How to Watch the 2025-2026 NBA Season Online Without Cable

Where to Watch NBA Games Live This Season?

Watch the 25'-26' NBA Season Live on DIRECTV

DIRECTV offers four package options: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate, and Premier while including a five-day free trial, allowing you to explore the NBA season before subscribing. With the BYOD offering, all you'll need is a smart TV or a device you can stream on, DIRECTV will take care of the rest.

ESPN and NBC are available across all DIRECTV packages, while NBA TV is included with Choice and higher tiers (or via the Sports Pack on Entertainment). You can also stream ABC and certain regional sports networks—availability depends on your location. You can check your local RSN options directly through DIRECTV STREAM.

Watch NBA Games Live on Hulu + Live TV This Season

Hulu + Live TV provides a strong lineup of channels for watching NBA games, including ABC and ESPN. However, its selection of regional sports networks is quite limited — typically only providing access to NBC Sports channels in select markets. NBA TV isn’t available with Hulu + Live TV, and ESPN+ won’t add much for live NBA coverage unless you also maintain a cable subscription.

Watch NBA Games Live on Sling TV This Season 

Sling TV offers two base plans, plus a combined option that includes all channels from both. It’s one of the most affordable streaming services available, yet it still delivers plenty of great options for sports fans.

Although Sling TV doesn’t carry most regional sports networks, the combo package gives you access to ABC, NBC, and ESPN. If you want NBA TV, you can add it through the Sports Extra add-on.

Watch NBA Games Live on Fubo This Season

Fubo offers three plans for subscribers to choose from. The channel number varies based on your location. All the Fubo plans also include cloud DVR with unlimited recording capability, so you can record your games and watch them later if you need to. Fubo currently offers a seven-day free trial.

Fubo is a sports-lovers paradise because it has all the channels you need. You’ll be able to stream your local ABC affiliate, TNT and ESPN easily, though you’ll need the Sports Plus add-on to get NBA TV. As for your regional sports networks, there are several, including those from Bally, AT&T and NBC Sports. Note that a fee may be applied for any packages that include regional sports networks. See all of the available channels here.

Watch NBA Games Live on YouTube TV This Season

YouTube TV keeps things straightforward with a single plan that includes over 100 channels. The lineup covers a bit of everything, including key sports networks such as ABC, ESPN, NBC, and NBA TV. While regional sports coverage is limited to select NBC Sports stations, you’ll still find plenty of other sports channels to enjoy. YouTube TV also currently offers a free trial.

Out-of-market games on NBA League Pass

NBA League Pass offers another great option for following your favorite NBA team. It provides access to live and on-demand games, including out-of-market matchups. However, local games are subject to blackout restrictions, meaning you won’t be able to watch them live through the app. Still, it’s an excellent way to catch even more NBA action, even if some games aren’t available live.  

FAQ

How can I watch NBA games for free?

You can take advantage of free trials offered by various streaming services to watch NBA games at no cost. While this won't cover the entire season, it's a great way to catch key matchups — including major events like the NBA Finals — for free.

Is NBA League Pass worth it?

If you're interested in watching out-of-market games, NBA League Pass can be a valuable addition. Because local games are subject to blackout restrictions, it's best suited for fans who want to follow teams outside their home market.

Does ESPN+ on Hulu include the NBA?

You can only stream NBA games on ESPN+ if you log in with a cable subscription. If you've cut the cord, you won't be able to watch live NBA games on ESPN+ through Hulu. However, Hulu + Live TV does include live channels that carry NBA broadcasts.