Cheapest Ways to Watch NBA Games in 2025 (Free & Paid Options)

Let’s be real—watching NBA games shouldn’t cost you over $100 a month. That’s just wild. Whether you’re tracking every LeBron highlight, riding with the Celtics through thick and thin, or just tuning in when the playoffs heat up, this guide’s got you covered.

We’re diving into the cheapest (and 100% legal) ways to watch NBA games, how you can score a discounted NBA League Pass, and yep—we’ll also show you how to deal with those super annoying blackout restrictions.

It’s all easy, tested, and won’t mess with your budget. Let’s get you watching more hoops for way less cash.

Why It’s Getting So Expensive to Watch NBA Games

Watching NBA games today isn’t as simple as turning on the TV. Here’s what’s driving the cost up:

• Cable TV bundles cost $80–$120/month
• Blackouts block games based on your location
• Multiple platforms needed (ESPN, TNT, ABC, NBA TV)
• NBA League Pass is overpriced in the U.S.

This leaves fans either overspending or stuck missing games. The good news? You don’t need cable anymore—and there are much cheaper ways to stream NBA.

You Don’t Need Cable to Watch NBA Games Anymore

Most fans are switching to online streaming services or using international workarounds. All you need is a device (phone, laptop, smart TV), internet, and in some cases, a VPN to change your region and skip blackouts.

How to Watch Every Game for the Lowest Price

Method	Cost	Includes	Needs VPN?
NBA League Pass (India)	~$15/year	All games, no ads	✅ Yes
Sling TV Free Trial	Free (7 days)	ESPN, TNT	✅ Optional
YouTube TV Free Trial	Free (up to 14 days)	ESPN, ABC, NBA TV	✅ Optional
ABC Games via Antenna	Free	Select games	❌ No
TSN / Sportsnet (Canada)	~$15/month	National games	✅ Yes

Cheapest Ways to Watch NBA Games

Discover affordable and legal ways to watch NBA games online without cable. Stream every matchup live and skip blackout restrictions.

A. NBA League Pass (International Version – Best Overall Deal)

Looking for the cheapest and most reliable option among cheap ways to watch NBA? The international NBA League Pass is your best bet.

NBA League Pass gives you access to every regular-season and playoff game. But in the U.S., it costs over $200/year. Overseas? Way cheaper.

For example:

• India: ~$15/year
• Philippines: ~$18/year
• Mexico: ~$20/year

How to Get the International NBA League Pass:

• Subscribe PureVPN
• Connect to a low-cost region (like India)
• Go to NBA.com and sign up
• Pay in local currency (much cheaper)
• Watch all games live or on-demand, blackout-free

Why it works:
The NBA offers different prices in each country. A VPN lets you unlock that pricing. PureVPN works smoothly with NBA League Pass and lets you watch in HD.

B. Free Trials from Streaming Services (Great for Short-Term Access)

If you’re looking for a cheap, commitment-free way to watch NBA games, free trials from streaming services are a solid option. These trials let you watch live NBA games legally—often with access to national broadcasts like ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV.

Just rotate through the platforms below and enjoy several weeks of NBA streaming for free.

1. Sling TV – 7-Day Free Trial

Channels Included: TNT, ESPN

Sling TV offers live NBA coverage through TNT and ESPN, making it ideal for regular-season primetime games and marquee matchups.
You’ll also get access to select NBA specials and pregame coverage.

Tip: Sling often offers promotional discounts after the trial ends, making it a cheap long-term option.

2. YouTube TV – Up to 14 Days Free

Channels Included: ESPN, ABC, NBA TV

YouTube TV is one of the most complete platforms for NBA fans. The free trial includes:

• ESPN for weekday games
• ABC for weekend broadcasts
• NBA TV for bonus games and analysis

It also supports unlimited DVR, so you can record NBA games and watch later.

3. FuboTV – 7-Day Free Trial

Channels Included: ABC, regional sports networks

FuboTV is known for its sports-focused lineup and covers many regional NBA broadcasts, especially for local team fans. It’s great if your team isn’t on national TV often.

Reminder: Some regions may experience blackouts—use a VPN to switch locations and bypass this.

Tips to Max Out Trials:

• Use different emails for each trial
• Set calendar reminders to cancel on time
• Combine trials with a VPN to unblock local games

Note: Some platforms still block local games. A VPN helps bypass these blocks easily.

C. Free Games on ABC (No Login Needed)

One of the easiest cheap ways to watch NBA games is tuning into ABC broadcasts, available over-the-air in most U.S. regions.

A few NBA games air on ABC, especially Saturday primetime and Sunday matinees. These are available for free if you have:

• A digital antenna
• A smart TV with built-in tuner
• A free OTA app (like Locast, HDHomeRun)

You won’t get every game, but you’ll catch big weekend matchups and national broadcasts.

D. Use Canadian Platforms (If You’re Near the Border or Have a VPN)

Canadian services offer cheap ways to watch NBA games without worrying about U.S. blackouts or expensive subscriptions.

Canadian streaming services like TSN Direct and Sportsnet NOW offer cheaper access to NBA games. Monthly plans are flexible, and coverage is solid.

How to Access:

• Use PureVPN to connect to a Canadian server
• Sign up for TSN or Sportsnet
• Stream NBA games live and on-demand

Great for fans who want coverage without the blackout mess. Many games air live, and Canadian rules are less strict on streaming restrictions.

E. Why Reddit Streams Are Risky (Even if Free)

While Reddit might seem like one of the cheap ways to watch NBA online, it’s not worth the risks involved—legal or technical.

Some fans try searching Reddit NBA streams during game time. These links are shared in unofficial subreddits—but most of them:

• Are illegal
• Have low quality and delays
• Risk exposing your device to malware

Instead of dodgy streams, use one of the legal options above. When paired with a VPN, you get smooth streaming, blackout-free games, and no legal risk.

Frequently Asked Questions