Your Guide to Watching NBA Games on Television
The NBA regular season and playoffs are televised on several networks, making it easy for fans to catch their favorite teams in action. Whether you prefer watching nationally televised games or local broadcasts, this guide will help you navigate the television landscape for the 2024-25 NBA season.
National Television Broadcasts of NBA Games
Nationally televised games are available on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. These broadcasts showcase high-profile matchups and often feature commentary from renowned analysts. To watch every nationally televised game, you’ll need a cable, satellite, or streaming subscription that includes these channels.
Local and Regional Broadcasts: Catching Your Home Team
For fans who want to watch their local team’s games, Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) and local network affiliates are the primary options. These broadcasts focus on games within a specific geographic area.
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RSNs like Bally Sports and NBC Sports RSNs, MSG, YES Network, and Altitude offer comprehensive coverage of local team games. These are often available through cable and satellite providers, as well as some streaming services like Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV also carry NBC Sports RSNs.
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Local over-the-air affiliates are increasingly broadcasting NBA games, providing a free option for viewers with an antenna. Check your local listings for specific channels and game schedules.
NBA League Pass: Watching Games Out-of-Market
For fans living outside their favorite team’s local broadcast area, NBA League Pass offers a solution. This subscription service allows you to watch out-of-market games, either live or on-demand.
- NBA League Pass provides access to local out-of-market games and NBA TV.
- Pricing options include a base plan and a premium plan with commercial-free viewing.
- Availability: You can purchase NBA League Pass through various platforms, including the NBA app, NBA.com, Sling, Fubo, Amazon Prime, YouTube TV, and more.
Key Dates for the 2024-25 NBA Season
Mark your calendars for these important dates:
- October 22: NBA Opening Night
- December 17: NBA Cup Final
- February 14-16: NBA All-Star Weekend (San Francisco, CA)
- April 15-18: NBA Play-in Tournament
- April 19: NBA Playoffs begin
- June 5: NBA Finals begin
Attending NBA Games in Person
For the ultimate NBA experience, consider attending a game live. Ticket purchasing platforms like Vivid Seats, SeatGeek, and Gametime offer a variety of options for finding seats.
Finding the Right Option for Watching NBA on Television
Choosing the best way to watch NBA games on television depends on your location and viewing preferences. Whether you opt for national broadcasts, local channels, or NBA League Pass, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the excitement of professional basketball.
