NBA basketball on TV today: National channels, local networks, live stream and where to watch the game

With more ways than ever before to watch NBA basketball, GOAL brings you everything you need to know on how to watch tonight's games.

The new season will be broadcast on multiple platforms as the league signed new rights deals. From online streaming services to local TV listings, below is every bit of information you need.

Scroll down to the bottom for a comprehensive look by team, where you'll also find our recommendation for the best online streaming service and best cable provider to watch your favourite team.

Key Dates for 2025-26 NBA Season

The NBA revealed the 2025-26 season schedule recently. The season tips off on Peacock as the defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder, host the Houston Rockets. It is all non-stop action since then, as the teams battle it out on the court. Here are the key dates for the upcoming season:

• Aug. 27-Sept. 14: FIBA EuroBasket
• Sept. 5-6: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2025 Enshrinement Weekend
• Sept. 23: Media days for teams traveling outside of North America for 2025 Preseason: Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns
• Sept. 23: First allowable date for players participating in preseason games in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Australia and China to report to their teams (no earlier than 11 a.m. local time)
• Sept. 24: Training Camps open for all teams participating in preseason games outside North America (Nets, Knicks, 76ers, Pelicans, Suns)
• Sept. 29: First allowable date for all other veteran players to report to their teams (no earlier than 11 a.m. local time)
• Sept. 29: NBA Training Camps open and Media days for remaining 25 teams
• Oct. 2 & 4: 2025 Preseason: NBA Abu Dhabi Games | Knicks vs. 76ers | Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi
• Oct. 3 & 5: 2025 Preseason: Melbourne Series | Pelicans vs. NBL teams | Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia
• Oct. 6: 2025 Preseason: 2025 NBA Canada Series | Nuggets vs. Raptors | Rogers Arena in Vancouver, B.C.
• Oct. 10 & 12: 2025 Preseason: NBA China Games | Nets vs. Suns | The Venetian Arena in Macao
• Oct. 17: NBA Preseason ends
• Oct. 20: Rosters set for NBA Opening Day (5 p.m. ET)
• Oct. 21: Start of the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season – Opening Night (7:30 p.m. ET: Rockets at Thunder | 10 p.m. ET: Warriors at Lakers) — All games on NBC and Peacock
• Oct. 31: Emirates NBA Cup 2025 – Group Play tips off on Prime
• Nov. 1: NBA Mexico City Game 2025 – Detroit Pistons vs. Dallas Mavericks at Arena CDMX in Mexico City, Mexico
• Nov. 28: Emirates NBA Cup 2025 – Group Play concludes
• Dec. 9-10: Emirates NBA Cup 2025 – Knockout Rounds (Quarterfinals) on Prime
• Dec. 13: Emirates NBA Cup 2025 – Semifinals (Las Vegas, NV) on Prime
• Dec. 16: Emirates NBA Cup 2025 – Championship (Las Vegas, NV) on Prime
• Dec. 25: Christmas Day (12 p.m. ET: Cavs at Knicks | 2:30 p.m. ET: Spurs at Thunder | 5 p.m. ET: Mavs at Warriors | 8 p.m. ET: Rockets at Lakers | 10:30 p.m. ET: Wolves at Nuggets) — All games on ABC and ESPN
• Jan. 5: 10-day contracts may now be signed
• Jan. 10: All NBA contracts are guaranteed for the remainder of the season
• Jan. 15: NBA Berlin Games 2026 – Magic vs. Grizzlies (Berlin, Uber Arena)
• Jan. 18: NBA London Games 2026 – Magic vs. Grizzlies (London, The O2)
• Jan. 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (1 p.m. ET: Bucks at Hawks | 2:30 p.m. ET: Thunder at Cavs | 5 p.m. ET: Mavs at Knicks | 8 p.m. ET: Celtics at Pistons) — All games on NBC and Peacock
• Feb. 5: NBA Trade Deadline (3 p.m. ET)
• Feb. 13-15: 2026 NBA All-Star in Los Angeles, CA
• March 1: Playoff eligibility waiver deadline
• April 12: Regular season ends
• April 13: Rosters set for NBA Playoffs 2026 (3 p.m. ET)
• April 14: Play-in tournament begins
• April 17: Play-in tournament ends
• April 18: Playoffs begin
• May: Playpffs end
• June 4: The Finals

Upcoming NBA Matches

Tuesday, Oct 21

Wednesday, Oct 22

Thursday, Oct 23

Friday, Oct 24

Monday, Oct 27

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Best online streaming service to watch NBA basketball

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The two best online streaming services to watch NBA basketball are Fubo and DirecTV Stream.

While DirecTV Stream holds the advantage of carrying TNT, which Fubo does not, which is the best choice for you will be determined by which service carries the Regional Sports Network you need to see your local team.

National NBA TV coverage - Fubo vs DirecTV Stream

Local NBA TV coverage - Fubo vs DirecTV Stream