How to watch ABC online without cable in 2025: Get ready for select coverage of NBA playoffs

How to watch the NBA playoffs and NBA finals on ABC

The 2025 NBA playoffs will begin on April 19th, 2025 with the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament kicking off our first set of professional basketball matchups.

For 2025, ABC will air selected games during the first five weeks of the NBA playoffs and is the exclusive broadcaster of the NBA Finals:

Does ABC have the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament?

Unfortunately, while ABC will cover select games for the NBA playoffs, the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will only be on TNT and ESPN. 

You can find these broadcasts and streams using the options below:

What shows/events to watch on ABC

• Select NBA playoff games*
• NBA Finals
• The Oscars
• Saturday Night Football - College Football
• The NBA Playoffs/Finals (select games)
• The American Music Awards (AMAs)
• The Country Music Association (CMA) Awards
• Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve
• The ESPYs
• The NFL Draft (coverage shared with ESPN)
• ABC News Special Reports & Election Coverage
• The Bachelor
• The Conners
• Bad Romance
• Jimmy Kimmel Live!
• American Idol
• Shark Tank
• The View
• Abbott Elementary
• Celebrity Jeopardy!
• Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
• Celebrity Family Feud
• The $100,000 Pyramid
• Grey's Anatomy
• The Rookie
• Will Trent
• High Potential
• Doctor Odyssey
• Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
• Good Morning America

*ABC will broadcast select playoff games during the first five weeks of the NBA playoffs

How to watch ABC live without cable in 2025

With multiple streaming services offering ABC on their channel lists, it's simple to test a livestreaming platform offering a free trial before committing to a monthly subscription. ABC doesn't have the luxury of a direct partner like CBS and Paramount Plus or NBC and Peacock, but it does get shows broadcasted on Hulu roughly 24 hours after a show has been broadcast on the ABC network.

Some of the easiest ways to watch ABC live without cable is through free trials or discounted first months on DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV.

Watch ABC on DIRECTV STREAM with a 5-day free trial

DIRECTV STREAM is a versatile streaming service that provides ABC alongside ESPN, ESPN2, FS1 and many other channels. For more sports offerings, you can upgrade to the Choice, Ultimate or Premier packages, which include RSNs and even more channels. DIRECTV has begun rolling out more personalized plan options that allows users to pay just for what they need. Test out DIRECTV STREAM's free trial for 5-days before committing. 

Watch ABC on Fubo with a 5-day free trial

Fubo's packages include hundreds of channels including ABC with an extensive lineup of live sports. The Essential, Pro and Elite  plans all include unlimited Cloud DVR and access to watch Fubo on up to 10 screens when at home, plus 3 on the go. Get a discount on your first month after the free trial for up to $40.

Watch ABC on Hulu + Live TV with a 3-day free trial

Hulu + Live TV is a one stop shop that brings together live TV and Hulu's extensive on-demand content library. Disney Plus and ESPN Plus are bundled into either plan you select, so you can add Disney originals as well as more sports and exclusive content into the mix. Test out the service before signing up with the 3-day Hulu + Live TV free trial.

Watch ABC on YouTube TV with a new 21-day free trial

As of April 2025, YouTube TV offers an outstanding 21-day free trial.

YouTube TV is a great option for live streaming ABC for select 2025 NBA playoffs coverage. The base plan offers subscribers access to over 100 live channels that will keep you busy when nothing is happening on ABC. On top of that, you'll never miss the big plays with unlimited DVR space. 

Watch ABC on Sling TV with 50% off your first month's subscription price

Sling TV is a great budget option for people looking to cut the cord. With 50% off your first month's subscription, you can access all of Sling's channels for a fraction of the cost. Sling plans are very customizable and allow for users to only pay for what they need. Unfortunately, Sling TV only provides local channels, such as ABC, in select cities. Before signing up make sure to check your location and ensure you'll be able to watch ABC.

FAQ

Can you watch ABC for free without cable?

You can watch ABC for free with one of the many free trials available on DIRECTV STREAM (5-day free trial), Fubo (5-day free trial), Hulu + Live TV (3-day free trial), or YouTube TV (21-day free trial). You must be a new subscriber to each respective platform to be able to access its free trial offer.

Is ABC on Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon Prime Video offers TV shows and movies from ABC that are either included in your subscription or require rental/purchase.

Does Paramount Plus have ABC?

You cannot watch ABC Network shows on Paramount Plus. Paramount Plus exclusively airs CBS Network shows and programming. 

How do I stream shows from ABC?

Once you are on the ABC homepage, you can sign in with your verified streaming service login to gain full access to the ABC library of shows and movies. You will be able to stream right from your web browser.