The 2025-26 NBA season marks a new era in basketball broadcasting. For the first time, you can watch nearly every nationally televised game through standalone streaming services without needing a cable subscription.
The New NBA Broadcast Landscape
The 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal that took effect this season completely changed how NBA games are distributed. Gone are the days when TNT was the go-to destination for marquee matchups. Here's who has the rights now:
- ESPN/ABC: Wednesday, Saturday (primetime), and Sunday games
- NBC/Peacock: Monday and Tuesday night games
- Prime Video: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday afternoon games
ESPN Unlimited ($29.99/month)
ESPN Unlimited launched in 2025 as ESPN's answer to cord-cutters. For the first time, you can access ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU without a cable TV provider.
What you get: All ESPN-produced NBA games (typically 100+ nationally televised games per season), plus complete college basketball coverage including March Madness first-round games on ESPN channels.
Best for: Fans who want the most NBA content from a single service, plus college hoops.
Peacock ($7.99/month with ads, $13.99 ad-free)
NBC's return to NBA broadcasting after decades means Peacock is now essential for basketball fans. Monday and Tuesday games air exclusively on Peacock or NBC.
What you get: All Monday/Tuesday nationally televised games, plus Big East college basketball and Sunday Night Football during fall.
Best for: Budget-conscious fans who want solid NBA coverage at the lowest price.
Prime Video ($14.99/month or included with Prime)
Amazon's entry into NBA broadcasting brings Thursday through Saturday afternoon games to Prime Video. If you already have Amazon Prime, you're covered.
What you get: Thursday night, Friday night, and Saturday afternoon NBA games. Also includes WNBA and some international basketball content.
Best for: Existing Prime members and fans who prefer weekend viewing.
NBA League Pass ($14.99-$22.99/month)
League Pass remains the gold standard for watching out-of-market games. The main caveat: local and nationally televised games are blacked out.
What you get: Every out-of-market regular season game, condensed game replays, and multi-game viewing options.
Best for: Fans following teams outside their local market, or die-hards who want to watch every game.
Our Recommendation
For most NBA fans, the ESPN + Fox One Bundle ($39.99/month) offers the best value. It covers Wednesday and weekend ESPN games plus Big Ten and other college content through Fox Sports. Add Peacock for $7.99 to catch Monday/Tuesday games, and you'll have comprehensive NBA coverage for under $50/month.
If you're a casual fan who just wants to catch the biggest games, start with Peacock at $7.99—it's the cheapest entry point and includes playoff games.