How to Watch NBA Games in the United States
A comprehensive guide to understanding TV networks, Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), and streaming options for the NBA season.
Watching the NBA in the US is split into two main categories: national broadcasts and local market games. While marquee matchups air on big networks, the vast majority of your favorite team's games likely air on a specific local channel.
This fragmented system can be confusing. This guide breaks down exactly where games air so you can find the right channel or stream every night.
Where NBA Games Are Broadcast
National broadcasts are the easiest games to find. These are available to almost everyone with a standard cable package or live TV streaming service.
- ESPN & ABCHome to Wednesday and Friday doubleheaders, Saturday primetime games, and the NBA Finals.
- TNTFamous for its Tuesday and Thursday night coverage, along with the All-Star Game.
- NBA TVBroadcasts select games throughout the week and provides 24/7 league coverage.
Understanding Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)
This is where most confusion arises. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) are channels that own the exclusive rights to broadcast a specific team's games in their local area.
For example, if you live in Boston, most Celtics games are on NBC Sports Boston. If you live in Los Angeles, Lakers games are on Spectrum SportsNet.
Crucial Rule: If you live within a team's designated home market, their games will usually not be available on national streaming packages like NBA League Pass. You must watch via the specific channel or service that carries that RSN.
Watching NBA Games Without Cable
Cord-cutters have several options, but the right choice depends heavily on where you live relative to your favorite team.
1. Local Direct-to-Consumer Apps
Some RSNs now offer standalone streaming subscriptions. For example, fans in certain markets can subscribe directly to services like Bally Sports+ or MSG+ to watch their local teams without a cable contract.
2. NBA League Pass
This is the official league service for out-of-market fans. If you live in Chicago but want to watch the Miami Heat, this is your best option. However, it blocks live games for teams in your local area (blackouts).
3. Live TV Streaming Services
Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV carry national channels (ESPN, TNT, ABC). Some also carry specific RSNs, but coverage varies by region. Always check the channel lineup for your specific zip code before subscribing.
How to Find Where a Specific NBA Game Is On
Because improved flexibility means games jump between local RSNs, ESPN, and TNT, the channel isn't always obvious.
We aggregate the latest schedule data to show you exactly which networks and streaming services are carrying tonight's games.
Check the Schedule
See confirmed TV channels and streaming options for today's matchups.Check listings for Raptors vs Pacers
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my local NBA game not on national TV?
Most NBA regular season games are broadcast exclusively on Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) specific to the team's local market. National networks like ESPN and TNT select specific matchups to air nationwide, but the majority of the 82-game schedule remains on local channels.
Can I stream NBA games legally?
Yes. You can stream national games via services that carry TNT, ESPN, and ABC (like YouTube TV, Sling, or Hulu + Live TV). For out-of-market games, NBA League Pass is the official option. For local games, you typically need a subscription to a service that carries your specific Regional Sports Network.
Do blackout rules apply to NBA games?
Yes. If a game is being broadcast on a local channel in your area, it will be blacked out on national services like NBA League Pass to protect the local broadcaster's exclusive rights.