Never miss an NBA game: Ultimate guide to streaming basketball without cable in 2026
Watching live NBA games is easier than ever, with various streaming options catering to different needs. Whether you’re looking for a comprehensive package that includes every out-of-market game, allowing you to watch your team regardless of where they’re playing, a way to watch your local team without cable, or a budget-friendly alternative, there’s a service for you.
The NBA still offers NBA League Pass for out-of-market fans, while live TV streaming services like DIRECTV, Sling, Fubo, and YouTube TV provide access to national broadcasts and regional sports networks (RSNs). Additionally, select games will be available on ESPN and ABC, making ESPN Unlimited and NBA TV great options.
Here’s a breakdown of the best ways to stream NBA games this season.
We picked the best live TV streaming services for each NBA team so you won’t miss a single play. Don’t subscribe to one until you check your favorite team’s schedule.
Northwest
Stream NBA Games - Our picks
We compared the best NBA streaming services to pick the best one for you. The best streaming services for sports, including NBA games, depend on where you live and what channel your favorite team plays on.
DIRECTV
DIRECTV is our go-to option for streaming NBA games as it provides the most coverage across the most markets. You’ll have access to ESPN, ESPN2, TBS, and TNT, as well as ABC and NBC in most major markets. Out-of-market coverage includes FanDuel Sports Network, YES, NESN, Altitude, MSG, and more. You can easily stream most NBA games with DIRECTV, and all packages include ESPN Unlimited at no additional charge.
Fubo
Fubo is also a great option for streaming NBA games, as it also offers major networks including ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, NBC, and NBA TV — though Fubo does not currently offer TNT in any of its packages. Fubo also includes YES, MSG, MSG, and FanDuel Sports Network. It’s still a great option, though it obviously lacks TNT’s major network, and it will give you coverage of many top games throughout the season.
Local Market Broadcasts
Most NBA games are broadcast on your team’s Regional Sports Network (RSN).
More than 80% of your team’s games will air on these channels. If you follow a team in your hometown, you will need access to your local RSN to catch most of the season.
| DIRECTV | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | YouTube TV | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Free Trial | Save with Sling | Free Trial | |||||
| $20.99 | $9.99 | $28.99 | $25 | $19.99 | $29.99 | $45.99 | $45.99 | $64.99 | ||
| Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) | + $44 | + $59 | - | - | - | - | - | - | + $18 | |
To stream your RSN online without cable, you’ll need a subscription to a major live TV streaming service.
Once subscribed, you can stream your local NBA games on Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, iOS, and Android.
RSNs via NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass is designed for out-of-market viewers. You cannot stream in-market games through League Pass, even if your team appears on a local RSN. However, it’s still a strong option for watching your favorite team if you live outside your team’s regional area.
Comparison of RSN coverage of NBA teams across streaming services
Nationally televised broadcasts
Nationally televised games that don’t air on your team’s RSN may appear on ESPN, ABC, TNT, or NBA TV.
These national networks will air most marquee matchups, holiday games, and playoff coverage. These games are generally unavailable on League Pass, and blackouts may apply.
During the NBA Playoffs, ESPN and ABC typically carry the Eastern Conference Finals, while TNT covers the Western Conference Finals. The NBA Finals always air on ABC.
| DIRECTV | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | YouTube TV | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Free Trial | Save with Sling | Free Trial | |||||
| $20.99 | $9.99 | $28.99 | $25 | $19.99 | $29.99 | $45.99 | $45.99 | $64.99 | ||
| ESPN | + $24 | + $59 | + $61 | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| TNT | + $24 | - | + $61 | - | - | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| ABC | + $24 | + $59 | + $61 | - | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| NBA TV | + $15 | + $11 | - | - | - | - | + $11 | + $11 | ✓ | |
Out-of-market broadcasts
If you’re an NBA fan living outside your favorite team’s market, NBA League Pass is your best option for watching out-of-market games.
NBA League Pass offers:
- Every Out-of-Market Game: Watch almost every game live or on demand (blackout restrictions apply for nationally televised and local games).
- Team Pass Option: Choose to follow just one team at a lower price.
- Multiple Viewing Options: Watch full games, condensed versions, or stream multiple games simultaneously with mosaic view.
Pricing for the season typically starts at around $99.99/year for a single team or $149.99/year for the full League Pass. Monthly options are also available.
Note: Nationally televised games airing on TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV are not available live on League Pass due to exclusive broadcasting rights.
In Canada, fans can also access out-of-market NBA games via NBA League Pass. Additionally, TSN and Sportsnet hold broadcasting rights for nationally televised Toronto Raptors games.