Cutting cable does not mean losing the NBA — but it does mean navigating a confusing set of streaming options, each with their own blackout rules, contract terms, and price increases since last season.
We have tracked NBA streaming options through the 2025-26 season. League Pass has raised prices again. YouTube TV still carries TNT and ESPN via the base plan. And streaming subscriptions have quietly become the most cost-effective route for fans who want every game without the blackout headaches.
Here is what each option actually costs and what you give up with each one.
NBA League Pass: The Official Option, With a Major Asterisk
NBA League Pass costs $16.99 per month or $109 for the full season (roughly $9.08/month averaged out). At first glance, that looks affordable — until you hit the blackout wall.
League Pass blackouts are significant. Games broadcast nationally on ESPN, ABC, TNT, or NBA TV are blacked out on League Pass for viewers in the US. During the playoffs and Finals, League Pass is almost entirely blacked out — meaning the best basketball of the year is the exact content you cannot watch.
League Pass works well for international viewers who do not face the same blackout geography. If you are in the UK, most blackout restrictions do not apply. If you are in the US and your team is often nationally televised, you will hit blackouts constantly.
Sling TV: The Mid-Tier Cable Replacement
Sling TV’s Orange plan runs $46/month and includes ESPN and ESPN2. The Blue plan at $46/month gives you NBA TV. To get both, you pay $61/month for the Orange + Blue combo.
Sling does not carry TNT or TBS under its standard package as of 2026, following the Warner Bros. Discovery carriage disputes that resurfaced in late 2025. That means you miss a significant chunk of playoff coverage that lands on TNT each year.
Sling is a legitimate option if you also watch a wide range of other live TV. For NBA-only viewers, you are overpaying for channels you will never use.
YouTube TV: The Premium Option
YouTube TV at $72.99/month is the most complete cable replacement. It includes ESPN, ABC, and TNT, which means you get full playoff coverage without add-ons. The interface is clean, DVR is unlimited, and it works on virtually every device.
The problem is price. At $72.99/month, you are spending $875 a year on a streaming service that costs more than a mid-tier cable package. If you watch a lot of live TV beyond sports, the value case gets stronger. If you mainly want NBA, it is hard to justify.
DirecTV Stream: The Traditional Replacement
DirecTV Stream starts at $79.99/month and includes ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. It is the closest thing to traditional cable among all the streaming options listed here — same channel lineup, similar price, and a cloud DVR that holds up to 500 hours of recordings.
DirecTV Stream is available in the US only. It makes sense for viewers who want a full cable replacement experience and watch sports beyond the NBA — NFL on local channels, regional sports networks, and college sports are all included depending on your tier.
Fubo TV: Sports-First, Expensive
Fubo starts at $84.99/month as of 2026, making it the most expensive mainstream option. It focuses heavily on sports and carries most major sports networks. If you need NFL, NBA, and soccer in one package and do not mind the price, Fubo delivers. For NBA-only fans, it is overkill.
Cost Comparison Table
| Service | Monthly Cost | NBA Coverage | Blackouts |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA League Pass | $16.99/mo or $109/season | Non-national games | Heavy in US |
| Sling Orange + Blue | $61/mo | ESPN + NBA TV (no TNT) | Minimal |
| YouTube TV | $72.99/mo | Full (ESPN, ABC, TNT) | None |
| Fubo TV | $84.99/mo | Full | None |
| MazzTV streaming subscription | From £12.99/mo | Full US sports channels | None |
How MazzTV Handles This
MazzTV’s live channels streaming package includes the major US sports networks — ESPN, ESPN2, NBA TV, and more — without the blackout limitations that affect League Pass in the US. You pay one flat rate per month and watch any game that is airing, regardless of which network carries it.
At £12.99/month (roughly $16-17), it costs the same as the cheapest League Pass plan but without the blackout calendar. During the playoffs — when League Pass is nearly useless in the US — MazzTV keeps streaming. Check the full channels list to confirm what US sports networks are available in your region.
Test it during a live game before committing: the 24-hour trial gives you full access. View all plan options at MazzTV pricing.