Trying to figure out where to catch the nba game tonight can feel like a puzzle these days. With all the new deals and streaming options, it’s not as simple as it used to be. Gone are the days of just flipping through a couple of channels. This guide is here to help you cut through the noise and find exactly where to watch your favorite teams play, so you don’t miss any of the action.
Key Takeaways
- The NBA has a new media rights deal, changing where games are broadcast.
- National games are spread across NBC/Peacock, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video.
- You’ll likely need multiple streaming subscriptions to watch all the games.
- Peacock has Monday night games, Prime Video has Friday nights, and ESPN covers other key matchups.
- SiriusXM offers live radio broadcasts for all games, letting you listen to home or away feeds.
Navigating the NBA Broadcast Landscape
Understanding the New Media Rights Deal
The 2025-26 NBA season kicks off under a brand new media rights agreement, and it’s a pretty big shift from what we’re used to. For starters, the long-running "NBA on TNT" is wrapping up, making way for games to return to NBC. This new 11-year deal involves three main players: Disney (which owns ABC and ESPN), NBCUniversal (NBC and Peacock), and Amazon (Prime Video). Together, they’re set to broadcast a lot more games nationally this season – we’re talking 247 games compared to last year’s 172. It used to be that you could catch most national games with just one or two streaming services, but that’s not the case anymore. This season, you’ll likely need access to multiple platforms to catch all the action.
Key Broadcast Partners for the Season
This season’s national broadcasts are spread across three major partners, each with a specific number of regular-season games:
- ABC/ESPN: Will air 80 regular-season games.
- NBC/Peacock: Will broadcast 100 regular-season games, plus the All-Star Game.
- Amazon Prime Video: Will feature 66 regular-season games.
It’s worth noting that some teams will be featured more often than others. For example, the New York Knicks are scheduled for a league-high 34 national broadcasts this season.
The Shift Towards Streaming Services
One of the biggest changes this year is the increased reliance on streaming. While you can still catch some games on traditional TV channels like ABC and NBC with a cable or live TV streaming subscription, many games will be exclusive to streaming platforms. This means that to get full coverage, fans will need to subscribe to services like Peacock and Amazon Prime Video, in addition to potentially needing ESPN’s direct-to-consumer offering. This move towards streaming-only games is a significant departure from previous seasons, making it more complex to follow your favorite team or catch marquee matchups without multiple subscriptions.
The days of easily finding every national NBA game on just a couple of channels are over. This new media landscape requires a more deliberate approach to ensure you don’t miss any of the action, especially with games being spread across different streaming services throughout the week.
Where to Find the NBA Game Tonight
Figuring out where to watch the NBA game tonight might feel a bit more complicated this season, and that’s understandable. Gone are the days when you could just flip through a couple of channels to catch the action. With a new media rights deal in place, games are spread across more platforms than ever before. This season, catching all the national broadcasts means you’ll likely need subscriptions to a few different streaming services. Let’s break down how to find the games you want to watch.
National Broadcast Schedules
National games are now distributed across three main partners: ESPN (and ABC), NBC (and Peacock), and Amazon Prime Video. This means the schedule is more varied throughout the week. You’ll see games on different nights and different platforms, so it’s worth checking the specific schedule for the night you want to watch.
Here’s a general look at the weekly national broadcast distribution:
- Monday: Games typically air on Peacock.
- Tuesday: You’ll find games on NBC and Peacock.
- Wednesday: ESPN is usually the home for national games.
- Friday: Amazon Prime Video features games on this night.
As the season progresses, especially after the NFL and college football seasons wrap up, the schedule expands to include more nights and weekend afternoon games on Prime Video and ESPN, with NBC and Peacock also picking up Sunday night slots.
Exclusive Streaming Games
This is where things get a bit different from past seasons. Some games are only available on streaming services, meaning you won’t find them on traditional cable or even most live TV streaming packages that include basic cable channels. Peacock and Amazon Prime Video, in particular, have exclusive windows for NBA games. This is a big shift, and it means that if you want to catch every single national game, you’ll need to be signed up for these specific platforms.
The move towards exclusive streaming games is a significant change for NBA broadcasting. While it offers flexibility for some viewers, it also requires a more deliberate approach to subscribing to the services that carry the games you want to see. Planning ahead is key.
Local vs. Out-of-Market Viewing
It’s important to remember the difference between national broadcasts and local games. If you’re trying to watch your favorite team, and they aren’t part of a national broadcast, you’ll likely need to tune into your local regional sports network (RSN). These games are not typically available on the national streaming services mentioned above. Conversely, if you’re trying to watch a game outside of your team’s local market, you’ll often need an NBA League Pass subscription to access those out-of-market games. This distinction is key to avoiding frustration when searching for a specific game.
Essential Streaming Subscriptions for NBA Fans
This season, keeping up with the NBA means getting a few streaming services. Gone are the days when just one or two channels covered everything. Now, with games spread across different platforms, you’ll likely need a combination to catch all the action you want. It’s a bit of a shift, but with the right subscriptions, you can still follow your favorite teams and matchups.
Peacock’s Role in NBA Coverage
NBC is back in the NBA broadcast game, and Peacock is your ticket to many of those games. They’re showing around 100 regular-season games, plus the All-Star Game. You’ll find exclusive games on Monday nights and Tuesday night doubleheaders. Starting in February, Sunday nights will also feature NBA games on NBC and Peacock. A Peacock Premium subscription, which costs about $11 a month, will give you access to all these NBA broadcasts.
Amazon Prime Video’s NBA Games
Amazon Prime Video is also a player this season, streaming about 66 regular-season games. Many of these will be Friday night doubleheaders. They’ll also carry the NBA Cup tournament games, including the finals. Later in the season, after the NFL and college football wrap up, Prime Video will add Thursday night and Saturday afternoon games. If you already have Amazon Prime, the cost is built-in. Otherwise, you can subscribe to Prime Video on its own for about $9 a month, or get the full Amazon Prime membership for $15 a month or $139 a year.
ESPN’s Direct-to-Consumer Offering
ESPN is stepping up its streaming game too. For about $30 a month, you can get ESPN Unlimited. This subscription lets you watch around 80 regular-season games that would normally be on ESPN and ABC. It also includes Wednesday night doubleheaders, and later in the season, Friday night doubleheaders, plus Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon games. This plan gives you access to all of ESPN’s linear networks and a lot of other live sports content, which is pretty neat if you follow more than just the NBA.
With the new media rights deal, the NBA is really pushing into streaming. This means you’ll need to be signed up for multiple services to catch all the national games. It’s a change from previous years, so planning your subscriptions is key.
Here’s a quick look at what you might need:
- Peacock: For NBC-broadcast games and exclusive Monday night matchups.
- Amazon Prime Video: For Friday night games and the NBA Cup.
- ESPN Unlimited: For games on ESPN and ABC, including Wednesday doubleheaders.
Combining these services will cost around $50 per month if you don’t already have Amazon Prime. It’s a bit of an investment, but it ensures you won’t miss out on the national broadcasts this season.
Understanding Game Distribution by Day
Weekday Broadcasts on Peacock and NBC
This season, weekdays are a bit different. You’ll find NBA action primarily on Peacock and NBC. Peacock, NBC’s streaming service, is carrying a good number of games, especially during the earlier parts of the week. Think of it as your go-to for mid-week basketball. NBC will also feature some select weekday matchups, often highlighting key rivalries or teams with significant national appeal. It’s a shift from previous years where national games might have been more spread out. Now, there’s a clearer focus on these platforms for weekday viewing.
Tuesday Night Doubleheaders
Get ready for Tuesday nights, because they’re packed with double the basketball. NBC is bringing back the "Tuesday Night Doubleheader" tradition, showcasing two exciting games back-to-back. This is a great way to catch multiple teams in action without having to switch platforms. These doubleheaders often feature matchups that have built-in storylines or are between teams that are performing well. It’s a solid block of basketball to plan your evening around.
Friday Night Prime Video Games
Amazon Prime Video is stepping up its game this season with exclusive Friday night NBA broadcasts. This means that if you want to catch the Friday night slate, a Prime Video subscription is likely going to be necessary. These games are often high-profile matchups, giving fans a dedicated streaming option for prime-time basketball on Fridays. It’s part of the broader trend of sports moving to streaming services, and Prime Video is a major player in that space now.
The way games are distributed across different channels and streaming services has changed quite a bit. It used to be simpler, but now you might need a few different subscriptions to catch all the games you want. Planning ahead is key to not missing out on any of the action, especially with exclusive games on platforms like Peacock and Prime Video.
Here’s a quick look at where you might find games on different days:
- Monday: Often features games on national networks or regional sports networks.
- Tuesday: Look for the "Tuesday Night Doubleheaders" on NBC.
- Wednesday: Games typically found on Peacock or regional sports networks.
- Thursday: Some games might appear on national broadcasts or streaming exclusives.
- Friday: Prime Video is the home for exclusive Friday night games.
- Saturday & Sunday: Schedules can vary, with games spread across national broadcasts and streaming services, including NBA League Pass for out-of-market games.
Accessing Live NBA Audio Broadcasts
Sometimes, you just want to listen to the game. Maybe you’re driving, maybe you’re working, or maybe you just prefer the radio experience. Whatever the reason, there are solid ways to catch the live audio for NBA games.
SiriusXM’s NBA Radio Coverage
SiriusXM is a big player when it comes to live NBA audio. They offer broadcasts for pretty much every game throughout the regular season, playoffs, and even special events like the NBA Draft and the NBA Finals. You can usually tune in through your car radio if you have a subscription, or stream it via the SiriusXM app. This means you can follow your favorite team, or even switch to the opposing team’s broadcast, no matter where you are.
Listening to Home and Away Feeds
One of the best features available through services like SiriusXM is the ability to choose between the home and away team’s radio feeds. This is great because each broadcast often has a different style and perspective. The home feed might be more enthusiastic about the home team, while the away feed offers a different viewpoint. It really lets you get a fuller picture of the game and the fan experience for both sides.
Radio Broadcasts for Key Matchups
Beyond the regular season, you’ll find that major events get special audio attention. This includes:
- Playoff Series: Every game of the Eastern and Western Conference Playoffs, from the first round all the way to the Finals, is typically available.
- Christmas Day Games: The marquee holiday matchups are always broadcast live.
- NBA Cup Tournament: Listen in on the action as the tournament progresses.
- NBA Draft: Catch the excitement with live play-by-play and analysis.
For many fans, the radio broadcast is the purest way to experience the game. It focuses on the action, the strategy, and the raw emotion without the visual distractions. It’s a classic way to follow the NBA, and thankfully, it’s still very accessible.
Special NBA Broadcast Events
Beyond the regular season grind, the NBA puts on a few special events that get a lot of attention. These aren’t just games; they’re happenings that draw in casual fans and die-hards alike, and knowing how to watch them is key.
The NBA Cup Tournament Viewing
This season introduces the NBA Cup, a mid-season tournament that adds a new layer of excitement. Think of it like a mini-playoff bracket that happens before the actual playoffs. The early rounds and semifinals will be spread across various broadcast partners, including Peacock and ESPN. The championship game, however, is slated for a prime-time slot on ABC. It’s a great chance to see teams battle for bragging rights and a trophy outside the usual championship chase.
Christmas Day Games Broadcasts
Christmas Day has become a holiday tradition for NBA fans. The league always rolls out a slate of high-profile matchups featuring some of the biggest stars and most popular teams. These games are typically broadcast nationally, with ABC and ESPN sharing the duties. Expect these games to be treated as marquee events, often with special pre-game shows and analysis.
All-Star Game and Playoff Coverage
The NBA All-Star Game is more than just a game; it’s a weekend celebration of basketball culture. While the main event is usually on TNT in previous years, under the new deal, it will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. The playoffs, of course, are the main event for serious fans. Coverage will be split between ESPN, ABC, and TNT, with specific series or games appearing on different networks. The NBA Finals will be broadcast on ABC.
The shift in broadcast rights means that while more games are available nationally, accessing them requires a more strategic approach to subscriptions. Planning ahead is important to catch these special events without missing a beat.
Here’s a quick look at where you might find these special events:
- NBA Cup: Early rounds on Peacock, Semifinals on ESPN, Championship on ABC.
- Christmas Day: Games spread across ABC and ESPN.
- All-Star Game: Broadcast on NBC and Peacock.
- Playoffs: Games distributed across ESPN, ABC, and TNT.
- NBA Finals: Exclusively on ABC.
Wrapping Up Your NBA Viewing
So there you have it. Figuring out where to catch the NBA action this season might take a little more effort than before, with games spread across different platforms. But with this guide, you’re all set to tune in. Whether it’s a marquee matchup or just a regular Tuesday night game, knowing your options means you won’t miss a single dunk or buzzer-beater. Enjoy the games!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main TV channels and streaming services showing NBA games this season?
This season, you’ll find NBA games on ABC, ESPN, NBC, and Peacock. For streaming, Amazon Prime Video and a new direct-to-consumer service from ESPN are also key. It’s a bit spread out, so you might need a few different subscriptions to catch all the games you want.
How many games are being broadcast nationally this year?
There are a lot more national games this season compared to last year! Expect around 247 national broadcasts across the different networks and streaming platforms, which is a big jump from the previous season.
Which streaming services do I absolutely need to watch the most NBA games?
To get the most complete coverage, you’ll likely need subscriptions to Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, and ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service. This combination should cover most of the exclusive streaming games and national broadcasts.
Are there specific days when certain games are shown?
Yes, there’s a schedule! Mondays often feature games on Peacock. Tuesdays bring doubleheaders on NBC and Peacock. Fridays are usually for games on Amazon Prime Video. ESPN will also have games on Wednesdays and later in the season, on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Can I listen to NBA games on the radio?
Absolutely! SiriusXM offers live radio broadcasts for pretty much every NBA game. You can often choose to listen to either the home team’s broadcast or the away team’s feed, giving you more options.
What about special events like the NBA Cup or Christmas Day games?
Special events are usually well-covered. The NBA Cup tournament games, including the finals, will be on Prime Video. Christmas Day games will be broadcast nationally, and you can expect major coverage for the All-Star Game and the entire playoffs across the main networks and streaming services.
