NBA Streaming Guide for Cord-Cutters: Navigating the Court with Regionality

Introduction

For NBA enthusiasts who have embraced the cord-cutting lifestyle, navigating the streaming landscape can be a roller coaster of availability and frustration. While marquee matchups often grace national networks, the backbone of the NBA schedule, regional sports networks (RSNs), remain a significant challenge for streaming services.

The Regional Sports Network Conundrum

RSNs are the gatekeepers to a majority of NBA games, a fact that becomes even more critical with the league’s introduction of the Emirates NBA Cup, an in-season tournament showcasing 30 teams. The bulk of this tournament airs exclusively on local team networks.

Unfortunately for cord-cutters, many RSNs, including Fox Sports, NBC Sports, YES Network, and Marquee Sports Network, remain unavailable on major streaming platforms due to ongoing carriage-fee disputes. This obstacle makes it difficult for fans to consistently follow their favorite teams.

Streaming Options

Navigating the NBA streaming landscape requires a strategic approach that considers both national and regional coverage. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

National Broadcasts

ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV broadcast the most prominent national games. To access these networks, consider the following streaming services:

• Sling TV: For $40 per month (currently half off for the first month), Sling’s Orange package includes ESPN/ESPN2 and TNT. Add the Sports Extra add-on for $11 per month to include NBA TV.
• DirectTV Stream: The Choice package at $114.99 per month (currently at a $20-per-month discount for the first three months) provides ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV. Additionally, DirectTV Stream offers a wide range of RSNs, potentially including your local team’s network.
• Hulu + Live TV: For $76.99 per month after a three-day trial, Hulu + Live TV offers ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, and TNT.
• YouTube TV: At $72.99 per month (discounted to $49.99 per month for the first two months), YouTube TV provides ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, TNT, and NBA TV.
• FuboTV: The Pro package at $79.99 per month (with $20 off the first month) includes ABC and ESPN. Add the Sports Lite add-on for $9.99 per month to access NBA TV.

NBA League Pass

For the ultimate NBA experience, consider NBA League Pass, which provides access to every live out-of-market game for $109.99 per year or $16.99 per month. With League Pass, you can watch games on your preferred device, including TV, computer, tablet, and smartphone.

For those who only wish to follow their favorite team, NBA Team Pass is an option at $89.99 per year. However, blackout rules apply, restricting access to games within your team’s designated home market.

Local Options

While streaming services have made strides in providing access to national NBA games, regional coverage remains a challenge. Unless your local RSN is available on one of the streaming services mentioned above, you may need to consider alternative options:

• Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna: Some local channels, such as WGN in Chicago, still broadcast NBA games. Installing an OTA antenna can provide free access to these games.
• Radio: For those without streaming or OTA access, tuning into local radio stations that broadcast NBA games can provide a way to follow the action.

Conclusion

Streaming NBA games as a cord-cutter requires a proactive approach and an understanding of the limitations imposed by regional sports networks. By exploring the options outlined above, you can tailor your subscription to meet your specific viewing needs. Whether you’re a casual fan or a dedicated enthusiast, finding a way to stream the NBA can enhance your basketball experience.