How to Watch the 2026 NBA Season
With 30 teams and an 82-game schedule, the NBA offers non-stop action. However, finding reliable NBA streams can be difficult due to "Blackout Restrictions." Our guide helps you find the legal broadcaster for every matchup, ensuring high-definition quality without the hassle of buffering.
National vs. Local Broadcasts
NBA broadcasts are split into two distinct categories:
- National Games (The Big Stage): These air on TNT, ESPN, and ABC. TNT is famous for its Tuesday and Thursday doubleheaders, while ESPN/ABC dominates Wednesdays, Fridays, and the weekend.
- Local Games (Regional Sports Networks): Most games air on local channels like Bally Sports, NBC Sports Regional, or Spectrum SportsNet. If you live in the team's city, you must watch on these channels.
NBA League Pass: The Ultimate Tool
For the hardcore fan, NBA League Pass is essential. It allows you to watch every out-of-market game live. Note: If a game is airing on national TV (TNT/ESPN) or your local RSN, it will be blacked out on League Pass until 3 hours after the game ends.
Watching the NBA Playoffs & Finals
The intensity ramps up in April. The NBA Playoffs are broadcast exclusively on National TV. The First Round and Conference Semifinals are split between TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV. The NBA Finals are broadcast exclusively on ABC, making them accessible even with a simple digital antenna.