How to Watch the Wisconsin Badgers on FS1 or BTN for Free
TL;DR Summary: Accessing FS1 and other sports channels, like BTN, is crucial for Wisconsin Badgers fans to catch games. CUE Broadcast offers a simple, cable-free way to watch, with easy casting options. By referring three friends, you can even make your subscription free. Say goodbye to scrambling for streams and hello to stress-free game days. Read on to learn how to watch Badgers games hassle-free with CUE.
But First… my Thanksgiving “Badgers Rescue” Story:
Over Thanksgiving, I was at a friend’s house when someone realized the Wisconsin Badgers basketball game was on FS1. The problem? His TV package didn’t have FS1. He tried flipping through channels, checking apps, even digging around for a login someone might “loan” him. No luck.
Meanwhile, tip-off was happening. People were already annoyed they might have to follow the score on their phone instead of actually watching the game. I pulled out my phone, opened the CUE Broadcast app, found FS1 in the channel list, hit play, and then tapped the cast icon to send it to his TV.
Within a minute, the Badger game was on the big screen in full HD. Everyone sat back down, conversation restarted, and I quietly became the hero of Thanksgiving. That’s the power of having FS1 (and a bunch of other sports channels) in your pocket.
Meet CUE Broadcast: A Simple Way to Get FS1 for Free
CUE Broadcast is a streaming TV service that gives you live channels (including FS1) without needing traditional cable. You install the app, log in, pick your channel, and start watching. That’s what I used at Thanksgiving to save the day.
A few key points that matter if you’re a Badger fan:
- FS1 and BTN are included – so you get access to the Wisconsin games that land there.
- Lots of sports channels – not just FS1. You’ll find other major sports networks, too.
- Works on most devices – iPhone, Android, Fire Stick, Roku, many smart TVs, tablets, and more.
- Easy casting – start watching on your phone, then cast it to the nearest TV with just a couple taps.
How to Watch Badgers Games on FS1 for Free Using CUE in Minutes
Here’s what it looks like in practice if you want to watch the Badgers on FS1:
- Sign up for CUE Broadcast.
Go through the signup page, create your account, and choose your plan. Keep your username and password handy. - Install the CUE app on your devices.
On your phone, go to the Apple App Store or Google Play and search for “CUE Broadcast.” On your TV, look for it in the Roku, Fire TV, or smart TV app store if available, or use a streaming device. - Log in with your CUE credentials.
Same login on all your devices. Once you’re in, you’ll see the channel guide or channel list. - Find FS1.
Scroll the channel list or use search to find FS1. Add it to favorites if that’s an option so it’s easy to get to again. - Start watching.
When the Badgers are playing on FS1, just open CUE, go to FS1, and you’re in. No cable box. No long-term contract. - Cast to the TV (optional but highly recommended).
If you’re on your phone and near a TV with Chromecast or a compatible casting device, tap the cast icon, choose the TV, and enjoy the game on the big screen like I did on Thanksgiving.
Why FS1 Matters for Wisconsin Badgers Fans
If you follow Wisconsin sports, you know the schedule is scattered across different channels. Some games are on the Big Ten Network, some on FS1, some on ESPN, some on broadcast networks. FS1 is especially big for:
- Wisconsin Badgers football – especially non-primetime or “featured but not main marquee” matchups.
- Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball – early-season tournaments, mid-week conference games, and nationally televised matchups.
- Other Wisconsin sports – depending on the season and TV contracts, you’ll see a mix of college sports across FS1.
If you don’t have FS1 in your lineup, you’re going to miss games. Or you’re going to be that person frantically asking, “Anyone have a login?” five minutes after tipoff.
Is This Just for Football? Nope – All Wisconsin Sports
Even though most people think “football first,” this setup works for all Wisconsin Badgers sports that end up on FS1 or the other sports channels in your lineup:
- Men’s and women’s basketball
- Football
- Hockey (when carried by these networks)
- Other college sports that get national TV coverage
- BTN is also included
So if you’re someone who follows more than just Saturdays in the fall, CUE gives you a flexible way to keep up with all of it in one place.
How to Turn CUE Into “Free TV” With Referrals
Here’s where it gets interesting: CUE has a referral program that lets you basically erase your own bill if you’re even halfway social.
The short version: refer three paying customers who stay past their first billing cycle, and CUE covers your monthly subscription. As long as three of your referrals remain active, your service stays free.
How the Referral Side Works
The exact buttons and labels inside CUE may change over time, but the core idea is the same:
- Sign up for CUE.
First, you’re a regular customer. You go through the signup process and become a subscriber. - Find your referral link.
In your account or dashboard, there will be a section for referrals, sharing, or “3 for free.” That’s where you’ll find your personal referral link. - Share that link with friends and family.
Anyone who signs up using your link gets CUE for themselves, and they’re tracked as your referral. - Once 3 of them become active paying customers, your bill goes to $0.
They need to stick around long enough to complete at least one full billing cycle. After that, your account moves into “free” territory as long as you maintain 3 active referrals.
Why Getting 3 Referrals Is Easier Than It Sounds
Most people think referrals are hard because they imagine begging strangers on social media. That’s not what this is.
Think about real life situations like:
- Friends who complain about cable bills – everyone knows at least one person who says, “I can’t believe I pay this much every month.”
- Family that just wants sports and locals – they don’t need 600 channels, they just want their teams and their shows.
- People who already share logins – instead of juggling passwords, they can get their own affordable account and you both win.
Your pitch is simple:
“Hey, I switched to CUE. It has FS1, BTN and a bunch of other channels I use to watch Wisconsin games. It’s easy to use, and if you sign up through my link, it helps me keep my TV free. You’ll get a full TV service without cable headaches.”
You only need three people like that to say “yes” and stick with it. After that, watching the Badgers on FS1 feels free every month.
Step-by-Step: From “Paying for TV” to “Watching Badgers Free”
- Start your CUE subscription.
Sign up, test it with your devices, and make sure FS1 and the other channels you care about work the way you want. - Make a quick list of 5–10 people.
Think of friends, family, or coworkers who complain about cable or are big sports fans. - Send a simple message with your link.
Text, email, or DM them. No hard pressure. Just: “Hey, I use this to watch the Badgers on FS1. Here’s my link if you want to try it.” - Answer basic questions.
People usually want to know: Does it work on my TV? How much is it? Can I still watch my usual channels? Once those are answered, most make a decision quickly. - Watch your referrals stack up.
Once 3 are active paying customers, your monthly cost drops off. Keep an eye on your account so you know when it happens.
Why This Beats Scrambling for Streams Every Game Day
You absolutely could keep doing the “hunt for a login” thing whenever the Badgers are on FS1. But that comes with:
- Last-minute stress before kickoff or tipoff
- Sketchy streams that buffer or disappear mid-game
- Annoying ads and pop-ups everywhere
- Being at the mercy of someone else’s account
Or, you can:
- Open a legit streaming app
- Tap FS1
- Cast it to the TV if you’re at a friend’s house
- Turn your own bill into $0 by referring three people
If you’re serious about following the Wisconsin Badgers in all sports, the second path is way less stressful.
FAQs: Watching Wisconsin Badgers on FS1 with CUE
Do I need special equipment to use CUE?
You just need a compatible device and a solid internet connection. That could be a smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, tablet, or even just your phone (you can cast from your phone to your TV).
Can I watch games on the go?
Yes. You can watch FS1 and other channels on your phone or tablet from basically anywhere you have internet. That’s perfect for travel days, tailgates, or when you’re not at home but still want to see the Badgers.
Is CUE just for sports?
No. CUE offers a wide variety of channels, including news, entertainment, kids’ content, movies, and more. The fact that it includes FS1 and other sports channels is a big bonus for fans, but it’s a full TV service, not just a sports app.
What happens if one of my 3 referrals cancels?
If your active referrals drop below three, your free status can go away and regular billing resumes. The solution is simple: keep an eye on things and occasionally share your link with new people so you always have at least three active referrals.
Is there a contract?
No long-term contract like old-school cable. You can cancel if it’s not working for you. That’s part of why it’s such an easy recommendation to friends and family.
Glossary of Terms
- BTN (Big Ten Network) – A sports channel covering Big 10 college sports.
- FS1 (Fox Sports 1) – A national sports cable channel that carries college football, college basketball, and other live sports, including many Wisconsin Badgers games.
- Streaming TV Service – A TV service delivered over the internet instead of through a cable or satellite box.
- Casting – Sending video from your phone, tablet, or computer to a TV using a feature like Chromecast or a built-in casting option on smart TVs.
- Referral Program – A system where a company rewards you for getting other people to sign up for their service using your unique link.
- Billing Cycle – The period of time (usually one month) that your subscription covers before you’re charged again.
Final Thoughts: Turn FS1 into a “Free” Badgers Channel
If you’re a Wisconsin Badgers fan, especially one who follows football, basketball, and other sports that bounce around between networks, having FS1 through CUE Broadcast is a smart move. You get:
- Reliable access to FS1 and other sports channels
- Flexibility to watch at home or on the go
- The ability to cast from your phone when you’re at someone else’s house
- A realistic path to making your TV bill effectively free by referring three people
The next time someone says, “I don’t think we get FS1,” you can be the one who quietly pulls out your phone, opens CUE, and saves the day.
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