Marquette Basketball's Broadcast Bonanza: Navigating the Maze of TV Assignments

The 2024-25 Marquette men's basketball schedule has been released, and with it comes a flurry of television assignments that fans will need to navigate. From the Big East's new deal with NBC/Universal and Peacock to the mix of national broadcasts on Fox and CBS Sports Network, the Golden Eagles' games will be spread across a variety of platforms this season. Let's dive into the details and unpack what this means for Marquette basketball enthusiasts.

Unlocking the Broadcast Puzzle: Marquette's TV Assignments Unveiled

Peacock's Presence: A Mixed Bag for Fans

The Big East's new partnership with NBC/Universal and its streaming platform, Peacock, has already presented some challenges for Marquette fans. The Golden Eagles' home game against George Mason on November 8th, which is designated as a "Students Only" event at the McGuire Center, will be exclusively available on Peacock. This decision has raised concerns among the broader Marquette fan base, who may not have access to the paid streaming service. Additionally, two of Marquette's road games against Seton Hall and Georgetown, as well as the home matchup against DePaul, will also be broadcast on Peacock, further limiting the accessibility for some fans.

CBS Sports Network: A Familiar Foe

Marquette's television schedule also includes four appearances on CBS Sports Network, three of which are Big East conference games. Interestingly, these three CBS Sports Network games coincide with the Peacock broadcasts, suggesting a strategic decision by the conference to distribute the Golden Eagles' contests across multiple platforms. The fourth CBS Sports Network game is a non-conference matchup against Dayton, which falls outside the Big East's contractual control.

Fox's Marquette Showcase

The Big East's new media deal has also secured four Marquette games on the Fox family of networks. These high-profile broadcasts include the Wisconsin rivalry game, a road contest against Xavier, the National Marquette Day showdown against Connecticut, and a road game at Creighton. Additionally, the home game against Xavier and the regular-season finale against St. John's may also end up on Fox, depending on the NFL playoff schedule and the conference's desire to showcase the most compelling matchups.

FS2: Thanksgiving Week Treats

Marquette fans will have two opportunities to catch the Golden Eagles on FS2 during Thanksgiving week. The team will host Stonehill on Wednesday, November 27th, and then welcome Western Carolina on Saturday, November 30th, both of which will air on the secondary Fox Sports network.

The Remaining Mysteries: Unresolved TV Assignments

While the majority of Marquette's schedule has been mapped out in terms of television assignments, there are four games that remain in limbo. The regular-season finale against St. John's, the road games against Maryland and Iowa State, and the neutral-site contest against Georgia at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas all lack concrete television information at this time. The uncertainty surrounding the Atlantis game, in particular, has raised eyebrows, as the matchup was announced nearly nine months ago without any clear broadcasting plans.

Navigating the Broadcast Landscape: A Challenge for Fans

The diverse array of television platforms showcasing Marquette basketball this season presents both opportunities and challenges for fans. While the increased national exposure on networks like Fox and CBS Sports Network is exciting, the Peacock exclusivity for certain games may prove frustrating for those without access to the streaming service. Additionally, the FS2 appearances during the Thanksgiving holiday could potentially conflict with some fans' travel plans. Ultimately, Marquette supporters will need to stay vigilant and plan accordingly to ensure they can follow their team's journey throughout the 2024-25 campaign.