As a longtime college basketball fan and someone who’s spent more hours than I care to admit following various teams and conferences, I’ve learned that missing a crucial game, especially for a program on the rise, feels like a personal failure. That’s why I want to talk about San Diego State Aztecs basketball and, more importantly, how you can make sure you never miss a single, thrilling play. Following a team like SDSU, which has cemented itself as a national powerhouse with that unforgettable run to the 2023 national championship game, isn’t just a casual hobby—it’s a commitment. And in today’s fragmented media landscape, knowing exactly where and how to watch is half the battle. Let me walk you through the reliable methods, some insider tips, and why it’s all worth the effort, especially when the team hits its stride.
The foundation for any fan is, without a doubt, traditional television and its streaming counterparts. For the majority of SDSU’s marquee matchups, you’ll want to look to the major sports networks. CBS and Fox are your go-to for the biggest games, often featuring the Aztecs in prime-time slots during conference play and the NCAA Tournament. I vividly remember watching their Final Four victory on CBS; the broadcast quality and commentary are simply unmatched for those historic moments. For regular-season games, the Mountain West Conference has a strong partnership with CBS Sports Network and Fox Sports networks. In my experience, having a cable subscription that includes these channels, or a live TV streaming service that bundles them, is non-negotiable. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV have been lifesavers for me. They carry these essential channels and offer cloud DVR, which is a game-changer. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to record a late-night game from the East Coast and watch it fresh the next morning, avoiding all spoilers. It’s a seamless system that replicates the old-school cable experience without the long-term contract.
But what about when the game isn’t on a major network? This is where the digital ecosystem comes into play. The Mountain West Conference, like many others, has its own dedicated streaming service, the Mountain West Network (MWN). Often accessible through the conference website or team portals, MWN typically streams non-televised events, which can include some early-season non-conference games. The quality has improved dramatically over the years, though I’ll be honest, it’s not always the 4K broadcast you get from CBS. Still, it’s a vital resource for the die-hard fan who wants to see every minute of action, even the preseason tune-ups. Speaking of preseason, this is where following a team gets interesting. You get glimpses of the team’s character and resilience long before March Madness. Take this recent piece of news, for instance. The Aztecs, after a preseason opener sweep by PLDT, have shown their trademark grit by winning two in a row and completing a surprise sweep of the Isabela leg. Now, that might seem like a small preseason detail, but for a veteran squad, it speaks volumes about their ability to adjust and dominate. Catching these early games, often streamed online, gives you a narrative for the entire season. You see which new players are integrating, how the coaching strategies are evolving, and you build a connection with the team’s journey. Missing these building blocks means you’re only getting part of the story.
Of course, life happens. You’re stuck in traffic, at a family dinner, or in a different time zone. This is where radio and mobile apps become your best friend. The Aztecs’ radio broadcasts, usually on AM 600 KOGO with the legendary Ted Leitner and crew, are a treasure. Leitner’s passion and decades of experience bring a color and depth to the game that is uniquely San Diego. Streaming the radio broadcast through the TuneIn app or the station’s website is my fail-safe. The audio delay is minimal compared to video streams, and there’s something intensely personal about listening to the drama unfold. Complementing this, the official SDSU Athletics app is a must-download. It provides real-time stats, push notifications for scores and key plays, and direct links to watch or listen. I have it set to alert me for every score change. It’s how I kept up with that “surprise sweep in Isabela” while I was stuck in a meeting. Social media, particularly the team’s official Twitter account, is also incredibly fast for highlights and key updates, though I use it more as a supplement than a primary source.
So, why go through all this trouble? Because following a program like SDSU is about witnessing a culture of excellence. It’s about seeing a team that may start slow—like getting swept in a preseason opener—but possesses the toughness to immediately respond with a statement, like winning two straight and securing a sweep of their own. That resilience is what defines championship-caliber teams. To be there for every step, from the preseason experiments to the heart-stopping moments of March, requires a hybrid approach. Lock in your core TV streaming service for the big games, bookmark the Mountain West Network for the deeper cuts, and keep your radio stream and team app at the ready for emergencies. By weaving these resources together, you build a safety net that ensures you’re always connected to the action. Trust me, when the Aztecs make another deep tournament run, you’ll be thankful you put in the setup time. You won’t just be a spectator; you’ll have been there for the entire story, from the first preseason win to the last buzzer of the season. And in the world of sports fandom, that’s the most rewarding way to watch.