Last Updated: February 13, 2026
The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, with 82 regular-season games per team plus the high-stakes playoffs. For cord-cutters in 2026, figuring out how to watch every game can be more complicated than understanding the salary cap. Between national broadcasts on TNT and ESPN, local games on Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), and the all-encompassing NBA League Pass, fans have a maze of options to navigate.
This guide breaks down every legal way to stream the NBA this season. Whether you are a casual fan who just wants to catch the big matchups or a die-hard who never misses a tip-off, we have the perfect solution for you.
For most fans, NBA League Pass is the first place to look. It is the league's official streaming service, offering access to hundreds of live out-of-market games. In 2026, the service has improved significantly with better video quality and new features.
This is the single biggest complaint about NBA League Pass. Before you buy, you must understand what "out-of-market" means.
Example: A Celtics fan living in Miami can watch all Celtics games on League Pass except when they play the Heat (local blackout) or when they are on national TV.
To bypass national TV blackouts and get a true cable-like experience, you need a "live TV streaming service" (vMVPD). These services carry ESPN, TNT, and ABC.
The Budget Choice. Sling Orange is the cheapest way to get ESPN and TNT legally. However, it does not include ABC (you'll need an antenna) or most RSNs.
The Best Overall. Includes ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, and ABC. It has the best DVR and interface. It's pricey, but it covers all national games.
The RSN King. Fubo is the only service that carries Bally Sports RSNs in many markets. However, it famously does not carry TNT, which is a dealbreaker for playoff fans.
The Playoff Essential. Max now streams all NBA games that air on TNT and TBS via its B/R Sports Add-on. This is a great, cheap way to watch the playoffs if you don't have cable.
| Service | Price | ESPN | TNT | NBA TV | Local RSNs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling Orange | $40 | Yes | Yes | Add-on ($11) | No |
| YouTube TV | $73 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Few |
| Hulu Live | $77 | Yes | Yes | No | Few |
| Fubo | $80 | Yes | No | Yes | Yes (Many) |
| League Pass | $15 | No | No | Yes | No |
International versions of NBA League Pass (e.g., in India, Mexico, or Brazil) do not have blackouts. Subscribers in these countries can watch every single game, including playoffs and finals, live.
While we cannot officially recommend violating terms of service, many US fans use a VPN to subscribe to "International League Pass" to avoid local blackouts. This typically involves connecting to a server in a country like India (where the pass is also cheaper) and signing up.
The 2025-2026 NBA season marks the beginning of a historic new media rights deal worth $76 billion. If you are used to watching "Inside the NBA" on TNT, things are changing. Here is what you need to know about the new landscape:
The biggest news is the return of the NBA to NBC (after 20+ years) and the entry of Amazon Prime Video as a major partner. This means starting in the 2025-2026 season:
What this means for you: You can no longer rely solely on a cable bundle. To watch every game, you will likely need a subscription to Amazon Prime and Peacock in addition to your live TV service (YouTube TV/Sling).
Yes, but they are limited:
No. The Finals air on ABC. In the US, they are blacked out on League Pass. You need a TV provider or an antenna.
Rarely. ESPN+ focuses on college basketball, NHL, and UFC. It does not simulcast the NBA games airing on the main ESPN channel.
If your team is on a Bally Sports network, the "Bally Sports+" standalone app ($20/mo) is likely the cheapest option. Otherwise, Sling Orange is the cheapest way to get national games.