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2024-25 had to be one of the most unpredictable seasons in NBA history, with the fourth-seed Indiana Pacers making it all the way to the NBA Finals and the Dallas Mavericks trading away superstar Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he became teammates with no less than LeBron James. Not even the most dedicated and watchful NBA fans could've predicted what would go down in the league last year, and this season could be just as thrilling and surprising. So you'll want to keep your eyes glued to NBA action all year. Here's how to watch NBA games live throughout the 2025-26 season.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 05: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives against Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors in the first half of a preseason NBA game at Chase Center on October 05, 2025 in San Francisco, California. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images
Last season, the Oklahoma City Thunder won their first franchise title since 1979 and their first ever since relocating to the Sooner State. This, of course, makes them obvious favorites to repeat their success this season. But there are many talented teams around the league that, depending on how things shake out, could dethrone Oklahoma. There's the Lakers, with LeBron and Luka leading the way. There's the Cleveland Cavaliers, who fell to the Pacers in the conference semifinals. There's the Dallas Mavericks, perhaps the most unpredictable team in the league, who could have Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and first overall draft pick Cooper Flagg in their starting lineup. And then there's the New York Knicks, the uber-popular team that has been desperate for a championship for more than 50 years.
All of that just scratches the surface of the storylines sure to dominate the league this season. This time last year, few, if any, could've predicted an earth-shattering event like the Luka trade. What happens this go-around is anyone's guess.
This season, NBA games will be broadcast nationally on ESPN, Peacock, Prime Video, NBC, and ABC. Here's how you can make sure you have access to all these games.
How to Watch NBA Games on NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass is the NBA's official direct-to-consumer streaming service, and it lets you watch every single out-of-market game live. In other words, it's a basketball fan's dream. A subscription will cost you either $16.99/month or $109.99/season. You can also upgrade to the premium plan for $24.99/month or $159.99/season. For the added cost, your games will replace commercials with in-arena streams. And you'll be able to watch games on as many as three screens simultaneously. Whichever plan works best for you and your budget, you'll be watching NBA games all season long to your heart's content.
You can also subscribe to NBA League Pass via Prime Video.
How to Watch NBA Games on DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM has all the channels you'll need to watch nationally broadcast NBA games throughout the 2025-26 season. Subscription plans include Choice (around $89.99/month), Ultimate ($119.99/month), and Premier ($164.99/month). All of them have NBA TV in their channel lineups, delivering nearly nonstop coverage and analysis of the league straight to your device. All of these come with Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN Unlimited. You can also check out the MySports genre pack ($69.99/month and $59.99 for the first two months) for extra sports channels. MySports also comes with ESPN Unlimited.
How to Watch NBA Games on Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV's impressive channel lineup includes all the networks airing national NBA games this season. The Hulu Live TV channel lineup is jam-packed with live sports content, from the NFL Network to the MLB Network to the Golf Channel, FS1 and FS2, CBS Sports, The Big Ten Network, and many, many more. Here, you'll get access to 95+ channels and streaming services Hulu, Disney+, ESPN Unlimited, and ESPN Select for $89.99/month. If you want live sports all the time, it's hard to beat Hulu + Live TV.
How to Watch NBA Games on Fubo
Fubo is a quick and easy way to get live NBA games on your favorite screen. All three of Fubo's subscription plans include ESPN Unlimited and hundreds of channels. You can choose from Pro ($84.99/month), Elite with Sports Plus ($104.99/month), and Deluxe ($114.99/month). No matter what, you'll be watching NBA games live all season. Or, you can opt for Fubo Sports, a new sports-specific streaming service that has around 28 channels at an affordable price.
How to Watch NBA Games on Sling TV
Sling TV is a budget-friendly way to get channels with lots of NBA action (such as ESPN and NBA TV). Sling has plenty of flexibility with its plans, allowing you to sign up for monthly, weekly, or even daily service. Options include Orange ($45.99/month), Blue ($45.99/month), and Orange & Blue ($60.99/month). Prices may vary by location.
You can also check out Passes from Sling, a new offer that allows for day, week, and weekend passes of their Orange plan.
How to Watch NBA Games on Prime Video
Prime Video has exclusive broadcast rights to a number of NBA games this season. So if you want to watch those games, Prime Video is a must, and it only costs $8.99/month ($14.99/month or $139/year when subscribing through Amazon Prime). Not only will this have you watching hoops action all season, but you can also watch NFL, MLB, and WNBA games live.
How to Watch NBA Games on Peacock
Peacock will have live NBA games this season. Subscription choices include Premium ($10.99/month or $109.99/year) and Premium Plus ($16.99/month or $169.99/year). Either one will let you watch live NBA games, plus a host of other sports content and hilarious comedies, dramas, and more.
You can also subscribe to Peacock via Prime Video.
How to Watch NBA Games on ESPN Unlimited
For $29.99/month, you can have nearly the entire sports world within arm's reach. ESPN Unlimited has become indispensable for sports fans thanks to its almost 24/7 offerings of basketball, football, and baseball coverage, analysis, games, and highlights. If you want live sports all the time, you need ESPN Unlimited.
How to Watch NBA Games from anywhere with a VPN
VPN services allow you to hide your location, giving you access to live NBA games on almost any streaming platform, no matter where you are in the world. Top options like ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, or NordVPN make it easy to bypass regional restrictions and catch all the action.
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