NBAUpdated Apr 6, 2026
How to Watch NBA 2025-26 Season: TV & Streaming in Every Country
Complete guide to watching the NBA 2025-26 season. ESPN, TNT, NBA League Pass, and international broadcast options for basketball fans worldwide.
By Matchcast Editorial · Published
Broadcasters
6
Free options
No
Coverage
Global
Overview
The NBA 2025-26 season features 1,230 regular season games from October through April, followed by the playoffs running through June. The NBA's massive global reach — broadcast in 215 countries and territories in 50+ languages — makes it the most international of the major US sports leagues. The 2025-26 season marks the first year of the NBA's landmark 11-year media rights deal worth $76 billion, which has reshaped the broadcast landscape significantly.
United States
The new NBA media deal distributes games across ESPN/ABC, TNT/TBS (Warner Bros. Discovery), and Amazon Prime Video. ESPN/ABC carries approximately 100 regular season games plus the NBA Finals, with all games available on ESPN+ streaming. TNT/TBS broadcasts approximately 70 games plus conference finals. Amazon Prime Video streams exclusive Thursday night NBA games — a new addition for 2025-26. Local RSNs (regional sports networks) carry the majority of regular season games for each team's market. For cord-cutters, NBA League Pass ($14.99/month) provides out-of-market games.
United Kingdom
Sky Sports holds UK NBA rights, showing multiple live games per week on Sky Sports NBA (formerly Sky Sports Mix). NOW Sports Pass (GBP 34.99/month) provides streaming access. Sky Sports typically broadcasts prime-time US games — which air late evening in the UK — plus all playoff and Finals games. NBA League Pass International is also available in the UK at $14.99/month.
Australia
ESPN (via Kayo Sports) broadcasts NBA games in Australia. Kayo Sports (AUD 25/month) includes ESPN's NBA coverage with multiple live games per week. NBA League Pass International is available for comprehensive coverage of all out-of-market games. The time zone works well for Australian morning viewers, with US prime-time games airing around 10:00 AM-1:00 PM AEST.
International — NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass International ($14.99/month or $109.99/year) is the definitive global NBA viewing option. Available in most countries outside the US, it offers every regular season and playoff game live and on-demand — with no blackouts (unlike the US version). Features include home and away commentary feeds, condensed game replays, and NBA TV live stream. For dedicated international NBA fans, it's the best value proposition in sports streaming.
Watching with a VPN
NBA League Pass has different terms in different countries — the US version applies blackouts on nationally televised games and local-market games, while the International version (sold in most non-US markets) carries every game live. Subscribers should consult NBA League Pass terms of service for the rules that apply to their account, and follow the broadcaster's licensing terms wherever they watch.
NBA Broadcasters
- VisitESPN / ABCPay TVESPNABCESPN+
US: ~100 regular season games + NBA Finals; ESPN+ streaming included
- VisitTNT / TBSPay TVTNTTBS
US: ~70 games + conference finals (Warner Bros. Discovery)
- VisitAmazon Prime VideoStreaming$14.99/mo (Prime)
US: Exclusive Thursday night NBA games (new for 2025-26)
- VisitNBA League PassStreaming$14.99/mo
Global: All games live and on-demand; no blackouts internationally
- VisitSky SportsPay TVGBP 34.99/mo (NOW)Sky Sports NBA
UK: Multiple live games per week + playoffs + Finals
- VisitKayo SportsStreamingAUD 25/mo
Australia: NBA via ESPN; multiple live games per week
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the NBA for free?
Select ABC games are free over-the-air in the US. The NBA app offers free highlights and select live games. Otherwise, a subscription (cable, streaming, or NBA League Pass) is required for live NBA coverage.
What is the best way to watch all NBA games?
In the US, a combination of cable/streaming (ESPN, TNT, Amazon) and NBA League Pass covers all games. Internationally, NBA League Pass ($14.99/mo) provides every game with no blackouts — the best single-platform option.
What are NBA blackouts?
In the US, NBA League Pass blacks out games broadcast on national TV (ESPN, TNT, ABC, Amazon Prime) and games involving the user's local-market team — those broadcasts are sold separately to the network and regional rights holders. International NBA League Pass, sold in most non-US markets, applies a different set of rules. Each subscriber should consult NBA League Pass terms of service for the rules that apply to their account and country.
What time do NBA games start?
Most NBA games tip off between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM ET. West Coast games typically start at 10:00 PM or 10:30 PM ET. This means late-night viewing in the UK (midnight-4:00 AM GMT) and morning viewing in Australia (10:00 AM-1:00 PM AEST).