How to stream the 2023 NBA season without cable

Yolisa Motha
Internet Provider Comparisons

There are many pros to having cable TV — and one of them is certainly being able to tune into every live NBA basketball game and being able to record it if you’re busy. Nothing’s better than pre-game excitement as your friends get the snacks, and you grab your favourite team’s jersey for that post-victory selfie. However, not everybody that loves watching the NBA has cable, or can afford it.

That’s why HomeLinkd has compiled a list of all the websites and streaming services that stream live TV and broadcast each game. Pass the ball — let’s go! Find out how you can watch your favorite games online through services like NBA League Pass, and so much more!

Eleven of the best streaming service options to watch NBA games in 2023

NBA League Pass:

If you’re a fan of a specific team, then this might be the best choice for you. For $200 per season, you get to watch every out-of-market game for the team of your choice. You also get to choose from multiple camera angles, and there are no commercials. The only downside is that if your team makes it to the playoffs, you won’t have a way to watch games live —you’ll have to wait until they’re over.

The NBA League Pass is the best place to watch the NBA Playoffs. The “International League Pass” is free from blackout restriction and covers a wide array of countries. It also gives you flexibility to find a country that accepts your chosen payment method. Plus, there’s a 7-day free trial available if you’d like to try the service before committing.

NBA TV Live:

This is a great option for the basketball fan that wants to watch the NBA playoffs without cable or satellite TV, all season long. For $6.99 per month, you get access to live games, highlights, analysis, and classic games. You also get a 7-day free trial when you first sign up.

AT&T TV Now:

The premium plan that offers 45+ channels with its starter package with ABC, ESPN, and NBC included for play off streaming. AT&T TV Now starts at $54.99 per month for the “plus” package while the “max” costs $79.99 per month.

DAZN:

This is a great option for international fans as it is the only place you can watch every single game of the NBA season. It costs $19.99 per month, and you also get a 1-month free trial when you first sign up.

It is also one of the cheapest ways to stream the NBA and other international sports. No hidden fees, and you get access to every broadcast game on the TV schedule.

fuboTV:

A great option for NBA fans. Fubo gives you a 7-day free trial and then costs $54.99 per month. You get access to live games, as well as on-demand content. Plus, there are no ads during the live games.

You can also watch behind-the-scenes content with access to NBA TV!

Hulu + Live TV:

A huge amount of national and regional sports channels and TV networks can be accessed with a premium subscription. You can try it risk-free with a 7-day free trial. After that, it’s $54.99 per month.

It’s one of the most comprehensive streaming services as it offers 60+ channels, which is perfect for cord-cutters.

You also get access to Hulu’s huge on-demand library with your subscription.

Sling TV:

If you’re only following one team, you can get a more affordable “Team Pass”. You also have the option for an NBA League Pass cable package to have access to pre-season games through the playoffs, letting you watch every single NBA game.

Sling TV starts at $30 per month, and you can add sports extras like the NBA League Pass for an additional $29 per month.

Sportsnet:

One of the most affordable options on the list covers a range of international sports, including the NHL, NFL, UFC, and MLB. You can get a 7-day free trial and then it’s only $19.99 per month after that.

TSN Direct:

The cheapest monthly plan on this list, which offers a wide range of global sporting events. You can watch on two devices at the same time with this subscription. It starts at only $4.99 per month, and you also get a 7-day free trial.

YouTube TV:

One of the more higher-priced streaming services, but has a wide range of sports and regular broadcasting. It also has a 7-day free trial. After that, it costs $64.99 per month.

You get access to over 85 channels with this subscription, as well as an unlimited DVR storage. It’s perfect for cord-cutters as there are no contracts required.

DirecTV Stream:

One of the only streaming services that offer NBA TV. You can also get ESPN and TNT with this subscription.

It starts at $40 per month, but you also get a 7-day free trial when you first sign up.

Got an Apple or Android device? Here’s how to use your mobile device for streaming the NBA

Here's how to watch the NBA playoffs live without cable from your mobile device:

The NBA’s official mobile app

The monthly or annual NBA League Pass holders can watch the live NBA playoffs and finals from the official app of NBA. You can enjoy live streaming or replays, at your choice and convenience.

NBA basketball fans can also get breaking news and exciting game highlights. Not only this, but they get scores, standings, stats, and schedules through the app for the team they are supporting.

The option of NBA TV is also available for cable subscribers in the NBA app. Prices for NBA League and playoff Pass start from $17.99 per month for one team, and goes up to $249.99 per annum for all teams, while avoiding the annoyance of commercials.

The Next VR app

The immersive Next VR app can put you in the front row, backstage, and court side at the must-watch NBA playoffs and games this season. However, you can only use this app on an Apple device since the tech giant bought NextVR in 2020 and then removed it from the Google Play store. But why choose one when you have the option to watch up to 13 live games and playoffs on a theatre-size screen at once? Streaming live playoffs and leagues or replaying videos from your Apple or Android mobile device is easy with the app.

In addition, the Next VR app can be downloaded for Gear VR, HTC Vive headsets, and daydreams for an even more exciting experience. Just remember —you need an NBA League Pass to enjoy these immersive experiences.

Where to watch the 2023 NBA playoffs without cable

TNT and ESPN will offer live broadcasts of the NBA playoffs, so you can watch them without cable.

If you’re looking for a more affordable option, consider signing up for a streaming service like Sling TV or YouTube TV. You can also use your mobile device to stream the NBA playoffs using the NBA app or the Next VR app.

Which is the preferred live stream choice to watch the NBA Finals?

The preferred live stream choice to watch the NBA Finals is TNT.

If you don’t have a cable subscription, or if you want to watch the game on your mobile device, there are several ways to do so.

You can watch the NBA Finals on TNT through any of the following live stream services:

- Sling TV

- DirecTV Now

- PlayStation Vue

- YouTube TV

Sling Orange vs Sling Blue: Which is the better option for a Sports Lover?

Sling TV is one of the most popular streaming services, and for good reason. It’s affordable, has a wide range of channels, and offers a 7-day free trial.

There are two main options for Sling TV: Sling Orange and Sling Blue. Both offer a variety of channels, but they have different strengths.

If you’re looking for a streaming service that offers a wide range of sports channels, then Sling Blue is the better option. It includes channels like NBCSN, NFL Network, and FS1.

On the other hand, if you want a streaming service that has a variety of entertainment channels, then Sling Orange is the better choice. It includes channels like ESPN, Disney Channel, and Freeform.

Can I watch out-of-market games without a cable connection?

Yes, you can.

If you want to watch out-of-market games, you can sign up for an MLB.TV subscription. With this subscription, you’ll be able to watch every out-of-market game during the regular season.

MLB.TV also offers a 7-day free trial, so you can try it before you commit to a subscription.

How to stream the NBA All-Star game?

The NBA All-Star game will be broadcast on TNT.

Compare TV options for you and your home

There’s no need to miss out on any NBA game when you have this many options to stream. Get connected with an internet and TV bundle from one of HomeLinkd’s top packages from Spectrum, DirecTV, Frontier FiOS and more!

Are you ready to cheer on the Phoenix Suns or the Milwaukee Bucks while embracing your cord-cutter lifestyle?

Get in on the NBA and other live sports with an internet or TV package from HomeLinkd!

Written by:
Yolisa Motha
Senior Copywriter

Yolisa is a word artist who's on a quest to help businesses make an impact so powerful - it causes a ripple effect. If Yolisa isn't painting pictures with her words, you'll find her hiking up a mountain or soaking up the beach sun.

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