The world of sports broadcasting has evolved significantly, especially with the shift towards streaming services. For NBA fans, this change brings both excitement and a touch of confusion. The regular NBA season, featuring 30 teams each playing 82 games, offers a plethora of basketball action. The challenge? These games are spread across a complex web of television networks and streaming services due to intricate broadcasting agreements.
Navigating the Broadcast Landscape
Nationally televised NBA games have found their home on four networks: ABC, ESPN (and its sibling, ESPN2), TNT (complemented by TBS), and NBA TV. However, not all NBA games enjoy national coverage. Many are aired exclusively on regional sports channels like Bally Sports and AT&T’s SportsNet. These regional agreements vary greatly, affecting which games you can access depending on your location.
To stay updated, regularly check the NBA schedule to see which games are available on which channels. Remember, games aired on national channels often face blackouts in local markets, restricting access for local viewers.
Gear Up for the Best Viewing Experience
For the optimal streaming experience, consider our guides on the Best Streaming Devices and Best TVs, ensuring you enjoy every game in high quality.
Special Offers and Ethical Considerations
As a reminder, some links in our guide may lead to affiliate commissions, supporting our journalism. For those interested in additional content, WIRED offers a special subscription at a discounted rate.
Top Picks for NBA Streaming Services
For the Out-of-Market NBA Fan
NBA League Pass stands out for fans following teams outside their local market, priced at $100 per season. It offers access to all out-of-market games, though local and nationally televised games are blacked out. The NBA Team Pass, a slightly cheaper alternative, allows you to follow a single team’s games. For ad-free viewing and multi-device streaming, consider the NBA League Pass Premium at $150 per season.
The ESPN Deportes score box is down, giving us this clean and refreshing way to watch basketball. This is how every NBA game looked on TV until 2003, if you can believe it or not. pic.twitter.com/739B6pcP9g
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) September 3, 2020
The Best Overall Live TV Streaming Package
Sling TV, with its two variants – Blue and Orange – each costing $40 per month, offers a balanced mix of channels. The Orange package, which includes TNT, TBS, and exclusive access to ESPN channels, is our top recommendation. However, it lacks ABC, which is essential for some national NBA games. The solution? An antenna or ESPN3 on the Orange package. For complete NBA coverage, the NBA League Pass add-on at $15 per month is a must.
The Runner-Up Choice
YouTube TV, at $73 per month, provides a comprehensive package including ABC, ESPN channels, TNT, TBS, and NBA TV. It’s slightly more affordable than FuboTV and Hulu + Live TV, making it a solid choice for general viewership, though it misses out on Bally Sports and SportsNet.
The Premium Option
DirecTV Stream, starting at $65 per month, offers a no-contract, flexible streaming solution. The entry tier includes essential channels like ESPN, ABC, and TNT. Upgrading to higher tiers adds NBA TV and regional sports networks, providing access to in-market games.
Alternative Options
For those looking for more sports-focused packages, FuboTV at $75 per month offers ESPN, NBA TV, and ABC. However, it lacks TNT and TBS since 2020. To compensate, consider adding Max and the Bleacher Report Sports Add-On, though this increases the monthly cost to $95.
The NBA streaming landscape is complex, but with the right information and choices, fans can enjoy an uninterrupted basketball season. From budget-friendly options to premium packages, there’s a solution for every type of NBA fan. Remember to check game schedules and blackout rules to ensure you never miss a game. Happy streaming!
