2025–26 NBA Live Stream Guide: How to Watch Every Game Without Cable
The 2025–26 NBA season makes it easier to watch games. You don’t need cable to enjoy the action. Now, fans can stream every dunk and highlight.
This year, NBA games are on ABC, ESPN, NBC with Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. These new deals mean more games and better ways to watch.
Watch big games on ESPN and ABC. NBC and Peacock show weekly matchups. Prime Video has the NBA Cup and Play-In games. League Pass is still great for watching out-of-town teams. No matter who you cheer for, you can now watch live—at home or on the go.
What’s New for the 2025–26 NBA Season
This season, the NBA teams up with Disney (ABC and ESPN), NBC (with Peacock), and Amazon Prime Video. These new deals change how fans watch games.
TNT is out after almost 40 years. Its famous show Inside the NBA now plays on ESPN and ABC. There are now over 240 national games each season—more than ever before.
NBC shows games on Sunday and Tuesday nights. Peacock streams games on Monday nights. Prime Video has Thursday and Friday games, plus the NBA Cup and Play-In games. ESPN and ABC still show the playoffs, Finals, and big weekend games.
Now, fans can watch live NBA games every night—no cable needed.
Key Channels and National Broadcasters
ABC and ESPN
ABC and ESPN continue to air the biggest matchups of the season. They broadcast the playoffs, Christmas Day games, and the entire NBA Finals. Fans can stream these games on the ESPN app or through services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, and DIRECTV STREAM.
NBC and Peacock
NBC is back on the national schedule with Sunday and Tuesday night broadcasts. Peacock adds exclusive Monday night games that stream only on its platform. Every NBC telecast also streams live on Peacock, making it easy to switch between TV and mobile viewing.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video is now a national broadcast partner. It carries Thursday and Friday games, along with all NBA Cup knockout rounds and the Play-In Tournament. Prime subscribers can also add NBA League Pass as a channel to follow out-of-market games.
NBA TV
NBA TV remains an important network for daily coverage. It airs select live games, classic matchups, and studio shows. NBA TV is available through League Pass or live-TV streaming bundles like YouTube TV and DIRECTV STREAM.
Local Games on Regional Sports Networks
Not all NBA games are on national TV. Local games still air on Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) like NBC Sports Regional, Spectrum SportsNet, FanDuel Sports Network, and MSG.
Fans can stream these local games with DIRECTV STREAM or Fubo. These services cover the most RSNs.
Local broadcasts include team news, interviews, and special commentary you won’t see on national games.
If you use both your RSN and a national streaming app, you can watch every game your team plays.
Watch Out-of-Market Games with NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass is the best choice for fans following teams outside their region. It streams every out-of-market game live or on replay and includes NBA TV in all plans.
Plan options for 2025–26 are expected to stay close to last season:
- Single-Team Pass: about $14 per month
- Full League Pass: about $18 per month
- Ad-Free Premium Plan: about $25 per month
League Pass works on the NBA App, smart TVs, and streaming devices. It’s also available as an add-on through Prime Video and YouTube TV.
Blackout rules apply to games shown on ABC, ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video in your region. Those games appear later on replay. International fans enjoy full access with no blackouts under NBA League Pass International.
Best Streaming Services to Watch NBA Games Without Cable
DIRECTV STREAM – Complete Coverage
DIRECTV STREAM offers ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, NBA TV, and most RSNs in one place. It supports League Pass add-ons and unlimited DVR. It’s the top choice for fans who want both national and local coverage.
YouTube TV – Simple and Reliable
YouTube TV includes ABC, ESPN, NBC, and NBA TV. It features an easy layout, multiview streaming, and unlimited DVR for nine months. It’s ideal for fans who want a clean interface and full national access.
Sling TV – Budget-Friendly Option
Sling TV offers ESPN and NBA TV with its Sports Extra add-on. It’s affordable and runs smoothly on nearly every device. It’s a good pick for fans who want national coverage without paying for RSNs.
Fubo – Great for Local Sports Fans
Fubo carries ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and many regional channels such as NBC Sports and FanDuel RSNs. It supports up to ten devices and includes a free trial. It’s perfect for fans who follow hometown teams.
Hulu + Live TV – Sports and Entertainment in One
Hulu + Live TV includes ABC, ESPN, and NBC. It also bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ for a wide mix of content. It lacks NBA TV but remains a strong option for general viewers.
Amazon Prime Video – New National Partner
Prime Video airs Thursday and Friday games and major tournaments. Subscribers can add NBA League Pass and watch exclusive replays in 4K. It’s great for fans who already use Prime for other entertainment.
Quick Comparison Table for Choosing the Best Streaming Services
| Service | ABC / ESPN | NBC / Peacock | Prime Video | RSNs | NBA TV | NBA League Pass | Free Trial | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV STREAM | ✅ | ✅ | — | ✅ | ✅ | Add-on | 5 days | Complete national and local coverage |
| YouTube TV | ✅ | Add-on | — | Limited | ✅ | Add-on | 7 days | Easy to use with full national access |
| Sling TV | ✅ | — | — | ❌ | ✅ | Add-on | 50% off 1st month | Budget fans who watch national games |
| Fubo | ✅ | ✅ | — | ✅ | ✅ | Add-on | 7 days | Local sports and regional coverage |
| Hulu + Live TV | ✅ | ✅ | — | ❌ | ❌ | — | — | Sports and entertainment in one plan |
| Prime Video | — | — | ✅ | — | Add-on | Add-on | 30 days | Exclusive NBA Cup and Play-In games |
| NBA League Pass | — | — | Available via Prime & YouTube TV | — | Included | ✅ | Varies by plan | Out-of-market fans who want every game |
How to Watch NBA Games for Free
You can watch parts of the NBA season for free using short trial offers or antennas for local broadcasts.
Free trial options:
- YouTube TV: 7 days with ABC, ESPN, NBC, and NBA TV
- DIRECTV STREAM: 5 days with full national and RSN access
- Fubo: 7 days with ABC, ESPN, and regional coverage
- Prime Video: 30 Days free access
Free ABC broadcasts:
ABC airs key games such as Christmas Day matchups and the NBA Finals. A digital antenna can capture these signals for free in HD quality.
Fans can also look for limited-time promotions on streaming platforms during major NBA events.
Supported Devices for Streaming NBA Games
| Device Type | Examples | Compatible Services |
|---|---|---|
| Smart TVs | Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio | YouTube TV, Peacock, ESPN App, Prime Video |
| Streaming Devices | Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast | All major services including League Pass |
| Game Consoles | PS5, Xbox Series X/S | YouTube TV, Prime Video, Hulu + Live TV |
| Mobile Devices | Android, iPhone, iPad | ESPN, Peacock, NBA App, Prime Video |
| Computers | Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox | YouTube TV, ESPN, Peacock, NBA.com |
For smooth streaming, use a stable internet speed of at least 15 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K.
How to Avoid Blackouts and Restrictions
Blackouts happen when a game airs nationally or in your local market. These tips help you avoid missing live action.
- NBA League Pass – Watch every out-of-market game live or on replay.
- RSN Access – Services like DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo carry local broadcasts that League Pass blacks out.
- VPN Access – A trusted VPN such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN can help travelers stream games while abroad.
- NBA App Replays – Watch full replays and highlights soon after the final buzzer.
Combining these tools gives you nearly complete season coverage without blackout delays.
Special NBA Events to Stream in 2025–26
| Event | Dates | Where to Watch | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Night | Oct 21, 2025 | ESPN and Prime Video | Season tip-off with top matchups |
| Emirates NBA Cup | Nov–Dec 2025 | Prime Video | Second annual in-season tournament |
| Christmas Day Games | Dec 25, 2025 | ABC and ESPN | Five nationally televised games |
| All-Star Weekend | Feb 13–15, 2026 | NBC and Peacock | Skills, 3-Point, and All-Star Game |
| Play-In Tournament | Apr 14–17, 2026 | Prime Video | Decides final playoff spots |
| NBA Playoffs | Apr–Jun 2026 | ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock | Full postseason schedule |
| NBA Finals | Jun 4–20, 2026 | ABC | Best-of-seven series for the title |
Each network also offers replays, highlights, and extra coverage on its app.
Tips for the Best NBA Streaming Experience
- Use a wired internet connection for stable playback.
- Keep your streaming apps and devices updated.
- Adjust video quality to “High” or “Best” for sharper visuals.
- Use DVR features on YouTube TV or DIRECTV STREAM to save games.
- Place your router near your streaming device for better Wi-Fi signal.
Small changes like these can improve picture quality and prevent lag during live games.
FAQs – Watching NBA Games Online
What app can I use to watch NBA games live?
The ESPN app, Peacock, Prime Video, and the NBA App all stream live games. Combine one with YouTube TV or DIRECTV STREAM for full coverage.
Can I watch the NBA Finals without cable?
Yes. The NBA Finals air on ABC, which is free with an antenna or available through live-TV streaming services.
Does YouTube TV include Peacock?
No. Peacock requires a separate subscription for Monday and Tuesday games.
How can I watch my local team if their games are blacked out?
Use a platform that carries RSNs like DIRECTV STREAM or Fubo. These show local games live.
Is NBA League Pass worth it?
Yes. It’s perfect for out-of-market fans who want every game live or on replay.
Can I use a VPN to stream blocked games?
A VPN helps travelers access broadcasts from other regions. Check your streaming service’s terms before using one.
What’s the cheapest way to watch every team?
Combine Sling TV for national games with League Pass for out-of-market coverage.
Where can I find replays and highlights?
The NBA App and YouTube NBA Channel post replays and condensed games shortly after they air.
The 2025–26 NBA season brings more coverage, better streaming, and flexible viewing options for every fan. ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock and Prime Video share the national schedule, while League Pass and RSNs complete the picture for local and international viewers.
You can now follow your favorite team from anywhere with reliable access on every device. Whether watching on your TV, laptop, or phone, the NBA season is easy to stream live and replay anytime.
From October’s opening tip to the June Finals, fans have everything they need to enjoy a full season of nonstop basketball action.
