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How To Watch the Cleveland Cavaliers: 2025–2026 Season TV Guide

Cleveland fell short of expectations last season, and now it’s time to see how they respond. Here’s how you can watch every Cavs game live on TV!

The Cleveland Cavaliers had sky‑high expectations last season. They logged the best record in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2016 with LeBron. They swept the Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs but stumbled spectacularly against the Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals. And just like that, the season was over, and the Cavs’ championship buzz went silent.

This offseason, Cleveland reshaped its supporting cast with key additions like dynamic playmaker Lonzo Ball, who brings size, defense, and elite ball-handling (at some risk, given his injury history). Veteran forward Larry Nance Jr. also joined the squad. Meanwhile, Darius Garland is recovering from postseason toe surgery and says he’s “ramping up every week” toward full strength.

And then there’s the chatter that never dies: a possible LeBron James homecoming. While nothing is official, just the mere scent of that narrative reshapes expectations and media hype—giving Cavs fans something to dream about.

So what should we watch this season? A deeper playoff run at the very least. Keep reading as I outline all the ways to tune in.

What channels have Cleveland Cavaliers games?

You can watch the Cavaliers’ 2025–2026 season on local and national channels, as well as various streaming platforms.

  • Locally: In-market fans can watch most games on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (FDSOH), the team’s regional broadcast partner. FanDuel Sports is available through select cable providers and streaming platforms, depending on your location.
  • Nationally: Cavs games will air across ABC and ESPN. Additionally, NBC will carry Sunday Night Basketball games and select regional broadcasts.
  • Streaming: Amazon Prime Video will host Thursday and Friday night games, including the NBA Cup and NBA Play-In Tournament. Peacock will stream Monday night NBA games and all contests airing on NBC, offering another way to follow the Cavs without cable.

If you’re a fan that’s tuning in from outside the Cavaliers’ regional market, your best bet is going to be NBA League Pass to catch the out-of-market games that aren’t nationally televised. But be aware that blackout restrictions are still in effect.

Want radio coverage? The Cleveland Cavaliers’ games are broadcast on WTAM 1100 AM and WMMS 100.7 FM, with additional coverage across a broad regional radio network. Fans nationwide can also listen live via SiriusXM NBA Radio. You can also stream games without blackouts via NBA League Pass Audio for $9.99.

2025–2026 Cleveland Cavaliers TV schedule

After a dominant regular season and a frustrating second-round exit, the Cavaliers aren’t looking for a reset—they’re absolutely chasing redemption. Cleveland is entering the 2025–2026 campaign with unfinished business and a roster built to contend.

And this is going to be an interesting season because there’s no team really standing in their way at this point, so we’re all waiting to see the adjustments. The Cavs have every opportunity to silence doubters and reclaim their place among the NBA’s elite. Whether you’re catching the action at Rocket Arena or tuning in from home, this season promises high-stakes basketball and plenty of heated battles.

The full 2025–2026 NBA regular season schedule is now available. Check out the complete Cleveland Cavaliers TV schedule, including game times and channel listings, in the table below.

Opponent Day Time (ET) Channel
Preseason
Chicago Bulls Tuesday, Oct. 7 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, Peacock
At Chicago Bulls Thursday, Oct. 9 8:00 p.m. NBA League Pass, FDSOH
At Boston Celtics Sunday, Oct. 12 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, ESPN
Detroit Pistons Tuesday, Oct. 14 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
October
At New York Knicks Wednesday, Oct. 22 7:00 p.m. ESPN
At Brooklyn Nets Friday, Oct. 24 7:30 p.m. NBA League Pass, FDSOH
Milwaukee Bucks Sunday, Oct. 26 6:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Detroit Pistons Monday, Oct. 27 7:00 p.m. Peacock
At Boston Celtics Wednesday, Oct. 29 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, ESPN
Toronto Raptors Friday, Oct. 31 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
November
Atlanta Hawks Sunday, Nov. 2 6:00 p.m. FDSOH
Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday, Nov. 5 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Washington Wizards Friday, Nov. 7 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
Chicago Bulls Saturday, Nov. 8 8:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Miami Heat Monday, Nov. 10 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
At Miami Heat Wednesday, Nov. 12 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
Toronto Raptors Thursday, Nov. 13 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, NBA TV
Memphis Grizzlies Saturday, Nov. 15 5:00 p.m. FDSOH, NBA TV
Milwaukee Bucks Monday, Nov. 17 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, Peacock
Houston Rockets Wednesday, Nov. 19 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
Indiana Pacers Friday, Nov. 21 7:00 p.m. Amazon Prime Video
Los Angeles Clippers Sunday, Nov. 23 6:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Toronto Raptors Monday, Nov. 24 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, Peacock
At Atlanta Hawks Friday, Nov. 28 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
Boston Celtics Sunday, Nov. 30 6:00 p.m. FDSOH
December
At Indiana Pacers Monday, Dec. 1 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
Portland Trail Blazers Wednesday, Dec. 3 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
San Antonio Spurs Friday, Dec. 5 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
Golden State Warriors Saturday, Dec. 6 7:30 p.m. FDSOH, NBA TV
At Chicago Bulls Wednesday, Dec. 17 8:00 p.m. FDSOH
Chicago Bulls Friday, Dec. 19 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
Charlotte Hornets Monday, Dec. 22 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, Peacock
New Orleans Pelicans Tuesday, Dec. 23 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
At New York Knicks Thursday, Dec. 25 12:00 p.m. ESPN, ABC
At Houston Rockets Saturday, Dec. 27 8:00 p.m. FDSOH
At San Antonio Spurs Monday, Dec. 29 8:00 p.m. NBC, Peacock
Phoenix Suns Wednesday, Dec. 31 3:30 p.m. FDSOH, NBA TV
January
Denver Nuggets Friday, Jan. 2 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
Detroit Pistons Sunday, Jan. 4 2:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Indiana Pacers Tuesday, Jan. 6 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday, Jan. 8 8:00 p.m. FDSOH
Minnesota Timberwolves Saturday, Jan. 10 1:00 p.m. Amazon Prime Video
Utah Jazz Monday, Jan. 12 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Philadelphia 76ers Wednesday, Jan. 14 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, ESPN
At Philadelphia 76ers Friday, Jan. 16 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
Oklahoma City Thunder Monday, Jan. 19 2:30 p.m. NBC, Peacock
At Charlotte Hornets Wednesday, Jan. 21 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, ESPN
Sacramento Kings Friday, Jan. 23 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
At Orlando Magic Saturday, Jan. 24 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
Orlando Magic Monday, Jan. 26 7:00 p.m. Peacock
Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday, Jan. 28 7:00 p.m. ESPN
At Phoenix Suns Friday, Jan. 30 9:00 p.m. FDSOH
February
At Portland Trail Blazers Sunday, Feb. 1 9:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Los Angeles Clippers Wednesday, Feb. 4 10:30 p.m. FDSOH
At Sacramento Kings Saturday, Feb. 7 10:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Denver Nuggets Monday, Feb. 9 9:00 p.m. FDSOH
Washington Wizards Wednesday, Feb. 11 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
Brooklyn Nets Thursday, Feb. 19 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Charlotte Hornets Friday, Feb. 20 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Oklahoma City Thunder Sunday, Feb. 22 1:00 p.m. ABC
New York Knicks Tuesday, Feb. 24 8:00 p.m. NBC, Peacock
At Milwaukee Bucks Wednesday, Feb. 25 8:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Detroit Pistons Friday, Feb. 27 7:00 p.m. FDSOH, ESPN
March
At Brooklyn Nets Sunday, March 1 3:30 p.m. FDSOH
Detroit Pistons Tuesday, March 3 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
Boston Celtics Sunday, March 8 1:00 p.m. ABC
Philadelphia 76ers Monday, March 9 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Orlando Magic Wednesday, March 11 7:30 p.m. FDSOH, ESPN
At Dallas Mavericks Friday, March 13 8:30 p.m. FDSOH
Dallas Mavericks Sunday, March 15 3:30 p.m. FDSOH, NBA TV
At Milwaukee Bucks Tuesday, March 17 8:00 p.m. FDSOH, NBC, Peacock
At Chicago Bulls Thursday, March 19 8:00 p.m. FDSOH
At New Orleans Pelicans Saturday, March 21 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
Orlando Magic Tuesday, March 24 8:00 p.m. FDSOH, NBC, Peacock
Miami Heat Wednesday, March 25 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
Miami Heat Friday, March 27 7:30 p.m. FDSOH
At Utah Jazz Monday, March 30 9:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday, March 31 10:30 p.m. FDSOH
April
At Golden State Warriors Thursday, April 2 10:00 p.m. Amazon Prime Video
Indiana Pacers Sunday, April 5 6:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Memphis Grizzlies Monday, April 6 8:00 p.m. FDSOH
Atlanta Hawks Wednesday, April 8 7:00 p.m. FDSOH
At Atlanta Hawks Friday, April 10 7:30 p.m. Amazon Prime Video
Washington Wizards Sunday, April 12 6:00 p.m. FDSOH

Data effective as of post date.

Best TV plans for watching the Cleveland Cavaliers

The NBA has struck new deals across the media landscape, so you’ll likely need multiple platforms to score national and regional TV access.

The best foundational option that I recommend is Stream with DIRECTV. It includes FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, the team’s regional broadcaster, which airs most of the Cavs’ regular-season games that aren’t nationally televised.

In addition to local coverage, DIRECTV also carries key national NBA channels like ABC, ESPN, NBC, and NBA TV. Fubo is a solid alternative for general NBA coverage, but pricing options vary frequently, so take your pick. Both services offer unlimited DVR storage and allow you to add NBA League Pass for out-of-market access.

Also, don’t forget Amazon Prime Video and Peacock for games that stream exclusively on each service. You’ll want to check the schedule above for the best times to subscribe.

Standalone in-market TV package for Cavs games

The FanDuel Sports Network logo on a blue background.

For Cavaliers fans living in Ohio, the FanDuel Sports Network app (formerly Bally Sports+) is a straightforward way to stream local Cleveland games without needing cable. Priced at $19.99 per month or $189.99 annually, the service gives you direct access to FanDuel Sports Network Ohio. It’s compatible with a wide range of devices—including iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV—so you can watch from home or on the go.

The app focuses on delivering live broadcasts and team-specific content, so it’s a reliable hub for following the Cavs all season. Subscribers can enjoy real-time stats, game replays, and interactive features tailored to their favorite teams. For fans who want a no-frills, team-first viewing experience, FanDuel Sports Network offers a clean and accessible way to stay connected.

Find the best service in your area

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How to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers for free

If you’re hoping to catch a few Cleveland Cavaliers games without cracking open your wallet, there are still some clever ways to do it. Streaming platforms like DIRECTV, Fubo, and YouTube TV often offer free trial periods, giving you nationally televised games for a week or so without paying a cent. It’s a great way to catch a big matchup or test out which service fits your viewing style.

For folks in Ohio, don’t overlook the old-school option: a digital antenna. With the NBA’s new broadcast deal bringing more games to ABC and NBC, you can catch a handful of Cavs games over the air, totally free. And if you’re on the move, the NBA app occasionally streams national games or offers live radio coverage, which is perfect for keeping up with the action. Just keep an eye on blackout restrictions because they still apply.

How to watch the Cleveland Cavaliers FAQ

Can I stream Cavs games without a cable subscription?

Yes, you can watch Cleveland Cavaliers games without cable by subscribing to DIRECTV’s CHOICE streaming plan, which includes FanDuel Sports Network Ohio. The regional channel is also available via the FanDuel Sports Network app, a standalone streaming option for in-market fans who want to skip a traditional TV setup.

What’s the most complete way to watch Cavs games this season?

For complete Cavs coverage, go with DIRECTV. It includes local broadcasts, national channels, and add-ons like NBA League Pass. You’ll get access to nearly every Cavs game, plus unlimited DVR to record and rewatch key matchups whenever you want.

Who’s coaching the Cavaliers this season?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are led by Kenny Atkinson, who won the 2024–2025 Coach of the Year Award. He earned that award after leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 64–18 record, topping the Eastern Conference during his first season with the team.

Is Darius Garland going to be available for this upcoming season?

As far as we know, Darius Garland is going to miss the beginning of the 2025–2026 season as he continues recovering from toe surgery. He may or may not be available to participate in training camp. But in his absence, Donovan Mitchell (and possibly Lonzo Ball) will take over more of the ball-handling duties.

Why you should trust us

Our CableTV.com Contributing Writer, Creshonda Smith, dove deep into the TV details to craft this guide for Cleveland Cavs’ fans. She studied game lineups, regional blackout restrictions, roster shake-ups, and streaming platform features.

From double-checking game dates to verifying broadcast partners and comparing viewing options, she left no box unchecked. Our goal is to make sure you have a clear game plan for following the Cavs from start to finish without missing a moment.

Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.

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