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How to Watch NBA Games for Free in 2025
How to Watch NBA Games for Free in 2025

Whether you want a premium experience, a budget-friendly option, or even a way to watch for free, this guide from KnowInsiders will help you find the best method to enjoy every NBA game legally.

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a highly anticipated event for basketball enthusiasts both in the U.S. and around the world. In the U.S., fans with cable can easily watch games on ABC, ESPN, or TNT. However, for those living abroad, finding ways to watch NBA games for free or through a subscription can be more challenging.

1. Paid Options: Premium Access to Every Game

If you want complete access to every NBA game, including playoffs and the NBA Finals, these are the best premium options:

NBA League Pass

  • Price: Starts at $14.99/month (basic plan) or $22.99/month (premium plan with no ads and multi-device access).

  • What You Get: Every out-of-market game, classic games, highlights, and alternate camera angles.

  • Best For: Fans who want to watch all games without regional blackouts.

  • Where to Subscribe: NBA.com

Cable & Satellite TV (ESPN, TNT, ABC, NBA TV)

  • Major Providers: Comcast Xfinity, DIRECTV, Spectrum, Dish Network, and Verizon Fios.

  • Price: Varies by provider, typically $40–$100 per month with sports packages.

  • Best For: Fans who want access to nationally televised games, including the NBA Playoffs and Finals.

Live TV Streaming Services

For those who prefer to cut the cord, several streaming services offer NBA coverage:

  • YouTube TV ($72.99/month) – Includes ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV.

  • Hulu + Live TV ($76.99/month) – Includes ESPN, TNT, and ABC.

  • Sling TV (starting at $40/month) – Offers ESPN and TNT; NBA TV available as an add-on.

  • FuboTV ($74.99/month) – Offers ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV, but lacks TNT.

  • DIRECTV STREAM ($99.99/month for Choice package) – Includes regional sports networks for local team games.

Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

If you want to follow your local team, subscribing to a Regional Sports Network (RSN) is a must.

  • Examples: Bally Sports, NBC Sports, YES Network, AT&T SportsNet.

  • Best For: Fans who want to watch every game of their local NBA team.

  • Availability: Included in some cable packages or via streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM.

2. Budget-Friendly Options: Low-Cost NBA Streaming

If you don’t need full access but still want to catch key games, these cheaper options may be a great choice:

NBA Team Pass

  • Price: $13.99/month (access to one team’s out-of-market games only).

  • Best For: Fans who only follow one NBA team and want to avoid paying for the full NBA League Pass.

Sling TV with Sports Add-On

  • Price: $40/month for the base package + $11/month for the sports add-on.

  • Best For: Viewers who only need ESPN and TNT without paying for a full cable package.

ESPN+ (Limited NBA Access)

  • Price: $10.99/month or $109.99/year.

  • What You Get: Select NBA games, analysis, and exclusive content, but not full live game coverage.

3. Free & Legal Ways to Watch NBA Games

If you’re on a tight budget, there are still legitimate ways to watch NBA games for free.

1. Over-the-Air (OTA) Broadcasts

  • How It Works: ABC airs select NBA games, including NBA Finals, for free with an HD antenna.

  • Cost: One-time purchase of an antenna ($30–$60), then completely free.

  • Best For: Fans who want to watch national broadcasts without paying for cable.

2. Free Trials of Streaming Services

Many streaming platforms offer free trials that can be used to watch NBA games:

  • YouTube TV (7-day free trial) – Includes ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV.

  • FuboTV (7-day free trial) – Offers ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV (but no TNT).

  • DIRECTV STREAM (5-day free trial) – Covers RSNs, ESPN, and TNT.

3. NBA Social Media & Official App

  • NBA YouTube & Twitter: The NBA frequently posts game highlights, condensed replays, and top plays.

  • NBA App: Offers free game recaps, interviews, and analysis.

  • Best For: Fans who just want to stay updated without watching full games.

4. Free Game Nights from Streaming Services

  • NBA League Pass Free Preview: The NBA occasionally offers free trial weekends.

  • Amazon Prime Video (Limited Games): Sometimes streams select NBA games for free.

Final Recommendations

  • Best Overall Option: NBA League Pass (for full access to all games).

  • Best for Budget Viewers: Sling TV with Sports Add-On.

  • Best Free Option: ABC with an HD antenna or free trials of streaming services.

  • Best for Local Games: Regional Sports Networks or DIRECTV STREAM.

By using these legal streaming options, you can enjoy NBA basketball in 2025 without missing a moment of the action. Whether you want a premium experience or a free alternative, this guide from KnowInsiders ensures you get the best viewing experience possible.

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