Watch NBA Games Without Cable
Watch NBA Games Without Cable

For millions of fans in the United States, watching sports no longer means having cable or even a TV antenna. If you’re one of those viewers and want to watch NBA games on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the good news is that the league’s current media setup makes this one of the easiest NBA days of the year to stream.

This guide is written specifically for US fans with no cable and no antenna, and it explains exactly which services work, which games they cover, how much they cost, and how to avoid blackouts or surprises.

Where NBA MLK Day games are shown

On MLK Day, NBA games are split between:

  • NBC (national broadcasts)

  • Peacock (NBC’s direct-to-consumer platform)

  • Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) for non-national games

If you don’t have cable or an antenna, streaming is the only option—and not all streams are equal.

The simplest solution: Peacock (no cable required)

For fans starting from zero, Peacock is the most straightforward entry point.

Why Peacock matters on MLK Day

  • Streams all NBC NBA broadcasts live

  • Carries select Peacock-exclusive NBA games

  • No cable login required

  • Works on phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV

Cost

  • Monthly subscription (usually lower than live TV services)

  • No long-term contract

Limitations

  • Does not include games airing only on RSNs

  • Not free in most cases

If your goal is to watch national MLK Day games with minimal setup, Peacock alone may cover most of what you want.

Read more: NBA Games on MLK Day 2026: Full Schedule, TV Channels, Storylines, and How to Watch

Best all-in-one option: Live TV streaming services (no cable)

If you want maximum coverage, including NBC and local games, a live TV streaming bundle is the most complete option.

Top choices for cord-cutters

YouTube TV

  • https://tv.youtube.com

  • Includes NBC and many RSNs

  • Unlimited DVR (record games, rewatch later)

  • Excellent reliability on game days

Fubo

  • https://www.fubo.tv

  • Strong sports-first focus

  • Broad RSN availability in many markets

  • Useful if you follow multiple teams

Hulu + Live TV

  • https://www.hulu.com/live-tv

  • Includes NBC plus ESPN-family channels

  • Bundles well if you already use Hulu

What to know

  • These services replace cable, but require only internet

  • Pricing is higher than Peacock

  • Free trials are sometimes available to new users

For fans who want everything in one place, this is the closest thing to traditional cable without the contract.

What about NBA League Pass?

NBA League Pass is often misunderstood on days like MLK Day.

What it’s good for

  • Out-of-market regular-season games

  • Replays and condensed games

  • Multi-game browsing later in the season

What it’s NOT good for on MLK Day

  • National games are frequently blacked out

  • NBC and Peacock games may not be available live

League Pass works best as a secondary service, not your primary MLK Day solution.

Read more: Can I Watch NBA Games on MLK Day for Free in the U.S? Four Legal Streaming Options

Can you watch NBA MLK Day games for free without cable?

Possibly—but with limits.

Legit free paths

  • Free trials from YouTube TV or Fubo (new users only)

  • Occasional Peacock promotions (not guaranteed)

Not reliable

  • League Pass free previews

  • NBCSports.com streams (usually require TV login)

If you want certainty, assume at least one paid service is required.

Best setups based on your situation

I want the cheapest legal option
→ Peacock only

I want all MLK Day games, national and local
→ YouTube TV or Fubo

I only care about marquee NBC games
→ Peacock (or a free trial if available)

I watch on my phone or laptop all day
→ Peacock + League Pass replays

Devices and internet tips

To avoid buffering or missed tips:

  • Use wired internet for smart TVs if possible

  • Close other high-bandwidth apps during games

  • Update apps before game day

All major services support mobile viewing, so you can watch at work, on the road, or between errands.

Final takeaway

If you don’t have cable or an antenna, NBA MLK Day is still fully accessible—and easier than most regular-season days.

  • Peacock is the cleanest entry point

  • Live TV streaming services offer full coverage

  • League Pass fills gaps but won’t carry everything live

With the right setup, you can watch hours of NBA basketball on MLK Day using nothing but an internet connection—no cable box, no antenna, no confusion.