizzly Sports Radio Network. The flagship station is KGVO 1290 AM / 98.3 FM in Missoula, but broadcasts are syndicated throughout Montana.
The radio team provides detailed play-by-play commentary, halftime analysis, and post-game coverage. You can listen via:
AM/FM radio across affiliated stations in Montana
Online radio platforms or the university’s official athletics website
Mobile apps that stream local radio content
Radio is a reliable alternative when traveling or in areas with weak TV signal or internet.
How to Find the Right Channel for Each Game
Since game times and broadcast details may change during the season, here’s how to stay informed about where to watch:
Check the Montana Grizzlies official athletics website – They usually publish a “how to watch” or “game day” guide each week.
Look at local TV listings – Search for KPAX, KTVQ, KRTV, or your local affiliate’s broadcast schedule.
Use ESPN+ – If it’s not a nationally televised game, ESPN+ usually carries it.
Follow social media updates – Game broadcast info is often posted by sports news outlets or Grizzly fan pages.
Set DVR alerts – If you’re a cable or satellite subscriber, setting an automatic recording helps ensure you never miss kickoff.
Common Questions About Grizzlies Game Coverage
Is every Montana Grizzlies game on TV?
Most games are broadcast either locally via MTN or nationally through ESPN platforms. However, rare circumstances like scheduling conflicts or weather issues can alter TV coverage.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch Grizzlies games?
Not necessarily. You can watch many games over the air using an antenna via local CBS or CW affiliates. ESPN+ also offers a cable-free option for streaming.
What if I miss the live game?
ESPN+ allows for replays of previously aired games. Some MTN stations also offer rebroadcasts or highlights later the same evening or the next day.
Can I stream MTN games online?
In some cases, MTN stations provide live streams through their websites or apps, but availability may depend on your location. ESPN+ remains the best national streaming option.
Final Thoughts
So, to answer your question directly: What channel is the Montana Grizzly football game on? For most fans in Montana, the answer is the Montana Television Network (MTN) via local CBS and CW affiliates. For viewers outside the state, the answer is usually ESPN+ — unless the game is being aired on ESPN2 as part of a national broadcast.
No matter where you are, you have multiple options to follow the Montana Grizzlies football team all season long. From local TV and online streaming to radio coverage and national sports channels, you can stay connected to the action every game day.