Watch National Basketball Association (NBA) games on DIRECTV

Find out how to watch NBA games on your TV or stream on a connected streaming device.

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With changes to broadcast rights, regional sports networks (RSNs), and streaming platforms, it can be hard to know where to find NBA games. The good news: DIRECTV makes it easier to follow NBA all season long with tools like Sports Central, and our NBA schedule and ZIP code lookups.

 

How to locate NBA games 

Have you found yourself wondering what channel NBA games are on today? We hear you! NBA games can air across national networks, regional sports networks (RSNs), team-specific local channels, and streaming platforms. 
 

National NBA games (games available nationwide)

  • National broadcasts: NBA games are available on national networks like ABC, ESPN, NBC, and NBA TV. Select games may also stream on platforms like Prime Video or Peacock depending on broadcast rights. Learn more at NBA on DIRECTV. 
  • NBA TV: NBA TV delivers live games, analysis, highlights, and 24/7 basketball coverage. It is available on DIRECTV on channel 216. Learn more at NBA League Pass on DIRECTV. 
 

Local team games (RSNs & team-specific local channels)

Most NBA games are shown locally on regional sports networks (RSNs) or team-specific local channels. Availability of these channels varies by market (ZIP) code and package. 
 
  • Find your local team’s channel and package requirements: Enter your ZIP code in RSN Channel Locator to see which teams you get, required packages, and channel numbers based on your location. 
  • Find today’s game and where it airs: Use the NBA schedule to see where games are broadcast by date: NBA Schedule. 
 

Out-of-market options (when you’re outside your team’s territory)

  • NBA League Pass: NBA League Pass gives you access to out-of-market NBA games live or on demand throughout the season. It can be added to your DIRECTV subscription. Learn more at NBA League Pass on DIRECTV. 
  • Blackouts and exclusions: Some games are not available through NBA League Pass due to local or national broadcast rights (blackout rules apply). 
 

Confirm your access to channels or add streaming subscriptions

  • Check channel availability by package and location: NBA games can air on national networks and RSNs. Local availability depends on your package and ZIP code. See which Regional Sports Networks are available to you:  Regional Sports Network Lookup Tool.
  • Need ESPN streaming access? DIRECTV customers may have access to ESPN Unlimited, which allows you to stream ESPN coverage through the ESPN app (internet required). Learn more at ESPN Unlimited through DIRECTV. 
  • Sports Pack add-on: DIRECTV Sports Pack includes additional sports channels such as NBA TV and regional sports networks (availability varies by market). Learn more at Get DIRECTV Sports Pack. 
  • Additional streaming platforms: Some NBA games may require separate subscriptions to services like Peacock depending on the broadcast schedule. Learn more at Peacock Premium through DIRECTV. 

Need Peacock? Add the streaming subscription through DIRECTV: 

 

How to locate the game

DIRECTV makes it easy for you to locate NBA games with these options: 
  • NBA Schedule: Find games by date and see where they’re broadcast: NBA Schedule. 
  • Team lookup: Quickly locate your team’s schedule and broadcast details: NBA Teams & Schedules. 
  • Sports Central: From the main menu on your device or in the app, access Sports Central to explore schedules and more.
    Learn more at Sports Central.
 

How to watch the NBA 

Via the Guide and Search

  • Use your Guide and Search to find games by entering your team name, matchup, or “NBA” to see what’s live and upcoming across channels and available apps (internet required for streaming apps). 
  • Use the NBA schedule page to confirm where a game is airing, then tune in through your DIRECTV Guide: NBA Schedule. 

Via Sports Central

  • No matter how you get your DIRECTV service (via Satellite or via Internet), from the main menu access Sports Central to explore schedules and more (recording only available on DIRECTV channels). 
  • Learn more at Sports Central. 
 

Additional subscriptions beyond your DIRECTV subscription may be required to watch every NBA game. High-speed internet connection required for streaming apps and add-ons. Blackout rules apply. Availability of regional sports networks and team-specific channels varies by market (ZIP code) and package. 

 

Additional information: NBA on DIRECTV

 

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