What NBA TV Is and How to Watch It
NBA TV is a cable and streaming channel owned by the National Basketball Association that shows games, analysis, and basketball content year-round. You can watch it three ways: through a cable or satellite TV package that includes it, through a live TV streaming service, or through the NBA's own streaming platform called NBA League Pass.
The channel itself does not charge a separate subscription fee — it comes as part of a larger TV package. If you want NBA TV without cable, you need either a live TV streaming service (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV) or NBA League Pass, which is the NBA's direct-to-consumer streaming option. These are different products with different costs and different games included.
Key Takeaways
- NBA TV is included free with most cable and satellite TV packages, but you need a TV subscription to access it.
- Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include NBA TV for $70 to $80 per month, though prices vary by service and change over time.
- NBA League Pass is the NBA's own streaming service and costs between $15 and $20 per month or $100 to $120 per year, depending on the plan you choose.
- NBA League Pass does not include all nationally televised games — those air on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and other channels that you need separate access to watch.
- Blackout rules prevent NBA League Pass from showing local team games in your home market, so you may not be able to watch your nearest team.
Cable and Satellite TV Packages
If you already have cable or satellite TV through a provider like Comcast, Charter, AT&T, or Dish, NBA TV is usually included in your package at no extra cost. Check your channel lineup or call your provider to confirm it is in your plan. Most standard and higher-tier packages include it, but some budget packages do not.
The advantage is simplicity — you watch through your existing TV service. The disadvantage is that cable and satellite packages cost $50 to $150 per month depending on what channels you choose, and you are paying for many channels you may not watch. You also need to watch on a TV connected to a cable box or satellite receiver, though many providers let you stream their channels through an app on a phone or tablet if you log in with your account.
Live TV Streaming Services That Include NBA TV
Several streaming services carry live TV channels, including NBA TV. The main ones are YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV. Each one includes NBA TV in its base package, but prices and channel lineups differ.
| Service | Base Price (approximate) | Includes NBA TV | Watch on |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72 per month | Yes | Phone, tablet, computer, TV via Chromecast or compatible device |
| Hulu + Live TV | $77 per month | Yes | Phone, tablet, computer, TV via Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or Chromecast |
| Sling TV | $40 per month (Sports Extra add-on required for NBA TV, about $11 more) | Yes, with add-on | Phone, tablet, computer, TV via Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, or Chromecast |
Prices change frequently and vary by region, so check each service's website for current rates. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV include NBA TV in their base package. Sling TV requires you to add the Sports Extra package to get NBA TV. All three let you stream on multiple devices at once, though the number of simultaneous streams varies by service.
The advantage of live TV streaming is flexibility — you can watch on your phone, tablet, or computer, and you are not locked into a long contract. The disadvantage is that you still pay for many channels you may not use, and streaming quality depends on your internet connection.
NBA League Pass: The NBA's Direct Streaming Option
NBA League Pass is the NBA's own streaming service. It shows out-of-market games — meaning games involving teams outside your local area — but not nationally televised games on ESPN, ABC, TNT, or other major networks. It costs between $15 and $20 per month if you pay month-to-month, or between $100 and $120 per year if you pay upfront. The annual plan works out cheaper per month.
You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and compatible TV devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. You create an account directly with the NBA, not through a cable provider. Games are available on-demand after they air live, so you can watch on your own schedule.
The main limitation is blackout rules. If you live in a team's local market, NBA League Pass will not show that team's games, even if they are not on national TV. This is because local TV stations and regional sports networks have exclusive rights to broadcast those games in their area. You need to watch through your cable provider, a live TV streaming service, or the local broadcaster's own app to see blackout games.
What Games You Can Actually Watch on Each Service
This is where it gets complicated. NBA TV shows some games live, but not all. National broadcasts on ESPN, ABC, and TNT are separate — you need access to those channels to watch them. NBA League Pass shows most out-of-market games but not blackout games in your area. Cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services show everything, but you pay for channels you do not watch.
If you want to watch your local team and all nationally televised games, you need either cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service. If you live far from your favorite team and want to watch their out-of-market games, NBA League Pass is cheaper than a full TV package. If you want to watch only specific games and do not mind waiting for replays, NBA League Pass on-demand viewing may be enough.
Check the NBA's website or your chosen service's schedule before you sign up. Most services let you browse upcoming games and see which ones are available on their platform.
How to Sign Up and Cancel
For cable or satellite, contact your provider directly or sign up online through their website. You will need to provide your address and payment information. Installation may take a few days to a week.
For live TV streaming services, go to the service's website, choose your plan, and sign up with an email and payment method. Access starts immediately. Most services offer a free trial period — usually 5 to 7 days — so you can test the service before you are charged.
For NBA League Pass, go to nba.com/leaguepass, create an account, and choose your plan. You can start watching within minutes. Cancellation is straightforward on all services — you can cancel anytime through your account settings, and you will not be charged for the next billing period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NBA TV without paying for cable or a streaming service?
No. NBA TV requires a subscription through cable, satellite, a live TV streaming service, or NBA League Pass. There is no free version. Some games air on free broadcast networks like ABC, but NBA TV itself is not free.
Does NBA League Pass include all NBA games?
No. NBA League Pass excludes nationally televised games on ESPN, ABC, and TNT, and it excludes games in your local market due to blackout rules. You can watch out-of-market games and some local games that are not on national TV.
Can I watch NBA TV on my phone without cable?
Yes, if you have a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, or if you have NBA League Pass. You cannot watch NBA TV on a phone through a cable provider's app unless you log in with your cable account.
What is the cheapest way to watch NBA games?
NBA League Pass at $100 to $120 per year is the cheapest option if you want to watch many games, but it does not include nationally televised games or local team games. If you want all games, a live TV streaming service at $70 to $80 per month is the cheapest alternative to cable.
Do I need internet to watch NBA TV through cable?
No. You can watch through a cable box connected to your TV without internet. However, if you want to stream it on a phone or tablet, you need internet and your cable provider's app.