With all sorts of confusion surrounding regional sports networks (RSNs), watching local NBA games on TV can be more difficult than it should be. Fortunately, we’re here to ensure you catch every fast break and clutch shot this season.
Our in-market NBA viewing guide outlines which broadcasters carry local games for each of the 30 teams. We also highlight extra tools to help you get the best TV plan, so your provider doesn’t airball it on game day.
Ready to jump in? Keep scrolling for the complete list of local NBA channels and what providers offer them.
List of local NBA channels
Each NBA team has local channel affiliates dedicated to regional game broadcasts when national coverage isn’t available. Your access to these channels depends on your location and TV plan.
Some NBA affiliates like WWOR-TV and KTXA are accessible using an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. But RSNs like the Bally Sports and NBC Sports regional networks require a more robust TV plan. To see the RSNs offered in your region, check out DIRECTV’s RSN Channel Locator and compare your findings with the table below.
| NBA team | Local channels | Schedule |
|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | Bally Sports Southeast | View schedule |
| Boston Celtics | NBC Sports Boston | View schedule |
| Brooklyn Nets | YES Network, WWOR-TV | View schedule |
| Charlotte Hornets | Bally Sports Southeast | View schedule |
| Chicago Bulls | NBC Sports Chicago | View schedule |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Bally Sports Ohio | View schedule |
| Dallas Mavericks | Bally Sports Southwest, KTXA | View schedule |
| Denver Nuggets | Altitude Sports | View schedule |
| Detroit Pistons | Bally Sports Detroit | View schedule |
| Golden State Warriors | NBC Sports Bay Area | View schedule |
| Houston Rockets | Space City Home Network (formerly AT&T SportsNet Southwest) | View schedule |
| Indiana Pacers | Bally Sports Indiana | View schedule |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Bally Sports SoCal, Bally Sports West, KTLA, ClipperVision | View schedule |
| Los Angeles Lakers | Spectrum SportsNet | View schedule |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Bally Sports Southeast | View schedule |
| Miami Heat | Bally Sports Sun | View schedule |
| Milwaukee Bucks | Bally Sports Wisconsin | View schedule |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Bally Sports North, WUCW | View schedule |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Bally Sports New Orleans | View schedule |
| New York Knicks | MSG Network | View schedule |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Bally Sports Oklahoma | View schedule |
| Orlando Magic | Bally Sports Florida | View schedule |
| Philadelphia 76ers | NBC Sports Philadelphia | View schedule |
| Phoenix Suns | KTVK, KPHE-LD, Suns Live | View schedule |
| Portland Trail Blazers | Root Sports Northwest | View schedule |
| Sacramento Kings | NBC Sports California | View schedule |
| San Antonio Spurs | Bally Sports Southwest, KENS, KMYS | View schedule |
| Toronto Raptors | TSN, TSN2, Sportsnet One | View schedule |
| Utah Jazz | KJZZ-TV, KUTV, Jazz+ | View schedule |
| Washington Wizards | Monumental Sports Network (formerly NBC Sports Washington) | View schedule |
Data effective as of post date.
Best TV providers for watching local NBA games
When it comes to watching every locally broadcasted NBA game, two live TV streaming services rise above the rest: DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo. These providers offer top-tier options for seamlessly tuning into RSNs, ensuring you don’t miss a single in-market game. However, it’s important to note that DIRECTV STREAM is one of the most expensive live TV streaming services, while Fubo has hidden RSN fees and doesn’t include TNT for national coverage.
Additionally, both DIRECTV and DISH have solid RSN offerings for those without access to reliable internet. And if cable is your preference, Spectrum stands out as one of the best choices for RSN coverage.
For more flexibility, some RSNs have even launched their own services. Bally Sports+ is one such option that offers direct access to your local Bally Sports regional network. With these providers at your fingertips, you get front-row access to your hometown NBA team.
How to watch non-local NBA games
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change. Blackout restrictions apply.
A comprehensive TV plan is essential for fans keen on watching non-local NBA games. That’s where NBA League Pass comes into play. It offers out-of-market access to teams far from home.
The game-changing subscription service is available as an add-on through some TV providers. But you can also sign up for a standalone streaming version that includes NBA TV.
Beyond NBA League Pass, the excitement of non-local NBA games also extends to national channels. Games that don’t air live on RSNs or NBA League Pass appear across broadcasting powerhouses like ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. Each season, these channels show more than 250 games on top of the NBA Playoffs and NBA Finals.
Pro tip: The official NBA Schedule lists when games are available on NBA League Pass or national NBA channels. However, NBA League Pass will blackout games in your region if one of the participating teams is local to your TV market.
How to watch local NBA games FAQ
How can I watch local NBA games for free?
Depending on your location, you can watch local NBA games for free using an over-the-air antenna. Otherwise, live TV streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM and Fubo offer free trials with RSN access.
How can I watch NBA games blocked in my area?
When an NBA game isn’t airing locally, it typically means it’s available on a national channel like ABC, ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV. However, it may be available on NBA League Pass if the game involves out-of-market teams.
Can I watch local NBA games on NBA League Pass?
No, live NBA games involving local teams aren’t available on NBA League Pass. Instead, you need a TV plan that includes the team’s in-market affiliate channel. Otherwise, you can watch the game on demand via NBA League Pass around three days later.
How can I bypass NBA TV blackouts?
You can bypass NBA blackouts using a virtual private network (VPN) to access and sign up for NBA League Pass on a server outside the U.S. and Canada. Unfortunately, using a VPN with an international League Pass subscription is not foolproof. You may experience latency issues, and NBA League Pass can block your VPN server’s Internet Protocol (IP) address.
Methodology
Our sports experts researched and tested the best ways to watch local NBA games. We did this by compiling a list of every NBA team’s in-market broadcasters. Then, we compared popular TV providers head to head—examining their local and regional channel offerings. We shaped our final recommendations based on channel availability, cost, and user friendliness.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
