How to Watch NBA Live Streams in the 2024-25 Season
The 2024 NBA season is here, and it’s packed with action! Whether you’re excited for opening night, the new NBA Cup tournament in November, or already dreaming of the playoffs, there’s a lot to look forward to.
But let’s face it – no one likes dealing with expensive cable packages. The good news? Streaming NBA games online has never been easier!
In this guide, we’ll show you how to watch your favorite teams and games without cable. From big national matchups to local team broadcasts, and even out-of-market games, we’ve got everything covered.
No matter if you’re a Lakers, Celtics, or Warriors fan, you’ll find the perfect streaming option to keep you in the game.
Key Channels for NBA Games in 2024-25 season
To stream NBA games smoothly in 2024, you need to know where to find them. The NBA spreads its broadcasts across a combination of national, regional, and out-of-market channels.
Depending on whether you’re following primetime national matchups, supporting your local team, or following teams outside your region, the right channels will be key.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
National Channels
These channels show the biggest games, including the playoffs and NBA Finals:
- ABC: Major games like the Finals and Christmas Day matchups
- ESPN: Regular-season games, playoffs, and the NBA Draft
- TNT: Thursday night games, All-Star Weekend, and playoff coverage
- NBA TV: Live games and exclusive programming throughout the season
Pro tip: Channels like ESPN2, TBS, and truTV sometimes air extra games during busy weeks.
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)
RSNs show games for local teams that aren’t on national TV. If you’re following a hometown team, these networks are a must:
- Spectrum SportsNet: Lakers
- FanDuel Sports Network: Hawks, Heat, Cavaliers
- NBC Sports: Bulls, Warriors, Wizards
- MSG: Knicks and Nets
Note: Not all streaming services include RSNs, but DIRECTV STREAM offers the widest selection.
Watch Out-of-Market Games with NBA League Pass
If your favorite team isn’t local, NBA League Pass lets you watch out-of-market games that aren’t on national TV. You can choose between:
- Single Team Pass: Follow one team for $13.99/month
- Full League Pass: Access every non-local game for $16.99/month
- Ad-Free Pass: Watch without commercials for $24.99/month
League Pass also includes NBA TV and game replays, so you won’t miss any highlights.
How to Set Up Your Streaming Plan
To make sure you don’t miss a game, it’s smart to combine national channels with RSNs. If your team plays outside your local area, grab NBA League Pass for all the action.
With the right setup, you’ll catch every buzzer-beater, dunk, and game-winning shot – all without cable!
Now that you know how to stream the NBA in 2024, get ready to enjoy the season from start to finish. Grab your snacks, settle in, and let the games begin!
Best Streaming Services to Watch NBA Games Online Without Cable (2024)
With so many streaming options available, it’s important to pick the one that best matches your needs. Whether you’re looking for complete NBA coverage, an affordable plan, or just access to your favorite team’s games, these services offer the best solutions.
DIRECTV STREAM – Best Overall NBA Coverage
What It Includes: ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, and most Regional Sports Networks (RSNs).
Why It’s Great: DIRECTV STREAM offers the most comprehensive channel lineup, including both national and local NBA coverage. If you follow your home team and need access to RSNs, this is the top choice. You can also add NBA League Pass to get out-of-market games.
Pros:
- Unlimited DVR storage
- 20 simultaneous streams
- RSNs for teams like the Lakers (Spectrum SportsNet) and Bulls
Cons:
- High cost, starting at $69.99/month
- No multiview feature
Perfect For: Hardcore fans who want both local and national coverage.
Sling TV – Best Budget Option
What It Includes: ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV (with Sports Extra add-on)
Why It’s Great: Sling TV offers affordable packages, starting at $40/month. While it lacks most RSNs, it covers key national games with ESPN and TNT. You can also subscribe to NBA League Pass as an add-on.
Pros:
- Flexible channel packages
- 50% off first month for new users
Cons:
- Limited RSN access
- ABC only available in some markets
- Weak DVR storage (50 hours by default)
Perfect For: Fans on a budget who don’t need local team coverage.
YouTube TV – Best for NBA and WNBA Fans
What It Includes: ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, and optional NBA League Pass
Why It’s Great: YouTube TV offers a user-friendly interface, unlimited DVR storage, and a multiview feature – great for watching multiple games simultaneously. It’s also a good option for WNBA fans.
Pros:
- Comprehensive national coverage
- Unlimited DVR, with recordings saved for 9 months
- Multiview feature for watching multiple streams
Cons:
- Limited RSN access
- Single base plan, less customizable than Sling
Perfect For: Fans who want smooth streaming and national game coverage.
Fubo TV – Best for Sports Fans Seeking Regional Coverage
What It Includes: ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and regional sports networks (RSNs) like NBC Sports and FanDuel Sports Network
Why It’s Great: Fubo TV is a sports-centric streaming platform known for its wide selection of live sports channels. While it covers many RSNs and is ideal for local sports enthusiasts, the lack of TNT—a key channel for NBA games – is a drawback. However, the Max add-on (Bleacher Report Sports) helps solve this issue by providing access to TNT games.
Pros:
- Wide selection of RSNs
- NBA TV included in standard plans
- Streams on up to 10 devices simultaneously
- 7-day free trial available
Cons:
- No TNT in its standard lineup
- Higher price compared to competitors (starting at $74.99/month)
- Limited support for Multiview
Perfect For: Fans who follow local sports teams and want a streaming service with RSN coverage along with general sports content.
Hulu + Live TV – Best for Sports and Entertainment Combo
What It Includes: ABC, ESPN, TNT, but no NBA TV
Why It’s Great: Hulu + Live TV combines sports, live TV, and streaming entertainment with access to Disney+ and ESPN+ included in the plan. While it lacks NBA TV, it offers a great selection of channels for national games and access to local channels.
Pros:
- Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ at no extra cost
- Unlimited DVR with recordings saved for 9 months
- Strong selection of entertainment and sports content
Cons:
- No NBA TV
- Limited RSN coverage
Perfect For: Fans who want sports and entertainment in one subscription.
NBA League Pass – Best for Out-of-Market Fans
What It Includes: All out-of-market NBA games, available as live or on-demand streams
Why It’s Great: NBA League Pass is the ultimate choice for fans who want to follow non-local teams throughout the season. With multiple subscription options, including Single Team and Full League plans, fans can tailor their experience. The ad-free option ensures uninterrupted viewing, and the service also includes access to archived games and exclusive programming like NBA TV.
Plans:
Single Team Pass: $13.99/month
Full League Pass: $16.99/month
Ad-Free League Pass: $24.99/month
Pros:
- Home and away broadcast feeds
- In-game stats available on select devices
- Access to archived games and classic NBA moments
Cons:
- Blackouts for national or local games
- Replays for blacked-out games are delayed by 3 hours
Perfect For: Fans who want to follow out-of-market games and need comprehensive access to NBA content beyond just local broadcasts.
How to Watch NBA Games for Free
If you’re looking to enjoy NBA games without paying for a subscription, you’re in luck! With free trials and antennas, you can catch a lot of the action at no cost. Below are the best ways to stream NBA games for free and stay connected to the season’s biggest events.
Free Trials on Streaming Services
Several streaming platforms offer limited-time free trials, which allow you to watch NBA games without paying upfront. This is a great option to catch nationally televised games, especially during key events like the NBA Playoffs or All-Star Weekend.
- YouTube TV: 7-day free trial with access to ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV
- DIRECTV STREAM: 5-day free trial, offering RSN access along with ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV
- Fubo TV: 7-day free trial with ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV (but lacks TNT)
Pro Tip: Plan your free trials strategically around important events, such as the NBA Cup tournament or Play-In Tournament, to maximize your access. Don’t forget to cancel the trial before it ends to avoid getting charged.
Use an Antenna for ABC Games
ABC airs some of the most important NBA games, including Christmas Day matchups and the NBA Finals. A high-definition antenna is a great way to watch these games live without paying for a streaming service or cable subscription.
Recommended Antenna: Mohu Leaf 50 – Can capture signals from up to 60 miles away and provides crisp HD broadcasts.
How It Works: Simply connect the antenna to your TV and scan for channels to get live access to ABC’s NBA broadcasts. With an antenna, you can catch nationally televised games for free, including the entire NBA Finals.
Key NBA Events in the 2024–2025 Season to Stream
Mark your calendars for these exciting NBA events:
- Season Start: October 22, 2024 – Kick off the season on ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV.
- NBA Cup Tournament: November 12 – December 17, 2024 – Stream the final rounds on ABC.
- Christmas Day Games: December 25, 2024 – Watch five big matchups on ABC and ESPN.
- All-Star Weekend: February 16, 2025 – Tune into the All-Star Game and events on TNT.
- Play-In Tournament: April 15–18, 2025 – Teams battle for playoff spots on ESPN and TNT.
- NBA Playoffs: Start April 19, 2025 – Available on ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV.
- NBA Finals: Game 1 on June 5, 2025 – Catch every game live on ABC.
Device Compatibility for Streaming NBA Games
Streaming NBA games is super easy, no matter where you are or what device you’re using. If you’re at home, you can watch on your smart TV with built-in streaming apps. Popular brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio let you download apps like YouTube TV, Sling TV, DIRECTV STREAM, or the NBA app right onto your TV for a smooth viewing experience.
If you don’t have a smart TV, streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or Google Chromecast will do the trick. These devices turn any TV into a streaming hub, giving you access to all the major services so you never miss a game.
For those on the go, mobile apps make it easy to stream from your smartphone or tablet. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, you can catch games through apps like YouTube TV, Sling TV, ESPN, or the NBA app. It’s perfect if you want to follow the action while traveling or multitasking.
You can also stream games on your computer using a web browser. Chrome, Safari, Edge, and Firefox all support NBA streams, making it quick and easy to jump into a game while you’re working or studying. No matter which device you use, catching every moment of the NBA season is just a few clicks away.
How to Avoid Blackouts and Regional Restrictions
Blackouts and regional restrictions can block access to certain NBA games, especially local matchups. Here are effective ways to avoid these issues and watch your favorite teams without interruptions.
Use NBA League Pass – Follow Out-of-Market Teams
- What It Does: NBA League Pass allows you to stream out-of-market games that are not shown locally or nationally.
- Limitation: Local and nationally televised games may be blacked out. Replays are available 3 hours after the game.
- Best For: Fans who follow teams outside their region.
RSNs on DIRECTV STREAM – Avoid Local Blackouts
- What It Does: DIRECTV STREAM offers Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), giving you access to local games that might not be on national TV.
- Coverage: Teams like the Lakers (Spectrum SportsNet) and Bulls are available through RSNs.
- Best For: Fans who want to follow local teams without blackout worries.
VPNs for International Viewers – Work Around Blackout Zones
- How It Works: A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows users to change their location virtually, bypassing regional restrictions to watch blocked games.
- Legality: Always review local streaming policies as some services may block VPN usage or restrict accounts using this workaround.
- Best For: Fans traveling abroad or those facing regional blackouts.
Try ExpressVPN (30 day risk free access)
NBA on Amazon Prime and Other Streaming Platforms
NBA fans now have more ways to stream games through Amazon Prime Video and other platforms. Here’s how you can make the most of these services.
How to Watch NBA League Pass through Amazon Prime Video
What It Offers: NBA fans can subscribe to NBA League Pass directly through their Amazon Prime Video account.
Benefits:
- Stream out-of-market games live or on-demand.
- Access NBA TV for additional games and analysis.
- Manage everything through your Amazon subscription, with easy billing.
How to Subscribe: Search for NBA League Pass in the Prime Video app and subscribe as an add-on.
Best For: Fans who already use Amazon Prime and want a seamless streaming experience for non-local games.
Max (Bleacher Report Sports) – TNT Broadcasts Available
What It Offers: Max, with the Bleacher Report Sports add-on, streams TNT’s NBA games, including Thursday night matchups and the All-Star Weekend.
Other Content: In addition to live games, Max offers sports documentaries and shows like Winning Time and Shaq.
Availability: This add-on is currently free but may require a subscription later.
Best For: Fans who watch TNT-exclusive games and want access to NBA-adjacent content.
Tips for the Best NBA Streaming Experience
Enjoying NBA games without interruptions requires more than just a good streaming service. Follow these tips to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Internet Speed Recommendations
- Ensure at least 15 Mbps for smooth HD streaming.
- For 4K streams, aim for 25 Mbps or higher to avoid buffering.
- Use a wired Ethernet connection or stay close to your Wi-Fi router for optimal performance.
DVR Features for Game Replays
- YouTube TV and DIRECTV STREAM offer unlimited DVR storage, allowing you to record games and watch them later.
- YouTube TV stores recordings for up to 9 months, so you can catch up on games you missed.
- Perfect for fans who want to watch games on their own schedule or revisit exciting moments.
Watch in 4K for the Ultimate Experience
- Some platforms, like Fubo TV and DIRECTV STREAM, offer select NBA games in 4K resolution.
- Ensure you have a 4K-compatible device (e.g., smart TV or streaming device) for the best picture quality.
- Adjust your streaming settings to “High” or “Best Quality” mode to enable 4K streams where available.
Conclusion and Recommendations
With the 2024–2025 NBA season offering so many exciting matchups, tournaments, and playoff action, it’s essential to choose the right streaming service based on your needs. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:
All-around Coverage: DIRECTV STREAM – Best option for complete coverage with national channels and RSNs.
Budget-Friendly: Sling TV – Ideal for fans who want national games without overspending.
Out-of-Market Games: NBA League Pass – Perfect for following non-local teams with extensive game access.
Take Advantage of Free Trials: Make sure to use free trials from YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM, and Fubo TV to explore the best option for you. Whether you’re streaming a big Christmas Day game or following your team throughout the playoffs, there’s a solution that fits every fan’s needs.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite streaming method in the comments below and let us know which service works best for you. Subscribe for more sports updates and streaming tips throughout the NBA season.
