ESPN is bringing a mix of old and new to its coverage of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Basketball fans will hear plenty of familiar voices on ESPN and ABC broadcasts, as lead play-by-play announcer Mike Breen, analyst Richard Jefferson and reporter Lisa Salters remain fixtures on the lead team. Analyst Tim Legler will join the rest of the crew this season, replacing Doris Burke, who will continue to call games alongside Dave Pasch.
The biggest change for ESPN is the addition of "Inside the NBA," featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O'Neal and Kenny Smith. The iconic show will air on ESPN and ABC for weeknight doubleheaders as well as marquee weekend games.
Here is everything you need to know about watching NBA games on ESPN and ABC throughout the 2025-26 season.
How to watch the NBA on ESPN and ABC
TV channel: ABC, ESPN
Live stream:ESPN app
ABC and ESPN will continue to broadcast games during the regular season and playoffs, and ABC will be the exclusive home of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL and college sports, plus "SportsCenter," "First Take" and all your favorite ESPN shows — anytime, anywhere — only in the new ESPN app.
NBA on ESPN and ABC schedule for 2025-26 season
Dates: Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
ESPN and ABC will primarily cover games on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays during the 2025-26 regular season. "Inside the NBA" will serve as ESPN's main pregame, halftime and postgame show for its biggest events, but "NBA Countdown" will still air before select games.
Day TV/Live stream
Sunday ABC, ESPN app
Wednesday ESPN, ESPN app
Friday ESPN, ESPN app
Saturday ABC, ESPN app
ESPN and ABC will also be the home of several major events on the NBA calendar, including the Eastern Conference Finals, NBA Finals and NBA Draft.
'Inside the NBA' schedule for 2025-26 season
ESPN has released the full "Inside the NBA" schedule for the 2025-26 regular season. The show will also air throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs, including the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals.
"Inside the NBA" will make its ESPN debut on Wednesday, Oct. 22.
Date TV/Live stream Games
Oct. 22 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Oct. 23 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Oct. 29 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Nov. 12 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Dec. 25 ABC, ESPN, ESPN app NBA on Christmas
Jan. 24 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
Jan. 28 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Jan. 31 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
Feb. 7 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
Feb. 20 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Feb. 21 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
Feb. 22 ABC, ESPN app NBA Sunday Showcase
Feb. 27 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
Feb. 28 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
March 1 ABC, ESPN app NBA Sunday Showcase
March 6 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
March 7 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
March 8 ABC, ESPN app NBA Sunday Showcase
March 14 ABC, ESPN app NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC
April 12 ESPN, ESPN app NBA on ESPN doubleheader
ESPN app subscription plans, prices
ESPN offers two basic streaming plans. Coverage of live NBA games is not included in the Select plan.
Here is a breakdown of each plan:
Select plan
$12.99 per month or $129.99 per year
Access to ESPN+ content
More than 32,000 live sporting events each year
Studio shows, on-demand replays and original content
Unlimited plan
$29.99 per month or $299.99 per year
Access to all of ESPN's linear networks and other services, including ESPN+
47,000 live sporting events each year
Studio shows, on-demand replays and original content
NBA on ESPN and ABC announcers, analysts for live games, studio shows
Here is ESPN's full roster for the 2025-26 NBA season:
Play-by-play announcers
Mike Breen
Mark Jones
Dave Pasch
Ryan Ruocco
Game analysts
Jay Bilas
Doris Burke
Richard Jefferson
Tim Legler
'Inside the NBA'
Charles Barkley
Ernie Johnson
Shaquille O'Neal
Kenny Smith
Sideline reporters/insiders
Shams Charania
Katie George
Alyssa Lang
Lisa Salters
Jorge Sedano
Brian Windhorst
Studio hosts
Malika Andrews
Studio analysts
Michael Malone
Bobby Marks
Monica McNutt
Chiney Ogwumike
Kendrick Perkins
Stephen A. Smith
Michael Wilbon
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