Every NBA fan worldwide knows the new season is racing towards a restart, and the excitement is almost palpable. The best place to witness the true magic of the game is in the arena, right where the excitement fuses seamlessly with the amazing skills on display.
While the arena remains the ideal location to witness gravity-defying, high-flying, nail-biting action, the ticket prices hamper how many fans can afford to attend the games live. However, thanks to NBA Online, there are affordable alternatives.
With NBA Online, you can catch your favorite games from the comfort of your home. That’s not all; you can improve your viewing experience with VPNs. Virtual Private Networks allow you to watch not just one but multiple games, regardless of your current location.
This article provides the best ways to enjoy the NBA’s thrills and chills, no matter where you are.
Step-by-step guide: Stream NBA online with Sling TV
Below is an easy guide on how to watch NBA games from wherever you are:
- Subscribe to a premium VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Log in to your VPN profile.
- Connect to a US server from the list.
- Launch the Sling app and enjoy your streaming experience.
Best VPNs to watch NBA online from anywhere – Quick list
- ExpressVPN: #1 recommended VPN for NBA Online. Enjoy top-notch service with ExpressVPN’s super-fast, super-reliable servers.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Privacy like no other. As you switch between locations to catch up on the games, do it safely and privately with PIA.
- NordVPN: All the quality, none of the fuss. NordVPN is an excellent VPN for beginners and users who prefer a lighter experience.
Why do you need a VPN to watch NBA from anywhere
Due to the NBA’s blackout policy, a form of censorship, you need a VPN to catch a game. The blackout policy is such that certain games are blacked out if the medium/network you use does not have exclusive rights to televise the games. This censorship covers all local teams and every game televised in the US. However, the blackout censor is location-specific.
It is important to mention the nature of blackout censorship because that is exactly how VPNs come into the picture. Since the blackout is location-specific, you can use a reliable and trustworthy VPN to get around it.
With the right VPN, you can make it appear like you are in a different location where the blackout will not censor you from streaming. We said the right VPN intentionally because not all VPNs can and will work for this particular task. To help you choose only the best VPNs, we’ve conducted a series of tests and arrived at the top three VPNs you can use to watch NBA Online.
How to watch NBA games online with League Pass
The standard and easiest way to watch NBA games online is the NBA League Pass. It allows you to stream live games in premium HD and is available in most countries. You also would not need a VPN to use the League Pass either.
However, a VPN service is an excellent way to save money and enjoy NBA games online. With premium VPNs like ExpressVPN, you can subscribe through locations where the League Pass is considerably cheaper. These locations include Vietnam, Argentina, and the Philippines.
How to watch the NBA online from the USA
Lovers of basketball and the NBA can watch the game on their preferred streaming channels worldwide, but sometimes, viewers want more. With the advent of numerous different streaming channels, viewers want to connect to their preferred home streaming service and watch the NBA games.
Below is an overview of different streaming services that you can watch the NBA games on for those living in the US:
| Streaming service | Monthly price | Free trial option |
|---|---|---|
| Fubo TV | $74.99 or higher | 7-day free trial |
| YouTube TV | $72.99 or higher | 14-day free trial |
| Sling TV | $40 or higher | No, but frequent and alternating sign-up promotions |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99 or higher | No |
| DirecTV Stream | $74.99 or higher | Five-day free trial |
If you take a trip out of the US, you might experience some difficulty in accessing your regular streaming platforms. But this should not discourage you from taking that much-needed vacation; there’s an excellent solution.
With a VPN and Sling TV, you can access many channels that bring you the best of the NBA. These channels include NBA TV, ESPN, TNT, and, most importantly, access to League Pass.
Notably, Sling does not come with ABC, but you can get it using a sports package add-on which gives you a simulcast of the NBA Finals.
How to watch NBA games in the UK
Viewers in the United Kingdom can enjoy the NBA games via Sky Sports, which has broadcasting rights to show games. If you reside in the UK or are visiting, you can watch the regular basketball season, the playoff games, and even the Finals. The channels for these are Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena.
On the other hand, if you cannot access Sky Sports, you can get it via the NOW TV platform. The platform allows you to get a 24-hour pass to watch any NBA game you choose, or you can pay for a monthly subscription.
- NOW Sports Day Membership: £11.98 ($15)
- NOW Sports Month Membership: £34.99 ($44)
Sky Sports and NOW TV are blocked to viewers outside the UK and Ireland, and if you wish to access either, you would need a UK VPN. We advise using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN to get around geo-restrictions and censorship.
How to watch NBA games in Canada
For a long time, the fan-favorite TV broadcaster for basketball in Canada was TSN. But now, there is competition in Sportsnet NOW, which lets users watch NBA games online on streaming sites and TV.
Even without a television subscription, you can still register to use through their streaming platform. The subscription can either be monthly or annually.
- Sportsnet NOW: $14.99 (CAD) per month ($11 USD)
- TSN: $19.99 (CAD) per month ($14.75 USD)
If you are outside Canada and want to use TSN or Sportsnet NOW, you will not have access due to geo-restrictions. For this reason, you would be better off using a robust Canada VPN to bypass any censorship placed on the games’ live broadcast. You can also get and use NBA League Pass in Canada.
How to watch NBA games in Australia
For viewers in the outback, you can use either Foxtel or Kayo Sports to get your fill of NBA live games. Both broadcast channels have packages with ESPN, and you can also get the NBA League Pass.
While we can recommend using a VPN if you are outside Australia and consider using these broadcast channels, we must note that Kayo Sports actively blocks VPN servers. However, you can use Foxtel and its apps without issues; it won’t block your VPN.
Kayo Sports offers two-tier no-contract plans: Basic and Premium. The difference between both plans is the number of devices you can stream simultaneously. With Basic, you can use two devices, while Premium allows you to add a third.
- Foxtel: $25 AUD per month plus $29 AUD ($19 USD) Foxtel NOW Sports Pack
- Kayo Sports: Basic $25 AUD per month ($17 USD), Premium $35 AUD per month ($23 USD)
How to watch NBA games in India
If you’re in India and you love basketball, the best way to watch live NBA games is via Jio TV’s free media player, or you can opt for the Voot Select streaming service. For ₹499 a year (around 6 US Dollars), you can stream NBA games in HD on two screens simultaneously, and if you want to increase that to four screens, it’ll cost you ₹599 (7 US Dollars) a year.
These prices seem low and enticing, but you can’t benefit from this excellent deal unless you have an Indian number and means of payment native to the location.
Alternatively, if you can get connections in India to help you, you can set up an account with Voot Select and Jio TV. They work excellently with VPNs outside India.
Premium VPNs like ExpressVPN can help you with virtual Indian servers, which makes it exceedingly easier to enjoy Indian content.
How to stream NBA from your device
The fun of watching the NBA games from the comfort of your home does not end with your TV. You can also enjoy the NBA from the comfort of your portable smart device. But you might require a VPN to ensure unrestricted access to all the NBA games.
Below are the ways to enjoy the NBA on several different devices; you should find the right one for you:
How to stream NBA on your phone (Android and iOS)
Getting in on the action using your Android or iOS device is easy. All you need is a VPN and follow these simple steps:
- Download a VPN service. We recommend ExpressVPN because it has multiple US servers.
- Select a server location that is not affected by the blackout censorship.
- Visit a streaming site broadcasting NBA live games.
- Enjoy the game.
How to stream NBA on your PC (Windows or Mac)
- Download a VPN client app on your PC. ExpressVPN, most preferably.
- Connect to a server location outside the blackout zones.
- Choose a streaming site, for example, Sling TV.
- Enjoy NBA content.
How to stream NBA on Amazon Fire Stick
You can stream NBA games using your Amazon Fire Stick and a VPN. The steps are listed below:
- Download a VPN on your Amazon Fire Stick.
- Connect to a server located outside the NBA blackout zone.
- Select a match and enjoy.
How to stream NBA on Roku
Like Fire Stick, you can stream NBA games on your Roku device with a VPN. Here’s how:
- Download a VPN with support for Roku.
- Install the VPN on your router (since Roku does not support VPN software).
- Select a server location outside the blackout zone.
- Select a game and enjoy.
How to stream NBA on Kodi
With Kodi, you can transform any device: computer, or smartphone, into a streaming device. To truly unlock the full potential, you will need a VPN for Kodi. But once you get one, the next steps should be pretty simple:
- Download and install a premium VPN.
- Select a server location in the US.
- Choose the streaming service of your choice.
- Enjoy your game.
NBA 2023-24 season schedule
Here are the key dates for the 2023-24 NBA season:
| Fixtures | Dates |
|---|---|
| Preseason | July 2023 |
| Regular season starts | October 24, 2023 |
| All-Star break | February 18, 2024 |
| End of the regular season | April 14, 2024 |
| Play-in tournament | April 16-19, 2024 |
| NBA Playoffs begin | April 20, 2024 |
| NBA Finals 2022 | June 2024 |
How to watch NBA Games for free 2024
If you need a quick fix for your NBA streaming, let us help you with a sure solution. You can try out the free trial plans from Fubo TV, Hulu Live TV, and NBA League Pass. Note that the trial’s expiration connotes the start of a paid subscription.
Remember that seeking to stream the NBA for free can involve consuming pirated content, which can have consequences.
1. Free NBA streaming sites 2024: Watch NBA games without cable
It is relatively difficult to find free streaming platforms that are both reliable and risk-free. We have discovered that the best free sports streaming sites can be found on VIPBox and NBA-stream.com.
But even as these sites are considered reliable, they are not entirely safe, and your privacy and security aren’t guaranteed either. You may even run the risk of downloading malware unknowingly, and as such, we advise that you steer clear of these sites altogether.
2. Watch the NBA online with Kodi
You can enjoy the best Kodi offers with its versatility and flexibility. It allows you to stream NBA games live. While Kodi is a paid subscription service, you can still find and enjoy free sports add-ons.
The free add-ons from the Kodi app include Bennu, SportsDevil, cCloud, Fusion, and UK Turk Playlists.
3. Torrenting NBA games
Torrenting is an option but not one that is always advisable to use. Torrents for NBA games are free but very difficult to find. This difficulty in sourcing torrents is why it is at the bottom of the list of options.
The act of torrenting on its own can also be a bit tricky. You do not know exactly what you are getting when you click download. On the one hand, it can contain malware; on the other, you may be damning yourself to legal repercussions.
So if and when you choose to use torrenting, we must advise that you do so while connected to a VPN to avoid law enforcement from discovering your IP and thus you.
The best VPNs to watch NBA games online – Detailed list
1. ExpressVPN
A high-end VPN service that has become increasingly popular among basketball fans who want to watch online NBA games without hassle.
Boasts ultra-fast servers in more than 160 locations for seamless browsing and streaming
TrustedServer Technology ensures data is never stored
Boasts 256-bit AES encryption for top-notch security
Zero-log policy for improved privacy
Split tunneling for selective routing of internet traffic
Network Lock (kill switch) protects data when connection drops
Offers extra degree of protection with Onion over VPN servers
Secure P2P support for torrenting and file sharing
Allows up to five simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial
Pros
- Robust encryption and security
- Comprehensive server network coverage
- User-friendly and intuitive interface
Cons
- Relatively pricey
ExpressVPN is one of the best-performing VPN providers and undoubtedly the best option for streaming NBA games. Its server network is impressively extensive and lightning-fast.
If you are outside the location you wish to access streams from and, as such, can’t pay using local payment methods, ExpressVPN supports a wide array of alternative payment methods. You can use it to subscribe to NBA League Pass at discounted prices and unblock other sports streaming services worldwide to stream NBA games online.
Thanks to the excellent collection of American servers specifically designed and optimized for HD live streaming, you can always expect HD quality. ExpressVPN stamps its place as the best option for streaming NBA games live with its server locations in the US and their quality optimization.
Its RAM-only servers and a simple click-and-go interface are among its features. That means it is easy to use and will protect your anonymity since it never stores any logs from your time online.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
A top-notch VPN service offering robust privacy and security features. It allows users to access geo-restricted content and bypass internet censorship.
An extensive network of more than 30,000 VPN servers scattered in over 78 countries
P2P sharing allowed on all servers
Utilizes military-grade encryption; AES-256
Blocks ads, trackers, and malware with MACE
Offers stringent zero-log policy
Runs in RAM for increased privacy and security
Provides split tunneling feature
Kill switch instantly halts internet if VPN connection drops
Allows unlimited simultaneous connections at one subscription
Comes with a 30-day money-back policy
Pros
- Robust security with encryption protocols
- Has multiple device support
- Support anonymous payment methods
Cons
- Fewer server locations than some competitors
Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts a vast server network, especially in the US. It has at least one server per state, which is a lot. We can confidently say that every server performs optimally and can provide you with different IPs from your original one.
PIA’s servers are speedy and reliable as well. With PIA, you can stream a game on Hulu with almost nonexistent buffering in crisp HD quality. However, you may encounter video lags when you fast-forward the video. Additionally, this VPN offers excellent speeds regardless of the server you’re connected to.
Furthermore, the VPN works excellently with other streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Netflix. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you and your family can enjoy multiple games simultaneously.
On security, PIA is safe and secure. It has RAM-only servers, complete leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy. If you need extra security assurance, it also publishes a transparency report.
3. NordVPN
An efficient VPN service that offers advanced encryption protocols and robust security features. It lets you unblock and access streaming services and social media platforms.
Has a network of ultra-fast VPN servers present in over 60 countries
Blocks ads, trackers, and malware for a cleaner browsing experience
Best-in-class security with AES-256-bit encryption
Kill Switch automatically stops traffic if the VPN connection drops
Split tunneling allows selective routing of internet traffic
Offers extra protection with Double VPN
Onion over VPN combines with the Tor network
Employs a stringent no-logs policy
Support up to six simultaneous devices
Money-back guarantee of 30-day
Pros
- Offers robust encryption protocols
- Onion Over VPN feature
- No bandwidth throttling
Cons
- Mobile apps might be laggy at times
Want to watch basketball from literally anywhere in the world? Then NordVPN is the best option for you. This top-rated VPN is perfect for streaming and works seamlessly with major streaming services such as Hulu+ Live TV, NBA League Pass, NBA games, and others. It also has a great unblocking feature.
Thanks to its over 5,500 servers in 60 countries, you can always find a server for whatever location you need. In addition, you do not have to worry about the speed with NordVPN; the VPN service uses the NordLynx tunneling protocol, which guarantees super-fast connection speeds and a buffer-free streaming experience.
Furthermore, you do not have to worry about privacy because NordVPN is packed with formidable security and privacy protocols, which include a robust kill switch, AES-256 encryption, and RAM-only servers. There is also an ad-blocker, Threat Protection from malware, SmartDNS, and obfuscation technology.
Channels to stream NBA games
How to stream NBA on TNT
TV broadcasting behemoth TNT plans to feature 65 games of the ’22-’23 season. Here’s how to watch:
Use your subscription from a participating cable or satellite provider to validate the Watch TNT channel. TNT is available on Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, Live TV, YouTube TV, and Hulu.
How to stream NBA on ABC
Watch ABC games on the ABC app with a participating pay TV provider login. ABC is available in certain markets on DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. ABC is also generally accessible via antenna broadcasts.
How to access the ESPN NBA stream
Use your subscription from a participating satellite or cable provider to authenticate the ESPN channel.
ESPN is available on DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV.
Conclusion
The NBA League Pass is available in most locations, but it is not as popular, nor can it compete with the preferred streaming options already in use. But those streaming options tend to come with the hassle of geo-restrictions. This is where the use of a VPN comes in handy.
If you want to continue enjoying the thrilling game of basketball where you go, then you need to get signed up for a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. The VPN service has the best security, speeds, and privacy features and is the industry-leading brand.
FAQs
The market is saturated with many VPN services, and with that kind of large pool of options, it can be difficult to find the best ones. From our tests, ExpressVPN is the best option on all accounts. ExpressVPN is fast and stable, making it the best for streaming live content, especially if you want a smooth streaming experience.
With the NBA’s League Pass add-on, you can stream NBA basketball games. You can also get past Amazon, become an NBA League Pass member, and save much money.
No, not if you are in the US. You must use a VPN to bypass the NBA’s blackout censorship if you are outside the US. VPN lets you access FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and NBA League Pass.
The NBA stream, provided you are streaming via a legit service provider, is safe to use. But if you need an added layer of security and privacy, you can subscribe to ExpressVPN.
If you want to enjoy the NBA season from the comfort of your couch, you are in luck. With so many streaming platforms dedicated to bringing the game to your doorstep, you just have to choose the best or most preferred option and enjoy. Use a VPN to get around the NBA’s blackout restrictions.
