Ranking NBA Teams by Number of National TV Games in 2025–26 Season

Cable: 20 | ABC: 6 | NBC: 7 | ESPN: 7 | PRIME: 10 | PEACOCK: 4

The Lakers might just be the one franchise in the NBA that laughs in the face of the “struggling teams get fewer TV games” rule. Good or bad, their brand is untouchable — the spotlight follows them no matter what. 

And now, with Luka Doncic leading the charge, it’s no shock they’re tied for the league lead in national broadcasts. Honestly, you can pencil them in for that spot for years to come.

Cable: 20 | ABC: 6 | NBC: 7 | ESPN: 7 | PRIME: 10 | PEACOCK: 4

As for the Warriors, three names explain their prime-time appeal: Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. With Curry still rewriting the book on long-range shooting, it’s only natural the league wants him in front of a national audience — and who’s complaining about watching the greatest shooter ever lace them up 34 times a season?

Cable: 20 | ABC: 5 | NBC: 7 | ESPN: 8 | PRIME: 10 | PEACOCK: 4

Then there’s Oklahoma City, who absolutely earned their place in the TV limelight. The defending champs boast the reigning MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a young, fearless roster that’s as entertaining as it is lethal. For a smaller market, it’s refreshing to see OKC get their flowers — and the airtime to match.

Cable: 21 | ABC: 6 | NBC: 8 | ESPN: 7 | PRIME: 10 | PEACOCK: 3

The Knicks finally have the city — and the league — buzzing. Last season’s improbable run to their first conference finals in a quarter-century has lit a fire in New York. This year, the expectations are through the roof, and the conversation isn’t just about making noise in the East — it’s about a real shot at the NBA Finals.

Cable: 17 | ABC: 4 | NBC: 7 | ESPN: 6 | PRIME: 7 | PEACOCK: 4

That's the magic of having Kevin Durant on your roster. The Suns reaped those benefits in recent years, but now it's Houston's turn to soak up the spotlight. With KD as the headliner, fans nationwide will also get their first real look at rising talents Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun — and for that, we owe the league a tip of the cap.

Cable: 17 | ABC: 4 | NBC: 6 | ESPN: 7 | PRIME: 7 | PEACOCK: 4

Two straight trips to the Western Conference Finals will keep you in the conversation, even if Minnesota’s offseason was quieter than a library at midnight. Still, when you’ve got Anthony Edwards — one of the league’s budding superstars — it’s a no-brainer to showcase him on the big stage as often as possible. The NBA knows a marketable face when it sees one.

Cable: 18 | ABC: 4 | NBC: 6 | ESPN: 8 | PRIME: 5 | PEACOCK: 3

The Nuggets, led by the ever-brilliant Nikola Jokić, might just be the biggest roadblock standing between the Thunder and another title run. Frankly, you could make a strong case for them ranking even higher on this list — odds are they’ll finish ahead of nearly every team mentioned here, save for maybe one.

Cable: 14 | ABC: 2 | NBC: 6 | ESPN: 6 | PRIME: 7 | PEACOCK: 4

Had Jayson Tatum avoided that Achilles injury in the playoffs, this number might be even bigger. Even so, Boston’s massive fanbase and perennial contender status keep them firmly in the national picture. And despite missing their franchise star, the Celtics remain a real threat in what’s shaping up to be a soft Eastern Conference.

Cable: 15 | ABC: 3 | NBC: 5 | ESPN: 7 | PRIME: 4 | PEACOCK: 5

Considering Cleveland posted the East’s best record last year, it’s a bit shocking they aren’t sitting higher. But a second-round playoff exit dented their shine, and they simply can’t match the star-studded pull of the teams ahead. Still, with their consistency and talent, they’re more than deserving of the spotlight they’ve been given.

Cable: 16 | ABC: 3 | NBC: 8 | ESPN: 5 | PRIME: 5 | PEACOCK: 2

Winning the No. 1 pick — and the rights to draft Cooper Flagg — was a franchise-altering moment for Dallas, and the TV schedule proves it. Had they been stuck at the 11th spot, they’d be buried much lower here, but now? Mix Flagg’s hype with Anthony Davis and the ever-entertaining Klay Thompson (yes, Megan Thee Stallion’s boyfriend), and you’ve got a recipe for prime-time basketball all season long.

Cable: 14 | ABC: 2 |NBC: 5 | ESPN: 7 | PRIME: 6 | PEACOCK: 2

In a few seasons, folks will look back and wonder how Victor Wembanyama wasn’t plastered all over national TV, but for now, this number feels about right. And it’s not just the 7’4" phenom pulling in the eyeballs — the addition of No. 2 pick Dylan Harper, plus De’Aaron Fox and reigning Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle, makes this squad one of the league’s most intriguing young attractions.