Basketball fans want easy ways to watch NBA games without cable. Many streaming services now offer access to live games, replays, and special NBA content.
The best services let you catch local games, national broadcasts, and playoff action. Some options cost less than others but might not show every game. Your choice depends on which teams you follow and how many games you want to see.
1) NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass is the official streaming service of the NBA. It gives basketball fans access to live and on-demand games throughout the season.
You can watch games on many devices with NBA League Pass. The NBA App works on phones, tablets, computers, and TVs. This includes iOS, Android, Apple TV, and Xbox gaming consoles.
The service offers flexibility for how you watch. You can stream games live as they happen. If you miss a game, you can watch it later when it fits your schedule.
NBA League Pass is available through several platforms. You can buy it directly from the NBA website. Some fans get it through streaming packages like YouTube TV or Fubo.
Amazon Prime members have an extra option. The service is available as a channel add-on through Prime Video. This means you can watch games on all devices that support the Prime Video app.
It’s important to know that local blackout rules may apply. Games shown on local TV networks might not be available on League Pass in your area.
For serious NBA fans who want to follow teams across the league, League Pass offers the most complete coverage. The service shows nearly all regular season games except for nationally televised matchups.
2) YouTube TV
YouTube TV stands as a strong option for NBA fans looking to catch all the action. The service includes NBA TV in its channel lineup, giving subscribers access to exclusive games and content.
For $82.99 per month, viewers get more than 100 live channels with no contracts or hidden fees. This package includes major networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN that broadcast NBA games regularly.
NBA fans will appreciate that YouTube TV offers NBA GameTime, the league’s flagship show. The program provides comprehensive highlights and analysis after games finish.
The service also features NBA Today, which offers in-depth daily coverage from expert analysts. This keeps fans updated on all aspects of the league between games.
A big plus is that subscribers don’t need to purchase NBA League Pass separately to access NBA TV. As one Reddit user noted, “NBA TV is included with the monthly YouTube TV subscription. You don’t need League Pass for it.”
YouTube TV allows viewers to watch on multiple devices, making it easy to catch games at home or on the go. The cloud DVR feature lets fans record games to watch later if they can’t tune in live.
New users can try the service with a free trial before committing. This gives potential subscribers a chance to test the platform during basketball season.
The easy-to-use interface makes finding NBA content simple, with dedicated sections for basketball programming. Viewers can quickly locate upcoming games, shows, and highlights.
3) Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers NBA fans a solid way to watch basketball games. The service includes access to major networks that broadcast NBA games like ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, and TNT.
Setting up is simple with no hidden fees. Subscribers get unlimited DVR to record games they can’t watch live.
One key benefit is the mix of live sports with Hulu’s regular streaming library. This means you get NBA games plus movies and TV shows in one package.
The service provides access to national NBA games on major networks. This includes big matchups that air across the country.
However, Hulu + Live TV doesn’t include NBA TV, which might be important for hardcore fans. Some competing services like YouTube TV offer this channel.
For casual fans, Hulu’s coverage is likely enough. You’ll get playoff games and major regular season matchups through the included networks.
The service works well for households that want both sports and entertainment. With 95+ live TV channels, family members can watch different content based on their interests.
Signing up gives you immediate access with no complicated equipment. You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
4) Fubo
Fubo offers sports fans a unique streaming option for NBA content. This service stands out as a sports-focused live TV streaming platform that includes NBA TV in its channel lineup.
With Fubo, viewers can watch NBA TV which features live games starting from preseason through the regular season. The service provides access to a good selection of basketball content throughout the year.
However, Fubo has a notable limitation for NBA playoff coverage. The service does not carry TNT or TBS, which show many playoff games. This makes it less ideal for fans wanting complete postseason coverage.
For regular season games, Fubo provides several viewing options. Subscribers can watch games on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and NBA TV. The service also includes regional sports networks where available.
Basketball fans should note that while Fubo works well for regular season viewing, they might need another service like Sling or YouTube TV during playoffs. These alternatives carry the full range of channels needed for complete NBA coverage.
Fubo allows users to try the service before committing. They offer a free trial period for new customers to test the platform and see if it meets their NBA viewing needs.
The interface is user-friendly and designed with sports viewers in mind. This makes finding and watching NBA content straightforward compared to more general streaming services.
5) Sling TV
Sling TV offers a cost-effective way to watch NBA games without a cable subscription. The service provides access to key NBA channels through its different packages.
With Sling Orange, basketball fans can watch nationally televised games on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and TNT. These channels cover many regular season games and playoff matchups.
Sling’s pricing is lower than many competitors, making it attractive for budget-conscious fans. The base packages start at a lower price point than traditional cable.
For complete NBA coverage, fans can add NBA League Pass to their Sling subscription. This addition allows viewers to watch all out-of-market games throughout the season.
One drawback is that Sling doesn’t carry ABC in its channel lineup. During NBA playoffs, some games broadcast on ABC might be missed unless fans have an antenna for local channels.
The service works on multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices. This flexibility lets fans watch games at home or on the go.
Sling offers a user-friendly interface that makes finding NBA game schedules simple. Viewers can easily check upcoming games and set reminders.
No long-term contract is required for Sling TV. Users can subscribe during basketball season and cancel when the season ends.
The streaming quality is good on most devices with a stable internet connection. Some users report occasional buffering during high-viewership games.
6) DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers solid options for NBA fans who want access to both local and national basketball games. Subscribers can watch NBA TV on channel 216, giving them access to exclusive basketball content.
The service includes 130 exclusive basketball games live on NBA TV. This makes it a good choice for serious fans who want to catch as many games as possible throughout the season.
For the full NBA experience, viewers can add NBA League Pass to their DirecTV Stream subscription. Games are available on channels 750-767 during the regular season.
The CHOICE package is especially valuable for sports fans. It includes most Regional Sports Networks plus national channels like NBA TV and MLB Network. This matters for following local teams throughout the season.
Many cord-cutters consider DirecTV Stream the best option for watching local sports teams, though it comes at a higher price point than some competitors. The service shines when viewers want both national NBA coverage and their local team’s games.
Fans can stream games live or watch classic basketball matchups from the past. DirecTV Stream also provides access to studio shows and analysis, enhancing the viewing experience beyond just the games themselves.
7) ESPN+
ESPN+ offers NBA fans a way to watch select games throughout the season. It’s not a complete solution for watching every NBA game, but it adds value for certain viewers.
The service costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 annually as of March 2025. Fans can also bundle it with Disney+ and Hulu for additional savings.
ESPN+ typically streams about 1 game per day during the regular season. These are exclusive national broadcasts not shown on other networks.
The platform has improved its NBA coverage recently. They feature special alternate broadcasts with different commentary teams and unique camera angles for select games.
Their app works on most devices including phones, tablets, and smart TVs. The streaming quality is reliable with multiple resolution options based on internet speed.
One advantage is the additional NBA content beyond just games. ESPN+ includes basketball analysis shows, documentaries, and exclusive articles about the league.
Users can watch the latest NBA basketball games directly through the ESPN app. The interface makes it easy to find NBA content among the other sports offerings.
For serious NBA fans, ESPN+ works best as a supplement to other services rather than a standalone option. It lacks coverage of local games and most playoff matchups.
8) Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+
Hulu with Disney+ and ESPN+ offers a great option for NBA fans. This bundle combines three popular streaming services into one package, making it easier to watch a variety of NBA content.
The Disney Bundle gives you access to ESPN+, which shows select NBA games throughout the season. While it doesn’t carry all NBA games, the service has other basketball content like analysis and highlights.
You can watch ESPN+ directly through the Hulu app. This setup lets users search and stream thousands of live sports events without switching between different apps.
For more complete NBA coverage, fans might want to consider Hulu + Live TV. This upgraded package includes over 90 live channels plus Disney+ and ESPN+ access.
The basic Disney Bundle starts at $12.99 per month for the trio of services. This price point makes it cheaper than subscribing to each service separately.
One small drawback is that users need to download separate apps to access all content. The Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN apps work independently rather than as one combined platform.
NBA fans should note that ESPN+ doesn’t show all games. The service carries some live events, but major games often appear on ESPN’s main channels, which require a cable subscription or live TV streaming service.
The bundle works well for casual NBA viewers who enjoy other sports and entertainment content. It provides good value with its wide range of programming beyond just basketball.
9) NBC Sports
NBC Sports offers NBA fans several ways to watch their favorite basketball action online. The platform features NBA clips, highlights, and shows that can be streamed on-demand.
You can catch up on exciting game moments without needing a full game subscription. NBC Sports regularly updates its library with fresh NBA content, making it easy to stay current with the league.
Their website also hosts a dedicated NBA section where fans can find news, stats, and coverage of games. This makes it a good one-stop shop for basketball enthusiasts.
NBC Sports provides both live and replay content across various sports, including NBA games. Their platform works well on multiple devices, giving you flexibility in how you watch.
While NBC Sports doesn’t offer full access to all NBA games like some dedicated services, it’s a solid option for casual fans. Their free content can supplement other NBA streaming subscriptions.
The video quality is good, and the interface is simple to navigate. Users can quickly find specific NBA teams or players they want to watch highlights for.
For those who already have cable or satellite subscriptions, NBC Sports might be included in your package. This makes it an easy add-on without extra costs for basic NBA content.
10) TNT through Sling TV
Sling TV offers one of the most budget-friendly ways to watch NBA games on TNT. You can stream live NBA games for as low as $23 for your first month with Sling Orange.
TNT is a key channel for NBA fans. The network broadcasts many nationally televised regular season games and playoff matchups. With Sling, you get full access to TNT’s NBA coverage without needing cable.
Sling Orange is the package that includes TNT, ESPN, and ESPN3. This combination gives you access to a large portion of nationally broadcast NBA games throughout the season.
Some users have reported picture quality issues with TNT on certain devices. A few Reddit users mentioned stuttering and frame rate problems when watching NBA games on Apple TV 4K devices.
The service works on many devices. You can watch on your phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. This makes it easy to catch games at home or on the go.
Sling TV doesn’t require long-term contracts. You can cancel anytime, which is perfect for watching just during basketball season.
For serious NBA fans, Sling allows you to add NBA League Pass to your subscription. This gives you access to out-of-market games in addition to the TNT broadcasts.
According to Business Insider, Sling TV is the cheapest way to get TNT without cable. Both their Orange and Blue plans include the channel.
Understanding NBA Streaming Rights
NBA streaming rights have changed dramatically with new deals shaping how fans watch games. The league recently signed agreements that will affect where and how you can stream games through the 2035-36 season.
Broadcast Rights vs. Streaming Rights
Broadcast rights refer to traditional TV coverage of NBA games on channels like ESPN, ABC, and TNT. Streaming rights cover online platforms where fans can watch games without cable.
The NBA signed new 11-year media agreements in 2024 that will run through the 2035-36 season. These deals recognize how viewing habits have changed.
Traditional broadcasters still play a key role. ESPN/ABC will continue showing games, but with a new twist. They plan to offer a direct-to-consumer ESPN streaming option for fans.
Streaming platforms gained more importance in the recent $76 billion deal. This marks a big shift in how NBA content reaches viewers who don’t have cable TV.
Key Players in NBA Streaming
The NBA’s new media landscape includes three main partners. Disney (ESPN/ABC), NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video will share NBA coverage starting with the 2025-26 season.
Amazon Prime Video joined as a major NBA partner for the first time. They’ll stream exclusive games as part of the new agreement.
NBCUniversal will show games on Peacock. This brings NBA action back to NBC after a long absence.
Starting next season, fans will need subscriptions to Amazon, Peacock, and ESPN to access all national NBA games. This replaces the previous model where most games were on ESPN and TNT.
Services like YouTube TV and Hulu continue to be important options for watching games through their live TV packages.
Technical Requirements for Streaming NBA Games
Watching NBA games online requires specific technical setup to ensure smooth viewing. Your internet connection and device compatibility will determine your streaming quality.
Internet Speed Necessities
NBA streaming services need reliable internet connections to deliver high-quality basketball action. The NBA app requires a minimum broadband connection of 800 kbps to function properly. However, this is just the bare minimum.
For standard definition viewing, 3-4 Mbps is recommended. HD streaming requires faster speeds:
- 720p streaming: 5-8 Mbps
- 1080p streaming: 10-15 Mbps
- 4K streaming: 25+ Mbps
Connection stability matters as much as speed. A wired ethernet connection will provide more reliable performance than Wi-Fi, especially for watching live games without buffering or quality drops.
Device Compatibility
Most NBA streaming platforms work across various devices, but requirements differ by service. Popular options like Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV support 1080p/60fps streams on select channels and devices, offering smoother motion for fast-paced basketball action.
For streaming devices, the NBA app supports:
- Roku: OS 12+ (5th Generation or newer)
- Apple TV: OS 16+
- Android TV: All versions
- Amazon Fire TV/Stick: All versions
- Gaming consoles: PlayStation and Xbox (recent models)
Mobile viewing is available through iOS and Android apps, though screen size limits the viewing experience. Smart TVs with built-in streaming capabilities often support NBA apps directly, eliminating the need for extra hardware.
Frequently Asked Questions
NBA streaming options come with many questions about costs, features, and availability. Here are answers to common questions fans have when looking for the best way to watch NBA games.
How can I stream NBA games live without cable?
You can watch NBA games without cable through several streaming options. YouTube TV offers extensive sports coverage including ESPN, TNT, and ABC channels that show NBA games.
Sling TV provides a budget-friendly option with Orange and Blue packages that include NBA channels. The Orange package includes ESPN, while Blue features regional sports networks.
DIRECTV Stream stands out for its broad regional sports network coverage, making it great for watching local team games.
What are the best apps for streaming live NBA games?
NBA League Pass is the official app for watching out-of-market games. It works on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV.
YouTube TV’s app offers a clean interface with unlimited DVR for recording games you might miss. Its multi-view feature lets you watch up to four games at once.
Fubo’s app includes strong sports coverage with 4K streaming options for select NBA games. It works across most devices and includes cloud DVR.
Where can I find the most cost-effective NBA streaming service?
Sling TV offers the most affordable entry point with its Orange package starting around $40 monthly. Adding the NBA League Pass through Sling can be cheaper than other options.
For fans who only want out-of-market games, NBA League Pass by itself costs less than full TV streaming services. It focuses just on basketball without extra channels.
Sharing a YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV account with family members (where allowed) can split costs while everyone gets full access to NBA content.
Are there any streaming platforms offering free trials for watching NBA games?
YouTube TV regularly offers free trials lasting 7-14 days. This includes all NBA channels in their package during the trial period.
Fubo provides a free trial period where you can test their sports-heavy lineup including NBA coverage. You can cancel before being charged if it doesn’t meet your needs.
NBA League Pass sometimes offers free preview periods at the beginning of seasons. They also occasionally provide 7-day trials for new subscribers.
Can I watch NBA games on demand with an NBA League Pass?
Yes, NBA League Pass provides on-demand access to games after they air. You can watch full game replays or condensed versions showing just the key moments.
The service keeps games available throughout the season for replay. You can also watch classic games from the NBA archives going back several seasons.
League Pass includes additional features like multiple camera angles and the option to watch without commentary. This gives fans more control over their viewing experience.
Which streaming service provides the most comprehensive NBA coverage?
YouTube TV offers the most complete coverage by combining national broadcasts, many regional sports networks, and NBA TV. You can add NBA League Pass directly through their platform.
DIRECTV Stream excels in regional sports network coverage, making it ideal for fans who want to watch specific teams. It includes more RSNs than any other streaming service.
Fubo provides extensive sports channels including ESPN, NBA TV, and regional networks. Their 4K streaming option for select games gives the highest quality viewing experience available.
