Streaming NBA games is simple, but it’s also difficult because there are so many locations to watch a livestream of an NBA game. NBA games are broadcast on ABC, TNT, ESPN, NBA TV, and different regional sports networks, so you’ll need access to streaming sources if you want the greatest coverage.
We show you how to watch NBA livestreams on ABC, TNT, ESPN, NBA TV, and NBA League Pass using the finest choices available. If none of those options work for you, we have several free NBA livestreaming options for you to consider.
How to Watch the NBA Season
The NBA’s regular season and postseason games are aired by four major networks. Some games are shown on regional sports networks as well. That means a cable subscription or a membership to a cable replacement streaming service is the best way to watch.
The NBA season consists of 82 games for each franchise. As a result, few people would desire or be able to watch every game. Make sure you have access to the following channels if you want to keep your options open and watch as many games as possible:
ABC: During the regular season, games are shown on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons on ABC. On ABC, some playoff games are shown, and the NBA finals are broadcast in their entirety.
ESPN: Throughout the season, ESPN broadcasts doubleheaders on Wednesday and Friday nights. ESPN also broadcasts the Western Conference Finals.
TNT: On Tuesday and Thursday nights, TNT broadcasts doubleheaders. TNT is also broadcasting the Eastern Conference Finals.
NBA TV: During the regular season, NBA TV broadcasts games practically every night. This network also broadcasts some playoff games.
Regional sports networks: These channels have the exclusive right to broadcast local sports teams. If your location has a regional sports network, it may hold the rights to broadcast your local NBA team’s games.
How to Watch NBA Games on a Streaming Service
Because NBA games are televised on four networks plus a multitude of regional sports networks, using a streaming service is the best method to catch as many games as possible.
You’ll need high-speed internet and at least one streaming device, such as a computer, a phone, a set-top box like a Roku, or a game console, to utilize a television streaming service.
Because these streaming providers have different channel lineups, some are better than others for viewing the NBA.
Here are the most popular streaming services and the relevant channels each offer:
ESPN TNT NBA TV ABC
YouTube TV Yes Yes Yes Most markets
Hulu With Live TV Yes Yes No Most markets
DirecTV Stream Yes Yes Yes (Some plans) Most markets
Sling TV Yes Yes Add-on Limited markets
fuboTV No Yes Yes Most markets
During the regular season and postseason, YouTube TV is the greatest option for watching NBA games. ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, and ABC are all available in most markets.
Depending on your location, DirecTV Stream is a nice option as well, although the essential channels aren’t included with the lesser rates. Sling TV is also a viable choice, but only if you reside in one of the few markets where ABC can be streamed live.
The worst options for streaming the NBA are fuboTV and Hulu with Live TV. ESPN isn’t available on fuboTV, and NBA TV isn’t available on Hulu with Live TV.
IMPORTANT: ABC’s availability from these providers is determined by your ZIP code. You won’t be able to livestream NBA games on ABC if a service doesn’t have an arrangement with the ABC affiliate in your location.
How to Watch NBA Games Online NBA League Pass is a subscription service that allows you to watch NBA games
NBA League Pass is a paid subscription service that lets you watch NBA games online. There are three pricing tiers, each of which provides a different level of access. The cheapest version allows you to watch a single team’s games. The most expensive version allows you to play the most games.
While NBA League Pass provides a lot of freedom, it is also subject to blackout restrictions. Depending on where you reside, you may not be able to stream games from your local team, and nationally broadcast games may also be blacked out.
1. Go to nba.com/leaguepass for more information.
2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page, look through the options, and click Buy Now.
3. Select a plan and a Buy or Pick Team option.
Note: Pick one team if you choose Pick Team. Only that team’s games are available to stream, and standard blackouts apply. Choosing your local team will not get you around the blackout if you are unable to see your local team.
4. To sign in to your current NBA account, enter your email and password and click Sign In & Continue, or click Create Account to create a new account.
5. Click Process Payment after entering your credit card information and accepting the terms and conditions.
6. After purchasing a membership, you can watch NBA games on NBA.com or through the NBA app on any compatible mobile device.
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