The cheapest way to watch NBA games largely depends on which games you want to watch and how consistently you plan to tune in. For new live TV streaming subscribers looking to catch nationally televised games, Sling TV's Orange + Blue plan often presents the most cost-effective solution, especially with initial subscriber discounts.
Understanding NBA Game Broadcasts
Before diving into the cheapest options, it's important to understand how NBA games are broadcast:
- Nationally Televised Games: These are major matchups shown on channels like ESPN, TNT, and ABC. These games are usually available nationwide through various streaming services or traditional cable.
- Local/Regional Games: Your local team's games are typically broadcast on Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) specific to your area. Accessing these often requires a streaming service or cable package that carries that particular RSN.
- Out-of-Market Games: If you want to watch teams that aren't local to you, these are considered "out-of-market" and are usually available via the NBA's official streaming service.
Cheapest Options for National NBA Games
For a significant portion of the NBA season, including many regular season games and playoff matchups, national broadcasts are key.
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Sling TV (Orange + Blue)
Sling TV stands out as one of the most budget-friendly options for live NBA coverage. The Sling Orange + Blue plan includes critical channels like ESPN, ABC (and ESPN3), and TNT, ensuring you can watch a wide array of nationally televised games. For eligible new subscribers, Sling TV often offers substantial discounts, such as up to 50 percent off the first month, making it an incredibly cheap entry point. Pricing and channel availability can vary based on your local TV market, so it's always good to check your specific area. -
Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna
For games broadcast on ABC, a digital over-the-air antenna is arguably the cheapest long-term solution, as it requires only a one-time purchase. Once you own the antenna, all ABC broadcasts are free. This is perfect for ABC's regular-season games, Christmas Day games, and the NBA Finals. -
Free Trials
Many live TV streaming services offer free trial periods. You can strategically use these trials to watch specific games or a short series of games without immediate cost. However, remember to cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
Watching Local Team Games (Regional Sports Networks)
Accessing your local team's games can be more challenging and potentially more expensive, as RSNs are often tied to higher-tier cable or streaming packages.
- Live TV Streaming Services: Services like DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV often carry various RSNs. However, their base prices are typically higher than Sling TV's most basic packages. You'll need to check which service carries the specific RSN for your team in your zip code.
- Cable TV: Traditional cable TV packages are another way to access RSNs, but they are generally more expensive than streaming alternatives.
Catching Out-of-Market NBA Games
If you're a fan of a team outside your local market or want to watch every game from every team, the official NBA streaming service is your primary option.
- NBA League Pass: This subscription service allows you to watch live and on-demand games for all teams outside of your local market (and nationally televised blackouts apply). While it's not the "cheapest" single game option, it offers the most comprehensive coverage for out-of-market games. Pricing varies for the full season pass, single-team pass, or League Pass Premium (ad-free).
Summary of Cheapest Options
| Viewing Goal | Cheapest Options | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| National Games (ESPN, TNT, ABC) | Sling TV (Orange + Blue): Particularly for new subscribers with discounts. | Channel availability and price depend on local market. |
| Digital Over-the-Air Antenna: For ABC games only. | One-time purchase, requires good reception. | |
| Local Team Games (RSNs) | Live TV Streaming Services (e.g., Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV STREAM): If they carry your specific RSN. | Higher monthly costs, RSN availability varies by location. |
| Out-of-Market Games | NBA League Pass: Best for comprehensive coverage of non-local games. | Annual subscription, blackouts for local and nationally televised games apply. |
| Occasional Viewing | Free Trials: For short-term access. | Must remember to cancel before the trial ends. |
In conclusion, for consistent access to a wide range of nationally televised NBA games at the lowest streaming cost, especially for new users, Sling TV's Orange + Blue plan is a top contender. For free access to ABC games, a one-time antenna purchase is unbeatable.
