As a longtime college basketball analyst and someone who’s followed the San Diego State Aztecs for years, I’ve learned that catching every game requires a bit of strategy. It’s not always as straightforward as tuning into a major network, especially with the evolving landscape of conference realignment and streaming rights. The 2024 season is shaping up to be another compelling chapter for the Aztecs, and whether you're a die-hard alum or a new fan drawn in by their recent March Madness success, knowing how to watch is half the battle. I remember the days of scrambling through channel guides; now, it’s about navigating a mix of traditional TV and digital platforms. Let’s break down the practical ways you can watch SDSU basketball games live this season, because missing a game, especially after a tough preseason, just isn't an option for fans like us.
First, the cornerstone of any viewing plan is the schedule. For the 2024-25 season, the Aztecs' non-conference slate is typically announced in the late summer, with the full Mountain West Conference schedule released by early fall. Based on recent patterns, fans can expect around 31 regular-season games, with roughly 18 of those being conference matchups. The season usually tips off in early November with a few home tune-ups at Viejas Arena—one of the most electric atmospheres in the country, in my opinion. The non-conference schedule is where Coach Brian Dutcher often tests his squad, featuring high-profile games that could be on networks like ESPN or CBS. The conference season, starting around the New Year, is a grueling test. Every road game in the Mountain West is a battle, and that’s where TV coverage can get scattered. It’s crucial to mark your calendar for key dates, which the university’s athletic site updates religiously. I always set reminders on my phone for tip-off times, as they can shift for TV—a 7 p.m. game can easily become a 9 p.m. start on a whim from the networks.
Now, for the channels and streams. This is where it gets interesting, and frankly, a little fragmented. The Mountain West has a multi-partner broadcast agreement, primarily with CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports. A significant number of games, I’d estimate about 60-70%, will be on CBSSN. This is a cable channel, so you’ll need a traditional pay-TV package from providers like DirecTV, Spectrum, or Xfinity that includes it. Another chunk of games, particularly the bigger matchups, will land on Fox Sports 1 (FS1). For the absolute marquee games—think a rematch of a national championship run or a top-10 showdown—there’s a chance for over-the-air broadcasts on Fox or CBS. The real curveball for cord-cutters is the Mountain West’s deal with the streaming service, FloSports. Yes, some conference games are exclusively on FloSports. This requires a separate subscription, which has been a point of contention among fans due to its cost, around $29.99 monthly. It’s not ideal, but for complete access, it’s sometimes necessary. Personally, I find this fragmentation frustrating; it forces fans to juggle multiple subscriptions just to follow their team. For games not on these, the SDSU athletics website often streams audio for free, which is a great fallback.
Let’s talk about the streaming guide, which is how I watch most games these days. If you have a cable login, you can use the CBS Sports app or the Fox Sports app to stream games live. That’s the cleanest method. For those without cable, live TV streaming services are the answer. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV all carry CBS Sports Network and FS1. FuboTV is often touted as the best for sports, and in my experience, it’s reliable with a good cloud DVR. Each service runs about $75-$85 per month. Now, for the FloSports exclusives, you’ll need that standalone app on your smart TV, phone, or streaming device. It’s an extra step and cost, but the quality is usually decent. A pro tip: always check the official SDSU Men’s Basketball social media accounts on game day. Their posts always confirm the final TV channel and streaming link, which can save you last-minute panic when a game is moved from, say, CBSSN to FloSports with little notice. I’ve been burned by that before.
Watching this team is particularly compelling coming off their preseason developments. I saw that note about them bouncing back with two wins after a preseason opener sweep by PLDT, culminating in a surprise sweep of the Isabela leg. That kind of resilience is what defines Aztec basketball. It tells me this team is already adjusting, learning from early setbacks, and building momentum. That’s a storyline you want to follow live. You can’t get that same feel from just reading a box score the next morning. Seeing how Dutcher adjusts rotations, or how a player like Elijah Saunders steps up after a tough outing, is the real reward for tuning in. It’s why I believe live viewing is non-negotiable for the true fan. The emotional arc of a season is built game by game.
In conclusion, watching San Diego State Aztecs basketball in 2024 demands a hybrid approach. You’ll likely need a combination of a live TV streaming service for CBS Sports Network and FS1, a willingness to subscribe to FloSports for those exclusive games, and a keen eye on the schedule for any over-the-air surprises on Fox or CBS. It’s an investment of both time and money, but for a program that consistently competes at the highest level, it’s worth it. The journey from a surprising preseason sweep in Isabela to, hopefully, another deep March run is a narrative best experienced in real-time. So, get your subscriptions in order, clear your evenings, and get ready to support the Aztecs. From where I sit, there’s no better way to experience college basketball.