How to watch the NBA without cable (2026-27)

National games are split across ESPN, NBC and Prime Video this season, so no single service has everything. Here's where each game airs, what each service costs and the cheapest setup for the way you watch.

Prices are US list prices before taxes, from the sources listed below. The regular season runs Oct 20, 2026 to Apr 11, 2027.

Where each game airs

For the second season of the NBA's current TV deal, national games are split between Disney (ESPN and ABC), NBCUniversal (NBC and Peacock) and Amazon (Prime Video), with NBA TV adding a few more. Everything else is a local or out-of-market game.

Source: NBA.com 2026-27 viewing guide. Exact games vary by week; check the NBA app schedule.

• NBC, Peacock and NBCSN: up to 100 games, the largest package. Every NBC game also streams on Peacock.
• ESPN and ABC: about 80 games, all streaming in the ESPN app.
• Prime Video: 66 exclusive games, including the NBA Cup group stage and knockout rounds.
• League Pass: every out-of-market game that isn't on national TV.
• Your local team: a regional sports network, a local TV station or the team's own streaming service.

What each option costs

Live TV services also include Hulu + Live TV (comes with ESPN Unlimited), Sling, Fubo and DirecTV. Compare them in our live TV streaming guide.

Adding up ESPN Unlimited, Peacock, Prime and League Pass comes to about $77 a month before your local team. The Athletic puts the season-long cost for an enthusiastic fan at $661.

The cheapest setups

Cancel what you don't need between games. Every service here is month to month, and most of the national services also carry the playoffs, which League Pass does not.

Watching your local team

Local games are blacked out on League Pass, so you need whatever channel holds your team's local rights. That's usually a regional sports network you can get through a live TV service such as YouTube TV, or a team-run streaming service. Several teams have also moved local games to free over-the-air stations. Check your team's website for "how to watch".

Free trials

Prime Video has a 30-day free trial for new members. Peacock doesn't offer one, but Walmart+ includes Peacock. League Pass has no standard trial; the current way to get it free is a sportsbook sign-up deal, covered in our League Pass price guide.

How to watch your local team: all 30 teams

With the FanDuel Sports Networks gone, local games are a patchwork this season. DAZN took over 10 teams, several teams run their own streaming apps, and many have moved games to free over-the-air stations, which you can watch with an antenna. These options only work inside your team's home market.

Source: PCWorld NBA 2026-27 streaming guide, Oct 15, 2026. "DirecTV" here means DirecTV Choice or MySports with MyHomeTeam. Monthly prices shown; most also sell a season or yearly price. Some teams were still adding TV partners at the start of the season, so check your team's site.

If your team is on an NBC Sports regional network (Celtics, Warriors, 76ers, Kings), you can add it inside YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV or Peacock. Teams on DAZN need a separate team subscription; a regular DAZN plan doesn't include NBA games.

NBA Cup, playoffs and the Finals

The NBA Cup runs through November and December, and its group-stage and knockout games stream on Prime Video. Play-In and playoff games air only on national TV, split between ESPN and ABC, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video, and the NBA Finals are on ABC. League Pass carries none of them, so cancel it when the regular season ends on April 11 and keep the national services.

The internet speed you need

An HD game needs a steady 5 to 8 Mbps, and 4K or a multiview screen needs 25 Mbps or more per stream. Live sports buffer more than on-demand shows because the stream can't load far ahead. Run our speed test during a game, and see what speed you need for live sports if games stutter.

If the app itself is slow, the TV is usually the problem. A recent streaming device on a wired connection fixes most lag. Three games a week adds up to roughly 20 to 30 GB a month, which matters on capped plans.

Questions

Can you watch the NBA without cable?

Yes. National games stream on the ESPN app (ESPN Unlimited), Peacock and Prime Video, out-of-market games on League Pass, and ABC and NBC games are free with an antenna.

What is the cheapest way to watch NBA games?

An antenna for ABC and NBC is free and gets you about 75 national games. Adding Peacock ($12.99) and Prime Video ($14.99, or $8.99 for Prime Video alone) covers most of the rest of the national schedule for under $30 a month.

How much does it cost to watch every NBA game?

About $77 a month for ESPN Unlimited, Peacock, Prime and League Pass, before your local team. The Athletic estimates an enthusiastic fan will spend $661 over the season.

Can I watch my local NBA team without cable?

Sometimes. Your local team's games air on a regional sports network or the team's own channel and are blacked out on League Pass. Check whether your team has a streaming app or an over-the-air partner, or use a live TV service that carries your regional network.

Is NBA TV included with League Pass?

Yes, when you buy League Pass from the NBA app or NBA.com. NBA TV alone costs $8.99 a month.

Which service has the most NBA games?

League Pass, but only for out-of-market games. For national games, NBC and Peacock carry the largest package (up to 100 games), followed by ESPN and ABC (about 80) and Prime Video (66).