How to Watch NBA TV Live Without Cable 2025

What is NBA TV?

Established in 1999, NBA TV is the go-to channel for comprehensive basketball coverage. The channel provides viewers a deep dive into the world of hoops with live telecasts of NBA and WNBA matches. NBA TV also provides game highlights, sharp analysis, interviews with key figures in the sport, and gripping docuseries. It’s also the main broadcaster of events like the NBA Summer League.

Which streaming services offer NBA TV?

Many popular streaming services offer NBA TV as part of their channel lineups. Here’s a breakdown of which streaming services you can use to stream NBA TV without cable.

DIRECTV STREAM: a premium option with full sports coverage

DIRECTV STREAM is a premium streaming service that brings the historic cable service DIRECTV into the 2020s, offering four jam-packed plans to choose from with plenty of sports in store: Entertainment, Choice, Ultimate and Premier. To watch NBA TV, subscribers will want to opt for a Choice, Ultimate or Premier plan. Although DIRECTV STREAM sports coverage is hard to beat, the price point may be equally hard for some subscribers to swallow—especially because prices are subject to change multiple times throughout a calendar year. But an upside of DIRECTV STREAM that softens the blow is the inclusion of regional sports networks (RSNs), which are hard to find anywhere else. DIRECTV STREAM also has unlimited Cloud DVR, meaning you have unlimited space for all your favorite basketball games to hang out until you’re ready to watch—or rewatch. 

Sling TV: budget-friendly option for streaming NBA TV

Sling TV may be budget-friendly, but its channel lineup doesn’t take any cheap shortcuts. Whether you choose a Sling Orange, Sling Blue or Sling Orange & Blue plan, you’ll gain access to dozens of the best sports channels on television, like ESPN, TNT, ABC, NBC and more. To watch NBA TV, make sure to add on a Sling TV Sports Extra package for an extra monthly cost. In addition to NBA TV, the add-on includes channels like NFL RedZone, MLB Network and more. Despite the extra cost of the Sports Extra package, Sling TV remains the cheapest mainstream streaming service on this list. 

Fubo: live sports-focused streaming with NBA TV

It’s obvious after only a short glance that Fubo values sports above all other content. And the streaming service puts its money where its mouth is by streaming more domestic and international sporting events than any other provider. To be expected, Fubo’s channel lineup—which tops over 300 channels—includes NBA TV. Fubo also comes with a lot of great included extras such as 4K quality content, unlimited Cloud DVR and the ability to watch on up to ten screens at once. Deluxe plan subscribers also get complimentary access to MGM Plus, which includes thousands of ad-free movies and TV episodes. 

YouTube TV: unlimited DVR and extensive sports coverage

YouTube TV is ushering in a new standard to streaming: simplicity. With only one plan to choose from, there’s no agonizing over the best fit. And there’s no need to: YouTube TV’s Base Plan includes over 100 channels, including NBA TV, as well as a plethora of standout features, like support for up to six individual profiles each with its own unlimited cloud DVR library as well as unique extras like Key Plays View and Stats View, enhancing the game in ways never before seen in streaming. YouTube TV’s price point is also on the lower end of its competitors, making it even more enticing for prospective subscribers. 

How to watch NBA TV on the app

Current NBA TV subscribers can access their subscription by logging into the NBA app. 

• Download the NBA app on your phone or tablet. 
• Sign in using your preferred live TV streaming provider. 
• Start streaming games, highlights, analysis and behind-the-scenes insights from around the NBA.

The app is available on iOS and Android. 

Other streaming devices include:

• iPhone (OS 15+)
• iPad (OS 15+)
• Android (OS 7.0+)
• Android Tablet (OS 7.0+)
• Chromecast (Gen 3+)
• Roku OS 9+, 5th Generation (select countries)
• Apple TV (OS 15+)
• Android TV
• Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick Gen 3+, Fire OS 6+ (select countries) 
• Hisense (select countries)
• Comcast Xfinity Flex, Xumo TV, and cable boxes (select countries)
• PlayStation 4, 5 (select countries)
• Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S (select countries)
• Apple Watch

FAQ

Can I watch NBA TV on my phone or tablet?

Yes, you can watch NBA TV on various devices, including your smartphone or tablet, using your web browser or the mobile app of your preferred streaming service. Check your streaming service’s compatible devices list to see which devices support NBA TV.

Do any streaming services offer a free trial for NBA TV?

Yes, several streaming services offer free trials so you can try out NBA TV before committing to a longer membership. Current live TV streaming service free trials include DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo and YouTube TV.

Is NBA TV available on-demand through these streaming services?

Yes, NBA TV on-demand content is available through live TV streaming services such as DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV and YouTube TV. Hulu + Live TV does not currently carry NBA TV, but you can still access plenty of on-demand sports content with your bundled ESPN Plus membership.