Finding an optimal live-streaming source poses an unfortunate hurdle for many passionate NBA fans without access to cable game broadcasts. Watching NBA games is difficult due to the cost of some NBA streaming sites and the availability of others in some countries. You can overcome these obstacles as many streaming options break such restrictions.
Here are the top 15 websites to stream NBA games today. Ensure you read the article to the end to find the right platform to watch or stream your favorite basketball games this season. Let’s dive in.
Top 15 best NBA streaming sites – Quick list
We’ve summarised our top picks for streaming NBA games below in case you don’t have time to read it all.
- NBABite: You’ll find links to stream NBA games for free here. Also, the video quality is mostly HD.
- FuboTV: Allows you to stream high-quality basketball games. Feel free to choose any NBA game channel you like.
- Stream2Watch: Stream2Watch has HD NBA streaming and offers coverage in sports like Football, Tennis, Baseball, Soccer, and Hockey.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV creates specialized viewing for you based on your preferences. You can also get live streaming all through the season.
- Sling TV: This is one of the most affordable sites. If you have the ESPN app, you can access it using your Sling login details.
- Crackstreams NBA Channel: If you want a free site that doesn’t compromise on brilliance, this is for you.
- MethStreams NBA: It is easy and accessible because you don’t need a cable subscription to use the service.
- Buffstreams NBA: Alongside streaming NBA games, you can watch MMA, NFL, and Boxing streams here.
- NBA League Pass: NBA League Pass gives you access to exclusive weekly games. You can also stream the finals and the playoffs.
- AT&T TV: AT&T TV supports streaming NBA games across different platforms like iOS, Apple TV, Android, and Roku.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV provides a large selection of sports channels, including NBA TV, ESPN channels, and CBS Sports Network.
- Peacock: Subscribe to Peacock TV and stream NBA games simultaneously on up to three devices.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon Prime Video is not so loud on sports content, but you can add channels like NBA League Pass to your subscription plan.
- ESPN/ESPN+: The site is user-friendly, and up to 4k viewing quality is available.
- NBA TV: You enjoy maximum coverage, including match analysis, interviews, and press conferences.
Top 15 NBA streaming sites – Detailed list
As technology advances, keeping up with your favorite sports has become easier. Below, we’ve listed the best streaming websites that ensure you watch the ongoing NBA games hassle-free. However, remember that while some are paid, others are free. Also, while some contain annoying ads, others are ad-free. Let’s begin!
1. NBABite
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 227K | Yes | 8 |
NBABite functions by providing links to live NBA games for free, and it has been in operation since 2009. Most of the links shared are HD-quality videos. However, you should take note of videos with higher bitrate for better quality.
It contains plenty of ads, so be prepared to go through the experience. If you plan to use an adblocker, you should reconsider because you might not be able to access the stream with your adblocker on.
2. FuboTV
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 20.5K | Yes | 3 |
FuboTV used to be solely for soccer, but today, it is a hub for everything related to sports. The platform fully covers NBA games, so viewers can watch the matchups in high streaming quality of up to 4K. Its robust library lets you watch previous NBA moments and explore basketball documentaries.
Its basic plan covers NBA channels. However, subscribe to the higher available plans for more sports coverage. Besides, with its Cloud DVR feature, you can record your favorite sports moments to rewatch them later.
3. Stream2Watch
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN Compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 215K | Yes | 7 |
If you love everything sports brought together in one place, you’ll love Stream2Watch because it is among the best sports streaming sites. Apart from the NBA, it also delivers content on other games like tennis, football, soccer, and hockey.
Streaming on this site is free and comes in HD quality. Nonetheless, just like other free sites, expect to be bombarded by ads. However, an ad blocker can help you out here.
The platform has a live group chat function for users to interact while watching their favorite games. It also has a smart auto-moderation feature that monitors spammers and vulgar people. Whether it’s a regular season matchup or a playoff thriller you want to view, this site would serve you well.
4. Hulu + Live TV
$75.99 per month
Local channels available
Expensive add-ons
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN Compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 692K | Yes | 7 |
Hulu + Live TV provides a wide range of entertainment options alongside watching NBA games. Based on its design, this site can recognize your preferences to personalize your experience. You’ll also get other content you might find interesting while streaming your favorite NBA games.
Depending on your location, Hulu + Live TV gives you access to other sports networks like ABC, ESPN, and TNT. You can take advantage of the free trials and special offers before you choose a subscription plan after signing up.
5. Sling TV
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN Compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 3M | Yes | 2 |
You can choose any sports entertainment content you want to watch on Sling TV. It is perfect for basketball fans who want a more personalized experience. This streaming site notes your interest over time and provides recommendations that are more relevant to your interest.
Smart TVs, mobile devices, and streaming devices can all access Sling TV, but you must first sign up and select a package. You’ll also like the feature that allows users to record NBA games to view later. Additionally, you have the option of selecting the Sports Extra Package if you would like sports content that is even more specialized.
6. Crackstreams NBA Channel
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 1M | Yes | 7 |
One thing that differentiates this website from others is that you don’t need to sign up to start using the service. Select the Live Streams and Schedule page after clicking on the NBA stream you want to access. Next, click on the preferred game and select Watch Now. Wait for the page to load, and click on the Play icon to start viewing your video.
The major challenge with this free platform is that the video quality might be inconsistent sometimes. Also, you might have to deal with the recurrent popups as you stream.
7. MethStreams NBA
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 4K | Yes | 7 |
MethStreams NBA is an unofficial NBA games live streaming service, and it works by providing multiple links to stream each game. All you have to do is go through the links to find one that works. Because MethStreams is not authorized to stream NBA games, its legality is usually questioned. Remember that you might be susceptible to legal actions and other things like malware on the site.
Nonetheless, we do not deny the convenience of using MethStreams, which is why it has made it to our list. Because of the challenges you might face with using this site, you need to put some measures in place so you don’t miss out on a stable connection. We advise using a good VPN like NordVPN whenever you use MethStreams.
8. Buffstreams NBA
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6M | Yes | 5 |
To get started on Buffstreams, you need to open a free account by providing your email and password. Although free, you’ll still have to include your credit card details. When you use this platform, you might experience some buffering.
However, you can easily solve this by refreshing your page. Popups also might bother you a lot on the site, so you might consider getting an ad blocker for a better experience.
9. NBA League Pass
Free and Paid ($22.99 per month)
Doesn’t feature ads
Broadcast blackouts
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 319K | Yes | 2 |
NBA League Pass is a site that provides a fantastic viewing experience for basketball lovers. There are many camera angles available to give the audience exceptional views. This is expected because it is the NBA’s official site. Considering the large fan base for basketball across different countries, NBA League Pass has features catering to basketball enthusiasts’ varying time zones.
Apart from streaming games live, you can access the latest game matchups and other content like on-demand replays, allowing you to catch up on anything you missed. Subscribing to this streaming service makes you eligible for discounts and free trials once a new season starts. The subscription costs $22.99 monthly, and you can use NBA TV for free when you do so. Also, regardless of your device, you can access the service once you’ve downloaded the app.
10. AT&T TV
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 20.8M | Yes | 5 |
When you subscribe to AT&T TV, you can access sports networks that stream NBA games, like TNT, NBA TV, and ESPN. With access to these platforms, you can start viewing the basketball games. The only downside to this website is that it’s a little pricey.
A choice AT&T TV package will cost you about $65 monthly. Once you’re subscribed, you can stream this site irrespective of your device.
11. YouTube TV
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 4.7M | Yes | 7 |
You can access the NBA broadcasts shared by platforms like ABC, ESPN, and TNT as a YouTube TV subscriber. Many NBA games are broadcast through regional sports networks (RSN), but YouTube TV does not carry all of them.
Some team networks this streaming site carries include the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and Golden State Warriors.
12. Peacock
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6M | Yes | 3 |
The current NBA games will not be streaming on Peacock for this season. However, in a place where the NBC Sports RSN package is available, you can watch some games with your Peacock premium package.
If you want to enjoy other games, you can join Peacock’s Premier League football and Sunday night football. Premium subscribers to this streaming site can stream simultaneously on three devices. They can also download videos to watch later.
13. Amazon Prime Video
$14.99 per month
Has a lot of original content
Geo-restricted
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 7M | Yes | 4 |
Amazon Prime Video doesn’t provide much sporting content compared to other streaming sites. WNBA and Thursday Night Football are the major sports events it streams.
However, other channels are available for you to add to your subscription package. These channels include Paramount+, PGA Tour Live, and NBA League Pass. You can watch the NBA games on up to three devices once you’re subscribed to Amazon Prime Video for $14.99 monthly.
14. ESPN/ESPN+
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 794K | Yes | 4 |
One of the most resourceful sites for staying up to date on everything related to sports is ESPN+. It covers the NBA games, MLB, National/International Football League clutches, NHL, and NCAA events extensively.
Since 2021, the platform has been providing off-market game streaming, and it costs $10.99 per month for a subscription. Up to three devices can stream on a single package, accessible through an iPhone or Android app or any browser.
15. NBA TV
Free and Paid ($6.99 per month)
24-hour live stream
Free version features ads
| Number of monthly visitors | VPN compatible | Ad annoyance |
|---|---|---|
| 1.4M | Yes (to get an IP address of the US and Canada) | 2 |
NBA TV gives you a closer look into the NBA world. Subscribers of this channel can watch documentaries on their favorite team, in-depth analyses, player spotlights, and other exclusive content. You can watch roundtable talks with experts, retrospective analyses of past iconic moments, and interviews with prominent NBA personalities.
Once you have an NBA TV subscription, you can stream the games on your tablets, smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs. This is one of your best options to stay up to speed on basketball news that might not be available on other networks. Additionally, you can select from seasonal and monthly subscription plans according to your preferences.
How to watch NBA Live
Some online NBA streaming services are geo-restricted. This means certain viewers cannot access specific content and services. However, you can bypass such limitations using a quality VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. These are excellent options because they are fast, secure, robust, and cause little or no traffic. Alongside allowing you to hop over digital restrictions, you enjoy maximum protection from malicious attacks from cybercriminals.
If you want to watch NBA live from anywhere you are, a VPN makes things easier. All you need to do is follow these steps:
- Download and install a good VPN. Our best recommendation is NordVPN.
- Launch the VPN and connect to a server where your NBA streaming site is not geo-restricted.
- Connect to your streaming channel.
- Start watching the NBA games today to cheer on your favorite team.
NBA game schedule highlights – 2023/2024 season
The NBA League season kicked off on October 24, 2023, and will end in April 2024. Many games have been held, but you must stay informed on the upcoming games to avoid missing out on the coming entertainment.
The Christmas Holiday Games
Expect star-studded lineups on December 25. There are ten teams and five games already scheduled for the day, and the competition will be between:
- Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks
- Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets
- Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat
- Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns
Expect reigning MVPs like Nikola Jokic, LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, amongst others, to deliver an intense and exciting play.
February’s All-Star Weekend
The NBA All-Star weekend will be held in Indianapolis next year in February. Unlike last year, the team will return to the East vs. West format. As such, you should expect a blend of fun, skill, and glamor despite the rigors of the season.
Although the full list of fan experiences and weekend activities is not yet out, we know upcoming talents will be displayed. Also, we’ll get a glimpse into the NBA’s future through matchups like the Charlotte Hornets vs. the Memphis Grizzlies.
The race continues till April 2024
The playoffs of the season will reach their peak in April. Six games will be held during the playoffs, after which the champion will be decided from the four best-of-seven rounds. We look forward to seeing matchups like the Denver Nuggets vs. the Dallas Mavericks during the final race.
Are there any free, ad-free NBA live-streaming websites?
No, there isn’t. The reason why it’s difficult to find a website to stream NBA games that is both free and ad-free is that these platforms need a way to recover their expenses.
For the free sites, they use ads to earn some revenue. Nonetheless, some websites provide free trials that allow you to stream NBA games for some time without ads. Some sites that provide this service, including limited live NBA games, include FuboTV, Sling TV, and Hulu. NBA’s official streaming site also offers free access to preseason and regular season games.
Conclusion
When you choose the right streaming platform, you can stay updated on what is happening in the ongoing NBA games. For maximum viewing experience, we advise using a VPN like NordVPN and an ad-blocker to enhance your security while bypassing annoying popups. Besides, sports enthusiasts can use these websites to catch other sporting events after or within the NBA season.
FAQs
Yes, it is safe to stream NBA games. However, you must be careful not to download any file to avoid downloading malware carelessly. Most of the exposure to unsafe content comes from ads or popups. As a result, you should ensure your safety by using a VPN or ad blockers.
The line between a legal and illegal NBA streaming site could be gray sometimes because only websites that have bought their right to stream NBA content are technically legal. However, a good rule of thumb is to consider a platform that streams pirated content as illegal and avoid it.
Yes, it is. Some NBA streaming websites like Crackstreams NBA Channel allow you to stream without signing up.
Yes, it is. Although many streaming sites display ads, you can use a good VPN like ExtremeVPN or ad blockers to evade popups.
