Well, I’ve done the hardwood’s hard work for you. As a sports reporter covering one of the NBA teams and the league in general, I need to know every day what’s happening throughout the NBA. I’ve tried all the streaming sites to keep abreast of games, players, trades, you name it.
I know which ones work the best and which ones leave a little to be desired.
So, whether you’ll be watching the NBA from the comfort of your home, or on a computer or phone screen somewhere on the road, you can be sure that the following streaming sites will fulfill all your pro hoops needs.
Background
The NBA has long been a premier professional sports league in terms of embracing technology. The league’s website was the first to introduce up-to-the-minute stats and standings, as well as feature highlight videos and vertical content.
As more people and households have cut the cord, it makes sense that the NBA would also be an early adopter of streaming content. The NBA was one of the first pro leagues to offer in-market and out-of-market games and exclusive content on streaming services.
Now, loyal viewers can find the NBA’s “League Pass” on just about every kind of streaming service available. And you are no longer required to have a cable package to do so.
Best NBA Streaming Sites
- Fubo TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- DirecTV Stream
- Sling TV
1. Fubo TV
Fubo TV is a convenient and seamless live streaming service built for sports lovers. The Starter Plan offers more than a dozen national and international sports networks.
Watching pro basketball games and other NBA content will cost you an additional $11 to the regular monthly subscription rate of $64.99. That’s $75.99 total for all your NBA needs (plus another 23 sports channels when the NBA is out of season). You can also record up to 250 hours of programming.
Fubo TV allows you to simultaneously stream on three devices. In addition, with the sports add-on, your NBA streaming experience will eliminate ads and provide extended viewing time. If you’re unable to watch any game live, you’ll have three days to do so. (Just keep away from spoilers.)
2. Hulu + Live TV
Hulu is another pay-to-play (OK, play-to-watch) platform that gives you access to all regular-season and playoff NBA games from the main NBA broadcast outlets. These include ABC, ESPN, TNT, and regional sports networks through NBC.
Live in Los Angeles, but your favorite team is the Minnesota Timberwolves? Regional sports networks are vital when the teams you follow are from outside your home area.
There is one drawback, however. Hulu does not include NBA TV, which is league-owned and the only channel to cover the NBA around-the-clock.
To access the NBA on Hulu, you’ll need the Hulu + Live TV package at $64.99 per month. Add-ons include a Spanish language option, a no-add option, and an unlimited screen option.
3. YouTube TV
The YouTube channel wants you to eliminate your cable subscription and watch sports like the NBA only on its streaming platform. It offers an impressive number of sports channels to tempt you. You’ll be able to watch all regularly scheduled broadcast games.
But YouTube does not provide access to all the regional sports networks, and there is one in each of the NBA’s 30 markets. We recommend you find out if your most important regional networks (the ones that cover your favorite teams) are included before choosing this option.
If you do choose YouTube TV, you’ll pay $64.99 per month and get access to a robust DVR feature that allows you to record any game you want and keep it forever. You can add the NBA League Pass, which gives you access to all NBA games in every market for $39.99 per month.
4. DirecTV Stream
The Former AT&T TV service gives any NBA fan all the action they would want, but you’ll have to pay a lot for it.
Of course, you’ll get all the main broadcast games from the lowest tier of service. But if you want regional sports networks and local broadcast affiliates, you’ll add $20 per month to the basic rate of $64.99. That’s $84.99 per month. Ouch.
The one positive factor about DirecTV Stream is its impressive lineup of regional sports networks. If you opt for the more expensive tier, you’ll gain access to all of them without purchasing the NBA League Pass.
5. Sling TV
Here’s a basic streaming service that is more for the casual fan than the ardent NBA devotee. Sling TV has three basic packages, and none of them include all the NBA action most fans would want.
The Orange Package has ESPN but not FOX or NBC. The Blue Package reverses that. So, to get the most NBA coverage Sling TV offers, you’d need to buy the more expensive Orange & Blue plan.
And none of the plans have TNT or TBS, which means you won’t get to see Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley go at it on “Inside the NBA.”
If you want NBA TV, add another $10 per month to the bill.
Sling TV has a lot going for it in other areas, but as an NBA streaming service, you’d be better off with something else.
FAQ
Here are some common questions regarding streaming NBA.
How fast internet do you need to stream NBA?
To stream NBA on something like Youtube TV you will need around 10 Mbps to not experience any problems.
That does, however, depend on quality. Higher quality streaming can take even more data and vice-versa.
Conclusion
If you are looking to cut your cable or satellite subscription and watch NBA games from the comfort of your computer, phone, or Smart TV from a streaming service, there are some good ones out there to choose from.
I suggest you try them out and see which one works the best for your level of NBA enjoyment.
