Where To Watch Basketball Games Tonight

what station is basketball on tonight

With so many channels and streaming services to choose from, it can be difficult to keep track of which channel is showing basketball games. In the US and Canada, basketball fans can watch games on ESPN, Fox, Paramount, Peacock, DAZN, NBA TV, TNT, and more. Some streaming services require a subscription or additional purchases to access certain channels.

Characteristics Values
Date 28 March 2025
Channels ESPN, ABC, TNT, NBA TV
Streaming providers DIRECTV STREAM, Sling, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Fubo
Streaming apps ESPN app, WatchTNT app
Additional streaming options TNT Overtime on the NBA app, Max streaming service, Hulu, Amazon Prime
Cable/streaming/satellite package NBA TV for $7/month or $59/year

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Streaming services with access to ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV

There are a variety of streaming services that provide access to ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV, so you can watch all the basketball you want. Here are some options:

Sling TV

Sling TV is a popular choice for streaming NBA games, as it offers a few different plans that include the channels you need. With the basic Sling Orange package, you get TNT and ESPN for $40 per month. You can then add the Sports Extra add-on for an additional $11 per month to get NBA TV. Sling TV also offers a Sling Blue plan, which includes local channels like ABC in select markets. You can bundle Sling Orange and Blue together to get a more comprehensive NBA package. Additionally, Sling TV often has special deals and discounts for new members.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is another comprehensive option for streaming NBA games. The CHOICE plan and above include ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV, along with your local ABC channel and regional sports networks. DirecTV Stream also offers solid regional sports network options and the ability to add NBA League Pass to your subscription. However, it is important to note that DirecTV Stream can be more expensive compared to other streaming services.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is a great choice if you want a combination of sports and entertainment. It includes ABC and ESPN, along with access to the Disney Bundle and Hulu's extensive library of TV series and movies. Hulu + Live TV also grants you access to ESPN+, which offers additional exclusive sporting events and original programming. This option is available from $83 per month, and there is a three-day free trial for new subscribers.

Fubo

Fubo is a streaming service that provides access to ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV. However, it does not carry TNT or any of the Turner cable channels. To watch TNT games, you can subscribe to the Max streaming service or add the Bleacher Report add-on. Fubo offers solid regional sports network options and is available from $85 per month.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another streaming service that provides access to ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. It offers a comprehensive package for streaming NBA games, and there are no mentions of specific add-ons or additional costs required.

NBA League Pass

NBA League Pass is a standalone streaming service that provides access to out-of-market NBA games. It includes NBA TV and can be purchased through various providers, including Sling TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, and more. It is available from $17 per month, and you can add it to your existing streaming service subscription for a more seamless experience.

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Streaming providers with access to ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV

To watch every nationally televised NBA game, you will need access to ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. Here are some streaming providers that offer access to these channels:

Sling TV

Sling TV is a popular option for streaming NBA games, as it offers access to ESPN, TNT, and ABC. The basic Sling Orange package includes TNT and ESPN for $40 per month, and you can add the Sports Extra add-on for an additional $11 per month to get NBA TV. Sling TV also offers a discount when you bundle its Orange and Blue plans, which gives you access to local channels like ABC. Additionally, Sling TV subscribers can add channels to a list of favorites for quick access and use their provider login on the ESPN app for additional ESPN content.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is another comprehensive option for NBA fans, offering access to ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. The CHOICE plan and above come with these channels, along with your local ABC channel and regional sports networks based on your billing location. DirecTV Stream also introduces new navigational features for sports fans, like Team Pages and the My Teams Carousel. However, it can be more expensive compared to other streaming providers.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is a great option for sports fans who want access to movies and TV series. It includes over 95 channels, including ABC and ESPN, and grants access to ESPN+ for additional exclusive sporting events. Hulu + Live TV also offers regional sports networks and is generally more affordable than DirecTV Stream.

Fubo

Fubo is a sports-friendly streaming service that offers ABC, ESPN, and over 150 other channels on its base Essential package. However, it lacks TNT, so you may need to find an alternative for games broadcast on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Fubo Extra and Sports Lite add-ons include NBA TV, and Fubo subscribers can access TNT games by subscribing to the Max streaming service or through the TNT app.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is another streaming provider that offers access to ESPN, ABC, and TNT. It is a good option for those seeking a balance between sports and entertainment content.

NBA League Pass

NBA League Pass is a great option for fans of out-of-market teams, as it features live coverage of every game excluding nationally broadcast and local market games. It also includes condensed recaps, full-game archives, and access to NBA TV's 24/7 live stream. NBA League Pass can be purchased directly through the NBA or via streaming providers like Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV.

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Cable, satellite, or streaming providers with ESPN or TNT access

To watch basketball games, you'll need to subscribe to cable, satellite, or streaming providers with ESPN or TNT access. ESPN is owned by PENN Entertainment, Inc. and is available in states where PENN is licensed to offer sports wagering. TNT, on the other hand, is a popular option for those who want to watch NBA games without cable.

Streaming Providers

  • DIRECTV STREAM
  • Sling (plus an add-on for NBA TV)
  • YouTube TV
  • Hulu with Live TV
  • Fubo (does not include TNT)

Cable and Satellite Providers

Cable/satellite packages with TNT and ESPN: These will vary by region, and you can check with your local providers to see if they offer these channels.

If you have access to ESPN or TNT through one of these providers, you can also watch games through their respective apps: the ESPN app (ESPN and ABC) or the WatchTNT app (TNT). Authentication is required to use these apps.

In addition to the providers above, there are other ways to watch NBA games. For example, you can subscribe to NBA League Pass, which offers access to NBA TV and the ability to watch games carried on local networks and RSNs. You can also watch games through local over-the-air affiliates, which vary by team.

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Local networks and RSNs for NBA games

The channels you can watch NBA games on depend on whether you are watching local or non-local games. Each NBA team has local channel affiliates dedicated to regional game broadcasts when national coverage is not available. Some NBA affiliates like WWOR-TV and WFAA are accessible using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. However, RSNs like Bally Sports and NBC Sports regional networks require a more comprehensive TV plan. Bally Sports+ is one such option that offers direct access to your local Bally Sports regional network.

Some live TV streaming services that offer RSN access include DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo. These providers offer top-tier options for seamlessly tuning into RSNs, ensuring you don’t miss a single in-market game. However, DIRECTV STREAM is one of the most expensive live TV streaming services, while Fubo has hidden RSN fees and doesn’t include TNT for national coverage. Additionally, both DIRECTV and DISH have solid RSN offerings for those without access to reliable internet.

For non-local games, national channels like ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV broadcast games that don’t air live on RSNs or NBA League Pass. Each season, these channels show more than 250 games on top of the NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals. The NBA League Pass is a subscription service that offers out-of-market access to teams far from home. It is available as an add-on through some TV providers or as a standalone streaming version that includes NBA TV.

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Streaming NBA games without cable

If you're wondering how to watch NBA games without cable, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that nationally televised NBA games are typically aired on channels such as ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. If you're specifically looking to stream the games, here are some options:

Streaming Options

  • Hulu + Live TV: Hulu offers the ability to live stream NBA games on channels like ESPN, TNT, TruTV, and ABC with their Hulu + Live TV plan. This plan also includes regional restrictions, blackouts, and additional terms. With Hulu + Live TV, you can also record games to watch later using the Cloud DVR feature.
  • Sling: Sling is a great value option that carries TNT and ESPN. However, it does not include ABC. Sling is available with an NBA TV/League Pass add-on.
  • DirecTV Stream: This service offers a comprehensive selection of channels, including RSNs, ABC, NBA TV, ESPN, and TNT with their Choice package. The DirecTV Stream service provides the convenience of channel-flipping without the need for contracts or hardware. The Choice package is priced at $94.99 per month for the first three months. Additionally, they offer a 5-day free trial.
  • Antenna: If you're looking for a free option, consider using an antenna to access OTA (over-the-air) channels. With an antenna, you can watch local channels and ABC for free. However, you won't have access to channels like TNT, ESPN, or NBA TV.
  • NBA League Pass: If you're interested in keeping up with a team outside your region, the NBA League Pass is a good option. It provides access to out-of-market games, but it does not include local or national games.

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

Games in your area that aren't nationally televised can often be found on Regional Sports Networks (RSNs). These networks vary by city and are typically included in cable packages. However, the future of RSNs is uncertain due to the bankruptcy of the Diamond Sports Group, which operates the FanDuel Sports network (previously known as Bally Sports). As a result, some teams like the Mavericks and Pelicans have opted to launch their own OTA channels and streaming services.

Frequently asked questions

You can watch basketball on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV.

Streaming providers with access to ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV include DIRECTV STREAM, Sling (plus an add-on for NBA TV), YouTube TV, and Hulu with Live TV.

Fubo only has access to ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV. To watch TNT, you can subscribe to the Max streaming service or the TNT Overtime on the NBA app, although these streams may not include announcers or traditional camera angles.

Yes, you will need to subscribe to cable, satellite, or streaming services with access to the channels mentioned above.

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