What NBA TV is and how to watch it
NBA TV is a cable and streaming channel owned by the National Basketball Association that shows NBA games, analysis, and original programming. You can watch it three ways: through a cable or satellite TV package that includes it, through a live TV streaming service, or through the NBA's own streaming platform called NBA League Pass.
The channel itself does not have a standalone subscription — you cannot pay NBA TV directly for access. Instead, you pay a service that carries NBA TV as part of a larger package. Which service works for you depends on what equipment you have at home and whether you want other channels alongside basketball.
Key Takeaways
- NBA TV comes bundled with cable, satellite, or live TV streaming services — there is no direct NBA TV subscription.
- Cable and satellite packages that include NBA TV typically cost $50 to $150 per month depending on your provider and location.
- Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV carry NBA TV for $55 to $76 per month.
- NBA League Pass is a separate subscription ($15 to $20 per month or $150 to $200 per year) that streams most NBA games but does not include NBA TV the channel.
- Your cable login credentials let you watch NBA TV online and through the official NBA app on phones and tablets.
Cable and satellite TV packages that include NBA TV
If you already have cable or satellite service, check your current package. NBA TV is included in most mid-tier and higher packages from providers like Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, AT&T TV, and Dish Network. You do not pay extra — it comes as part of what you already pay, which ranges from roughly $50 to $150 per month depending on which channels you choose and where you live.
To confirm NBA TV is in your package, log into your provider's website or call their customer service line. Your bill or online account page will list which channels you have. If NBA TV is not included, you may be able to add it by upgrading to a higher package tier, though this usually means paying more per month.
Live TV streaming services that carry NBA TV
If you do not have cable or satellite, you can get NBA TV through a live TV streaming service. These are apps that stream cable channels over the internet. The main services that carry NBA TV are YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV.
YouTube TV costs $76 per month and includes NBA TV, ESPN, ABC, and about 85 other channels. Hulu + Live TV costs $76 per month and includes NBA TV, ESPN, ABC, and roughly 90 channels. Sling TV costs $55 per month for its Orange plan, which includes ESPN and some sports programming, but you need to add the Sports Extra package for $11 per month to get NBA TV — bringing the total to $66 per month.
All three services let you watch on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices like Roku or Apple TV. They also offer cloud DVR so you can record games and watch them later. Most offer a free trial period of a few days, so you can test the service before paying.
NBA League Pass as an alternative
NBA League Pass is the NBA's own streaming service and works differently from NBA TV. It streams most regular-season and playoff games directly to your phone, tablet, computer, or compatible TV device. A monthly subscription costs around $15 to $20, or you can pay roughly $150 to $200 for the full season.
The important difference: NBA League Pass does not include the NBA TV channel itself. Instead, it gives you access to out-of-market games — games that are not being broadcast on national television in your area. Games on ESPN, ABC, or your local sports network are usually blacked out on League Pass. If you want to watch NBA TV's original shows and analysis programs, you still need cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service.
League Pass also has a League Pass with Ads option that costs less than the ad-free version. The ad-supported tier includes commercials during games but works on the same devices and carries the same game selection.
How to watch NBA TV with your cable login
If you have cable or satellite service that includes NBA TV, you can watch the channel online and on mobile apps without paying extra. read the NBA app on your phone or tablet, or visit the NBA website. When you open the app or website, you will see a prompt to sign in with your cable provider.
Select your provider from the list — Comcast, Charter, AT&T, Dish, or whichever company sends your bill. Enter your account username and password. Once you are signed in, you can stream NBA TV and other channels included in your package. This works on iPhones, Android phones, iPads, and Android tablets.
You can also watch through the cable provider's own app. Comcast has the Xfinity Stream app, Charter has the Spectrum TV app, and so on. These apps let you watch live TV and on-demand content from your package, including NBA TV.
Comparing your options side by side
| Option | Monthly Cost | Includes NBA TV Channel | Includes Other Channels | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable or satellite | $50–$150 | Yes (in most packages) | Yes, 50–200+ channels | TV, computer, phone, tablet |
| YouTube TV | $76 | Yes | Yes, ~85 channels | Phone, tablet, computer, TV device |
| Hulu + Live TV | $76 | Yes | Yes, ~90 channels | Phone, tablet, computer, TV device |
| Sling TV (with Sports Extra) | $66 | Yes | Yes, ~50 channels | Phone, tablet, computer, TV device |
| NBA League Pass | $15–$20/month or $150–$200/year | No | No | Phone, tablet, computer, TV device |
What you actually watch on NBA TV
NBA TV shows live games throughout the season, usually several times per week. It also airs replays of classic games, original documentaries about NBA history and players, and analysis shows with former players and coaches. The channel does not show every NBA game — most games air on ESPN, ABC, or local sports networks — but it carries a significant portion of the schedule.
During the playoffs, NBA TV increases its game coverage. The channel also produces original content like player interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and deep dives into NBA history that you cannot find on other channels. If you are a serious basketball fan, NBA TV's original programming is often the main reason to have it rather than just using League Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NBA TV without cable?
Yes. You can use a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV (with Sports Extra). These services stream cable channels over the internet and cost $55 to $76 per month. You do not need a cable box or satellite dish.
Does NBA League Pass include NBA TV?
No. NBA League Pass streams out-of-market games but does not include the NBA TV channel. If you want to watch NBA TV's shows and analysis, you need cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming service. League Pass and NBA TV serve different purposes.
Can I watch NBA TV on my phone?
Yes, if you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes NBA TV. read the NBA app or your cable provider's app, sign in with your account credentials, and stream to your phone or tablet. Live TV streaming services also work on phones.
What is the cheapest way to get NBA TV?
Sling TV with the Sports Extra add-on costs $66 per month, which is the lowest price among services that carry NBA TV. If you already have cable or satellite, NBA TV is already included in your package at no extra cost.
Do live TV streaming services offer free trials?
Most offer a free trial of a few days to a week. YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV all let you test the service before you pay. Check their websites for current trial offers, as these change periodically.