Where to Watch NBA Preseason 2025: Streaming & TV Channel Guide
The 2025 NBA preseason runs from October 2 to October 17. These early games give fans a first look at every team before the regular season tips off on October 21.
Coaches use the preseason to test lineups and give rookies and new signings a chance to settle in. Fans can watch the action live on TV or stream it online.
This guide explains where to watch and how to stream every matchup so you can follow your favorite team from the first tip to the final buzzer.
2025 NBA Preseason TV Channels & Broadcasting Rights
You can watch many preseason games on NBA TV, ESPN, ESPN2 and Peacock. These national networks carry the biggest matchups and give fans reliable coverage across the United States.
TNT is no longer part of the preseason broadcast package under the league’s new media deal. Check the TV schedule here for each game’s kick-off times and the channels
How to Live Stream NBA Preseason Games in 2025
You can stream preseason games through several live TV services that carry the national channels. DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo both include ESPN, ESPN2 and NBA TV.
Each service offers a free trial so you can watch the preseason without a long contract. Sling TV with the Sports Extra add on is the lowest cost option for ESPN and NBA TV.
Hulu + Live TV streams every preseason game that airs on ESPN but does not have NBA TV. You can watch on a smart TV, laptop, tablet or phone with any of these services.
Best TV Plans for Streaming NBA Preseason
Stream with DIRECTV is a strong pick for preseason coverage. It carries every national NBA channel and most regional sports networks. Plans start at $69.99 a month. The cost is higher if you only want preseason games, but it prepares you for the full regular season.
The right plan depends on the team you follow. For local games, Stream with DIRECTV and Fubo give the widest regional network coverage. Some local preseason games also stream free on team websites or air on antenna TV channels, so a paid plan is not always needed.
For out-of-market games, NBA League Pass is designed for fans who live away from their favorite team. It includes NBA TV for added NBA and WNBA coverage.
For national games, any service that carries ESPN and NBA TV will work. Sling TV with its Sling Orange plan and Sports Extra add on is the most affordable. Peacock is also needed for games scheduled on that platform.
Which TV Providers Carry NBA Preseason 2025 Games
Several major TV providers include ESPN and NBA TV, which are the main national channels for preseason games.
DIRECTV, Fubo and Spectrum give the widest regional sports network coverage, but channel lineups can differ by location. Hulu + Live TV carries ESPN but not NBA TV.
Sling TV offers both ESPN and NBA TV when you add the Sports Extra package. YouTube TV also includes ESPN and NBA TV for about $82.99 a month, though it no longer sells NBA League Pass and regional sports network access depends on your zip code.
Check your area before you sign up to make sure these channels are available.
How to Watch the NBA Preseason for Free
Some teams give fans free access to their preseason games. The Sacramento Kings stream games on Kings.com and the Phoenix Suns air on Arizona’s Family stations KTVK and KPHE-LD.
You can also start a free trial with DIRECTV STREAM or Fubo to watch national and local preseason coverage without a long-term contract. Peacock does not offer a free trial, so a paid plan is needed for any games scheduled there.
How to Watch 2025 NBA Preseason FAQ
Does NBA League Pass include preseason games?
Yes. NBA League Pass streams select preseason matchups and also includes NBA TV.
Is the NBA preseason available on Hulu + Live TV?
Yes. Any preseason game that airs on ESPN can be streamed on Hulu + Live TV, but the service does not include NBA TV.
Are international preseason games televised in the United States?
Yes. Games played in Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, Vancouver and Macao are scheduled for NBA TV or other national outlets.
Are NBA preseason games on Peacock?
Yes. At least two games are scheduled on Peacock. The first is Chicago Bulls vs Boston Celtics on Tuesday, October 7 and the second is Oklahoma City Thunder vs Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday, October 14.
Do preseason stats count toward regular season totals?
No. Stats and records from preseason games do not carry over to the regular season.
The 2025 NBA preseason takes place from October 2 to 17 and offers an early look at every team. Watch games on national channels, local networks, or top streaming services to catch all the action before the regular season starts on October 21.
