How to Watch the NBA Online in 2026

The NBA's new media-rights deal, which began with the 2025–26 season, spreads games across broadcast television, cable and streaming. That means more ways to watch than ever — but also that following every game your team plays may require more than one service. Here is how the coverage breaks down and how to choose what suits you.

How the New NBA Media Deal Works

From 2025–26 onwards, national coverage in the United States is split across several partners:

• NBC and Peacock — broadcast games plus streaming, including some local matches in selected markets
• ESPN, ABC and Disney+ — cable and broadcast games, with streaming through ESPN's service
• Amazon Prime Video — a package of exclusive national games
• NBA League Pass — out-of-market games and NBA TV
• Regional broadcasters — team-specific local coverage in each market

Because national rights are shared, dedicated fans often combine one broadcast/streaming partner with League Pass to cover both national and out-of-market games.

Streaming Services at a Glance

Service	What you get	Best for
Peacock	NBC-produced national & select local games	Cord-cutters who want NBC's slate
ESPN / Disney+	ESPN & ABC national games	Fans whose team is often on ESPN/ABC
Amazon Prime Video	Amazon's exclusive national games	Prime members
NBA League Pass	Out-of-market games + NBA TV	Following a non-local team

NBA League Pass is the league's own out-of-market service. It carries games that are not shown on your local or national broadcasters, which makes it ideal if you follow a team based in another city. Note that games on the national partners and your local team's games can be subject to blackouts on League Pass — which is exactly why pairing it with a broadcast service works well.

Live-TV Bundles for Traditional Viewers

If you would rather not juggle separate apps, a live-TV streaming bundle combines the main national networks (and usually your regional sports network) into one subscription. These services typically include the NBA's broadcast and cable partners and offer cloud DVR, so you can record and catch up. Availability of specific channels and regional sports networks varies by market, so check what is included for your area before subscribing.

Free and Trial Options

• Most live-TV bundles offer short free trials — useful for catching a playoff run without a long commitment
• Network websites and apps sometimes stream games with a TV-provider login
• The NBA's official channels carry free highlights and clips throughout the season

Always check the terms before signing up, and cancel a trial before it renews if you do not want to keep it.

Watching the NBA Internationally

Outside the United States, the NBA is shown by regional rights holders — a major sports broadcaster or a dedicated streaming platform depending on your country. NBA League Pass is also available in many international markets and often provides the widest access for overseas fans, with fewer blackouts than in the US. Check what is available where you live, as rights holders change from season to season.

Choosing the Right Setup

• Casual fans: a free trial from a live-TV bundle around the playoffs is often enough.
• Dedicated fans: combine a national partner (Peacock or ESPN) with NBA League Pass for out-of-market depth.
• Home-team devotees: a bundle that includes your regional sports network keeps you covered for local games.
• International viewers: NBA League Pass is usually the simplest single subscription.

Keep Track on ScoresTrack

Whatever you subscribe to, you can follow the season here. The NBA page has scores and fixtures, the wider basketball hub covers other competitions, and upcoming matches shows what is on next — with every tip-off shown in your local timezone.

The Bottom Line

The 2026 NBA season offers more flexibility than ever, with games spread across broadcast, cable and streaming. Pick a combination that matches your budget and the teams you follow, pair it with League Pass if you want out-of-market games, and let ScoresTrack handle the schedule and scores.