It’s officially basketball season: How to watch the most NBA games without cable

Credit: Getty Images / iStock / EKIN KIZILKAYA

Table of Contents

The best NBA streaming deals at a glance:

BEST INTRODUCTORY OFFER

YouTube TV

free 10-day trial, then $49.99/mo for your first 2 months
(save $46)

BEST FOR A LA CARTE CHANNELS

Sling

$31 for first month, then $51/month thereafter for Orange + Sports Extra packages
(save $20)

BEST FOR MORE THAN NBA GAMES

FuboTV

7-day free trial, then $59.99 for the first month
(save $20)

BEST CHANNEL LINEUP

DirecTV Stream

starting at $89.99 per month + RSN fees

BEST FOR TNT GAMES

Max

starting at $9.99 per month

Watching sports keeps getting more complicated. The 2024-2025 NBA season just kicked off and if you cut cable along with the majority of the country, you’re going to need a streaming service or two to catch the action live.

Between regional sports networks, blackout games, and national broadcasts, we have a lot to cover. Buckle up, basketball fans. We’ve got your guide to watching the 2024-2025 NBA season, including all of the best streaming deals.

When does the 2024-2025 NBA season start?The NBA season officially kicked off on Oct. 22 with the New York Knicks taking on the Boston Celtics at TD Garden in Boston. The 82-game regular season wraps up April 13, 2025.

What channels do I need to watch live NBA games this season?During the 2024-2025 NBA season, games will air live on ABC, ESPN and ESPN2, TNT, NBA TV, and of course, regional sports networks. Each team has a regional sports network that broadcasts games live for viewers within that region. If a game isn’t on ABC, ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV, it’s on a team’s regional sports network (more on that below). The NBA playoffs in 2025 will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, while the NBA finals will be live on ABC.

Things are set to get even more complicated next season, as the NBA’s new media deals with Prime Video and Peacock will replace TNT. But we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

If you have cable, you can tune in through your TV provider or on the mobile apps with your cable TV account login for the main networks. Not a cable subscriber? No worries — in 2024, there are plenty of other options. Live TV streaming services serve as cable alternatives with no strings attached, giving you live access to a well-rounded channel selection through your internet connection (rather than a cable connection). With no contract required, you can cancel whenever you wish. Below, we’ve rounded up our top picks, including the best streaming deals currently available for each.

What is an RSN and which one do I need?Unlike the NFL, which offers national broadcasts of most games with specific in-market choice games, the NBA complicates things with regional sports networks (RSNs). These are essentially sports-specific TV channels dedicated to a local market or geographic area. If you live in the same region as your favorite team, you’ll need to know which RSN broadcasts your team’s games. Some examples of RSNs are FanDuel Sports Network (which replaced Bally Sports), NBC Sports, and Altitude Sports. Head over to the NBA schedule if you aren’t sure which network your team plays on. For a complete list of each team’s RSN, see the FAQs below.

If you really only care about your local team, many RSNs offer subscriptions for you to tune in without cable. For example, Fan Duel Sports Network Southeast (which includes Atlanta Hawks and Memphis Grizzlies games) is $19.99 per month or $124.99 for the whole NBA season. Monumental Sports Network (which includes the Washington Wizards) is $19.99 per month or $199.99 per year. A quick Google search for your team’s RSN will let you know if there’s a separate subscription available. Of course, these RSN subscriptions will not include nationally broadcast games on ABC, ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV.

If you want to watch a team outside of your region, you don’t necessarily need to know which RSN said team plays on; instead, you’ll want to get NBA League Pass for out-of-network games (more on that below). You’ll probably be blacked out from watching a team in a different city anyway (in which case, you can try a VPN).

The best live TV streaming deals for NBA gamesYouTube TV

YouTube TV

Free 10-day trial, then $49.99/mo for your first 2 months (save $46)

Best for: Sweet introductory deal for new subscribers, well-rounded channel lineup

Channels: ABC, ESPN (and ESPN2), TNT, NBA TV, some RSNs

Pricing: Free 10-day trial, then $49.99 per month for your first two months (save $46). $72.99 per month thereafter for YouTube TV Base Plan.

YouTube is one of our favorite live TV streaming services for watching NBA games. It offers every channel you need to watch as many nationally broadcast games (in network) as possible, with over 100 in total. It also offers access to some RSNs depending on your region. Plus, if you’re new to the streamer, you can kick things off with a free trial, then a two-month introductory price of $49.99 per month. Afterward, the price will jump back up to $72.99 per month.

Sling
Best for: Affordability, a la carte channel selection

Channels: ABC (in select networks), ESPN (and ESPN2), ESPN3 (simulcast ABC games) TNT, NBA TV

Pricing: $40 per month (half off first month) for Orange package + $11 per month for Sports Extra = $31 for first month, then $51 per month thereafter

Sling is the best way to watch the most nationally broadcast NBA games for the least amount of money. You’ll get access to ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV, as well as ABC in select networks. For those who don’t get access to ABC in their region, ESPN3 simulcasts ABC games, so you can still watch live. You’ll need the Orange package, which costs $40 per month, plus the $11 per month Sports Extra add-on to access all of these networks through Sling. That brings your monthly total to $51 per month. However, you can slash $20 off your first month to get started. You can also add NBA League Pass to your package for $16.99 per month if you want to watch out-of-market games.

Hulu + Live TV
Best for: More than just live sports streaming, more bang for your buck

Channels: ABC, ESPN (and ESPN2), TNT, limited RSNs

Pricing: $59.99 per month for three months, then $82.99 per month

While Hulu + Live TV doesn’t include access to NBA TV, it does offer ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, and TNT in its 90+ channel lineup. Not to mention, a subscription also gives you unlimited access to the streaming libraries of Hulu, ESPN+, and Disney+. That’s a lot of bang for your buck. Typically $82.99 per month, you can sign up for just $59.99 per month for your first three months through Nov. 19. Plus, new subscribers get a three-day free trial. There are limited RSNs included in the base plan, but you can add on Fan Duel Network for an additional $9.99 per month.

FuboTV

FuboTV

7-day free trial, then $59.99 for the first month (save $20)

Best for: Fans of sports beyond NBA, the most comprehensive channel lineup

Channels: ABC, ESPN (and ESPN2), NBA TV, most RSNs

Pricing: 7-day free trial, then $59.99 for the first month. $79.99 per month thereafter for Fubo Pro plan.

Ideal for sports fanatics of all shapes and sizes (beyond just NBA), FuboTV has the most comprehensive channel lineup of any live TV streaming provider with over 185 channels in its base plan. The downside is it doesn’t include TNT, which is set to broadcast 66 games this season. For that reason alone, it’s not our top pick for watching NBA games this year, but it’s still a solid choice overall. After a seven-day free trial, your first month of the Pro plan is just $59.99 ($79.99 per month thereafter).

DirecTV Stream
Best for: Fans who live in same region as their team, more than just watching sports

Channels: ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, NBA TV, most RSNs

Mashable Deals

Pricing: $89.99 per month for the Choice package + RSN fee

If you mostly care about your home team, but like to check in with other teams as well, DirecTV Stream’s Choice package is a solid option, albeit expensive. The Choice package starts at $89.99 per month (with a $10 discount per month if you sign up for two years) and gives you access to almost every team’s RSN (for a fee). The Choice package also includes ESPN, ABC, NBA TV, and TNT. With the hidden fees, it’ll likely cost you over $100 per month, which is why it’s not our favorite option.

NBA League Pass
Best for: Out-of-market games, analysis, highlights, and more

Channels: Everything except national broadcasts on ABC, TNT, and ESPN.

Pricing:

$109.99 for the season (with ads) or $16.99 per month

$159.99 for the season (no ads) or $24.99 per month

$89.99 for just one team for the season

$9.99 per month for students

Similar to NFL’s Sunday Ticket, minus the outrageous fee, NBA League Pass gives fans access to live out-of-market games. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy games from the NBA’s archive, analysis, documentaries, highlights, and more. Local games on NBA TV, as well as nationally broadcast games on ESPN, TNT, and ABC will be blacked out live. You can tune into locally blacked-out games three days after the live broadcast and nationally broadcast games three hours after.

For example: As a Nashville resident, live Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks games are blacked out for me.

Max
Best for: Casual fans, catching games on TNT

Channels: TNT

Pricing:

$9.99 per month With Ads or $99.99 per year (save $19)

$16.99 per month Ad-Free or $169.99 per year (save $33)

$20.99 per month Ultimate Ad-Free or $209.99 per year (save $41)

Max subscribers get access to live NBA games on TNT through the new B/R Sports add-on. It’s currently free with your Max subscription for an unspecified limited time. So, casual fans looking to tune into a few NBA games here and there could get by with a Max subscription only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, of course. In 2024, there’s no need for a cable subscription to watch sports. You can subscribe to your local team’s regional sports network, sign up for a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Fubo, or subscribe to NBA League Pass. There are lots of options, depending on your specific needs.

The NBA regular season lasts for about 25 weeks, with each team playing 82 games. It kicked off on Oct. 22 and wraps on April 13, with playoffs starting immediately after.

Since 2020, the NBA playoffs have kicked off with the NBA play-in tournament, which will take place April 15 through 18 in 2025. The first round of the NBA Playoffs 2025 will then begin on April 19.

The best way to watch out-of-market NBA games in 2024 is with NBA League Pass. Subscriptions start at just $16.99 per month (with ads) and beyond live games, you’ll also get to enjoy games from the NBA’s archive, analysis, documentaries, highlights, and more.

Atlantic

Boston Celtics — NBC Sports Boston

Brooklyn Nets — YES Network

New York Knicks — MSG

Philadelphia 76ers — NBC Sports Philadelphia

Toronto Raptors — NBA League Pass (no RSN)

Pacific

Golden State Warriors — NBC Sports Bay Area

LA Clippers — FanDuel Sports Network SoCal/ClippersVision

Los Angeles Lakers — Spectrum SportsNet

Phoenix Suns — Arizona’s Family/SunsVision

Sacramento Kings — NBC Sports California

Central

Chicago Bulls — Chicago Sports Network

Cleveland Cavaliers — FanDuel Sports Network Ohio

Detroit Pistons — FanDuel Sports Network Detroit

Indiana Pacers — FanDuel Sports Network Indiana

Milwaukee Bucks — FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin

Southeast

Atlanta Hawks — FanDuel Sports Network Southeast

Charlotte Hornets — FanDuel Sports Network Southeast

Miami Heat — FanDuel Sports Network Sun

Orlando Magic — FanDuel Sports Network Florida

Washington Wizards — Monumental Sports Network

Northwest

Denver Nuggets — Altitude

Minnesota Timberwolves — FanDuel Sports Network North

Oklahoma City Thunder — FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma

Portland Trail Blazers — BlazersVision

Utah Jazz — KJZZ

Southwest

Dallas Mavericks — TEGNA/WFAA Ch. 8

Houston Rockets — Space City Home Network

Memphis Grizzlies — FanDuel Sports Network Southeast

New Orleans Pelicans — Grey Media/Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network

San Antonio Spurs — FanDuel Sports Network Southwest

Christina Buff is a Nashville-based freelance writer for who covers shopping with a splash of entertainment. If you’re ever wondering what streaming service you need to watch something (and the cheapest way to sign up for it), she’s your girl.

Christina received a B.S. in Business Communication (concentration in writing) from Stevenson University and began her professional journey writing and editing press releases. Since then, she’s written content for a marketing agency, blogged for celebrities, and covered local news, politics, women’s lifestyle, fashion, beauty, and just about everything in between for various publications.

When she’s not writing, she’s probably enjoying live music, studying human design, or embroidering and upcycling clothes. You can follow her on Instagram at @touchinfinity.