NBA Streaming Guide: Watch Every Game Live & On-Demand
Edited On: February 27, 2025.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) stands as a pinnacle of professional basketball, captivating audiences worldwide with its high-octane games and showcasing exceptional athletic prowess. Since its establishment in 1946, the NBA has transcended the realm of sports to become a significant cultural phenomenon, influencing music, fashion, and global entertainment. Icons like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant have become household names, inspiring generations and contributing to the league's expansive viewership. With the advent of digital media, fans now have unprecedented access to live games, highlights, and player insights, fostering a more connected and engaged global fan base.
Content
Platforms to Watch NBA Games
For enthusiasts eager to catch every dribble, dunk, and three-pointer, several legitimate avenues are available to stream NBA games:
1. NBA League Pass
The NBA League Pass remains the league's official subscription service, delivering extensive coverage of games and exclusive content.
Plans and pricing
- NBA League Pass: Priced at $99.99 per season, this plan offers live and on-demand access to out-of-market regular-season games, full-game replays, and condensed game versions
- NBA League Pass Premium: At $149.99 annually, this package includes all features of the standard pass, plus commercial-free viewing and the ability to stream on two devices simultaneously
- Team Pass: For $89.99 per season, fans can follow a single team throughout the season, accessing live and on-demand games for their chosen team
2. ESPN and ABC
ESPN and ABC, both under The Walt Disney Company umbrella, broadcast select NBA regular-season games, marquee matchups, and comprehensive playoff coverage.
Access:
Games are accessible through traditional cable or satellite subscriptions that include ESPN and ABC. Cord-cutters can stream games via the ESPN app or ABC's digital platforms by authenticating with a participating TV provider.
Streaming options:
- ESPN+: While ESPN+ ($11.99 per month or $119.99 annually) offers a variety of sports content, it does not include live NBA games
- Disney Bundle: For $13.99 per month, subscribers gain access to Disney+, Hulu (With Ads), and ESPN+, providing a range of entertainment and sports content; however, live NBA games on ESPN still require a TV provider login
3. NBC Sports and Peacock
Commencing with the 2025–26 NBA season, NBC Sports returns as an NBA broadcast partner, with games also available on its streaming service, Peacock.
Access:
NBC will air up to 100 regular-season games per season across its channels. Peacock will stream exclusive Monday night games and select playoff matchups.
Plans and pricing:
- Peacock Premium: For $5.99 per month, subscribers can access live sports, including NBA games, and a vast library of on-demand content
- Peacock Premium Plus: At $11.99 per month, this plan offers all Premium content with limited ads and allows offline downloads on mobile devices
4. Amazon Prime Video
Starting with the 2025–26 season, Amazon Prime Video will stream 66 regular-season NBA games annually, including exclusive rights to certain playoff games and the NBA Cup's later stages.
Access:
Games will be available to Amazon Prime members at no additional cost.
Pricing:
- Amazon Prime Membership: Priced at $14.99 per month or $139 annually, the membership includes access to Prime Video, free shipping on Amazon orders, and other benefits
5. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)
Local channels such as Bally Sports and NBC Sports Regional Networks broadcast games of specific teams within their respective markets.
Access:
Availability depends on your location and cable or satellite provider. Some RSNs offer direct-to-consumer streaming options for cord-cutters.
Pricing:
- Varies by provider and region; contacting your local RSN or TV provider will provide specific pricing details
6. Streaming services
Several streaming platforms offer packages that include channels broadcasting NBA games:
YouTube TV:
- Channels: Includes ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV
- Pricing: $72.99 per month
- Benefits: Unlimited cloud DVR storage and access to a wide range of channels beyond sports
Hulu + Live TV:
- Channels: Offers ESPN, ABC, and TNT.
- Pricing: $82.99 per month, including access to Hulu's streaming library, Disney+, and ESPN+.
- Benefits: Includes Hulu's on-demand content and offers unlimited DVR storage
FuboTV:
- Channels: Provides ESPN and NBA TV
- Pricing: Starts at $74.99 per month
- Benefits: Focuses on sports content with a wide array of sports channels and offers cloud DVR storage
Sling TV:
- Channels: The Orange package includes ESPN and TNT
- Pricing: $40 per month
- Benefits: Affordable pricing with options to add additional channel packages as desired
DirecTV Stream:
- Channels: Offers ESPN, ABC, TNT, and most Regional Sports Networks
- Pricing: The CHOICE™ package is priced at $99.99 per month
- Benefits: Includes NBA TV and allows adding NBA League Pass Premium for comprehensive coverage
The Role of VPNs in Streaming NBA Games
Geographical restrictions and blackout policies can hinder access to live NBA games, especially for fans residing outside the US. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) serves as a viable solution to bypass these limitations by masking your IP address and simulating access from a permissible location. This enables international viewers to enjoy NBA content as if they were within the authorized broadcast area.
VPNs for Streaming NBA Games
ExpressVPN
Renowned for its blazing-fast speeds and robust security features, ExpressVPN ensures a seamless streaming experience for NBA games. With a vast network of servers spanning 105 countries, including numerous locations in the US, users can effortlessly bypass regional restrictions. The service supports up to eight simultaneous device connections, making it ideal for households with multiple users. ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles. Additionally, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try the service risk-free.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a top choice for streaming NBA games without interruption with an extensive server network with over 7,200 servers in 118 countries. Their proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures high-speed connections, facilitating smooth HD streaming. NordVPN's strict no-logs policy and advanced security features, such as AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, provide users with privacy and peace of mind. The service allows up to six simultaneous connections and is compatible with various devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, providing ample time to evaluate their features.
Proton VPN
With servers strategically located worldwide, including multiple options in the U.S., Proton VPN enables users to bypass geo-restrictions effectively. They offer unlimited bandwidth, ensuring uninterrupted streaming of NBA games. Its strong encryption protocols and strict no-logs policy safeguard user data. The service supports up to ten simultaneous connections and is compatible with devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. Proton VPN provides a free tier with limited features and a 30-day money-back guarantee for its paid plans, allowing users to test the service without financial commitment.
Conclusion
The NBA's global appeal continues to grow, and accessing live games has become more convenient through various legal streaming options. Services like NBA League Pass and other streaming platforms offer comprehensive coverage for fans worldwide. For those facing geographical restrictions, employing a reliable VPN such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Proton VPN can effectively bypass these barriers, ensuring an uninterrupted and enjoyable NBA viewing experience. By selecting the appropriate platform and VPN service, fans can immerse themselves in the excitement of NBA games, no matter where they are located.
For additional information on VPNs, explore our in-depth reviews, use our comparison tool to evaluate services side by side, and visit our blog to learn about the VPN industry and how this tool can enhance your security and help you bypass geo-restrictions.