Platform Comparison Table

Region	Best Primary Service	Alternatives	Blackouts?	Best For
USA	League Pass + YouTube TV	Sling, Hulu, ESPN app	Yes	Full coverage
Canada	TSN & Sportsnet	League Pass	Yes	Raptors fans
UK	League Pass	Sky Sports	No	Complete access
Australia	Kayo	Foxtel, League Pass	No	ESPN coverage + full access
India	JioCinema	League Pass	No	Affordable streaming

How To Watch NBA Games Live

1. How to Watch NBA Games Live in the United States

The U.S. has the widest coverage, but also the most confusing system because rights are split across national broadcasters, regional networks, and League Pass.

Primary Options

A. NBA League Pass USA (Best for full season access)

What it gives you:

• 24/7 access to every out of market game

• Home and away commentary

• Condensed games for quick viewing

• Full replays without commercials

• Multi-game viewing

• In-depth stats and tracking

Key limitation:
Local blackout rules apply. If your team is playing on a local RSN, League Pass will block the live stream.

How to sign up:

1. Visit nba.com/leaguepass

2. Create an NBA ID

3. Choose your plan

4. Install the app on your devices

Supported devices:

• Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony)

• Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick

• PlayStation, Xbox

• iOS & Android

• Desktop browser

B. National TV Broadcasters: ESPN, TNT, ABC, NBA TV

These networks air the biggest weekend games.

You can watch them via:

• Cable TV

• YouTube TV

• Hulu + Live TV

• Sling TV (Orange)

• DirecTV Stream

Pro tip:
TNT’s studio coverage (Inside the NBA) remains a fan favorite and only available through networks that carry TNT.

C. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)

Use RSNs when your local team plays a non nationally televised game.

Examples:

• Bally Sports

• NBC Sports regional networks

• Spectrum Sports

• YES Network

• Altitude Sports

Blackout rule:
You must watch your local team on your RSN. League Pass will NOT show your team live if you are in the home region.

Best U.S. Setup (Expert Recommendation)

For maximum coverage with minimal blackout impact:

NBA League Pass + YouTube TV
You get:

• Every national TV game

• Every local team game

• Every out of market game

2. How to Watch NBA Games Live in Canada

Canada has excellent coverage due to strong NBA partnerships.

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A. TSN & Sportsnet (Best for Raptors fans)

Both networks split Toronto Raptors games and air them nationally.

Ways to watch:

• Cable subscription

• TSN Direct

• Sportsnet Now

Pros:

• Professional Canadian commentary

• Pregame and postgame shows

• Multi device streaming

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B. NBA League Pass Canada

Gives access to almost all games except local Raptors broadcasts if you are inside the blackout zone.

Ideal for:
Fans outside Ontario or those who follow multiple NBA teams.

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Best Canada Setup

• TSN + Sportsnet for Raptors

• League Pass for league wide coverage

3. How to Watch NBA Games in the United Kingdom

The UK remains one of NBA’s fastest growing international markets.

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A. NBA League Pass UK

No blackout restrictions.
Full access to every game live.

You get:

• Playoffs and Finals

• Enhanced stats modes

• Multi-game viewing

• Archived classic games

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B. Sky Sports NBA

Sky carries selected games weekly.

Ways to watch:

• Sky TV subscription

• NOW TV day passes

Fan advantage:
Games often come with UK friendly commentary, analysis, and scheduling.

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Best UK Setup

• League Pass for full access

• Sky Sports for major matchups and studio shows

4. How to Watch NBA Games in Australia

Australia has one of the strongest NBA fan communities globally.

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A. Kayo Sports

Kayo streams ESPN Australia, the main NBA broadcaster.

Features:

• SplitView for watching multiple games

• Mini replays

• Key moments system

• Works on all major smart TVs

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B. Foxtel

A cable based alternative carrying ESPN.

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C. NBA League Pass Australia

No blackouts.
Full access.

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Best Australia Setup

• Kayo for ESPN broadcasts

• League Pass for complete coverage

5. How to Watch NBA Games in India

India’s NBA audience is massive and still growing.

A. JioCinema (Formerly Voot / Viacom18)

Streams selected NBA games live.

Supported devices:

• Mobile

• Smart TVs

• Browser

Often free or low cost depending on Jio plans.

B. NBA League Pass India

Affordable pricing.
Every game live and on demand.
Hindi commentary for select games (season dependent).

Best India Setup

• JioCinema for featured games

• League Pass for unlimited access

6. Blackout Rules Explained (Simple & Clear)

Blackouts only apply in:

• United States

• Canada

Why they exist:

• Protect local broadcasters

• Preserve regional TV revenue

How to avoid blackout issues:

• Watch local games on RSNs

• or watch when the replay becomes available

• or if traveling, use your home region rights

Note:
A VPN only helps if you legally subscribe in your home country.

7. Recommended Devices

Budget

• Amazon Fire Stick HD

• Roku Express

Mid Range

• Roku Ultra

• Apple TV HD

• Chromecast with Google TV

Premium

• Apple TV 4K

• NVIDIA Shield

• LG OLED TVs

8. Full Troubleshooting Guide

If the stream lags

• Switch to “Auto Quality”

• Restart router

• Move closer to Wi Fi source

If League Pass won’t load

• Clear app cache

• Reinstall

• Log in again with NBA ID

If audio desynchronizes

• Pause for 10 seconds

• Switch audio feeds

• Restart the device

If you get a blackout message

• Switch to RSN

• Wait for replay availability

FAQs

Can I watch NBA live without cable?

Yes. Platforms like YouTube TV, Sling, Hulu, Kayo, and League Pass provide cable-free streaming.

Does NBA League Pass show every game?

Yes, except for games blacked out in your local region (USA and Canada).

What is the cheapest way to watch NBA games internationally?

League Pass India is the lowest cost option globally.

Can I watch games on multiple devices?

Yes. Most platforms allow simultaneous streams depending on your plan.

What if I travel abroad during the season?

Use your League Pass login and a reliable internet connection. Some regions may require a VPN.

Final Thoughts

Watching the NBA is easier than ever thanks to expanded international rights, powerful streaming platforms, and device compatibility across nearly every screen. Whether you want every game, or just the biggest weekend matchups, the right setup depends on your country, your team, and your preferred viewing style.

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