If you’re a basketball enthusiast like me, you’ll appreciate the thrill of watching live NBA games. However, cable subscriptions can be both expensive and inflexible. Fortunately, there are many alternatives for watching NBA games without cable, providing significant cost savings and convenience. For instance, an average cable TV package can cost around $60 to $100 per month, while streaming subscriptions might only set you back $20 to $30. By opting for streaming services, you can potentially save up to 70% on your annual TV expenses.
The first service I turned to was NBA League Pass. It’s a dedicated streaming service tailored for NBA fans and offers access to a vast array of games. You can get a package starting at around $14.99 per month, which is quite affordable compared to traditional cable. NBA League Pass comes with multiple viewing options, including condensed game replays, which is ideal if you don’t have two or three hours to spare. True, the service occasionally blacks out local games to protect regional broadcasters, but that rarely dampens the experience. A good alternative when blackouts occur is to use a VPN that can help you bypass those restrictions.
I also tried out YouTube TV, which has an extensive offering of live channels, including those broadcasting NBA games. YouTube TV costs about $64.99 a month, and it includes major sports networks such as ESPN, ABC, and TNT. The storage on its Cloud DVR is unlimited, so you can record as many games as you want and watch them when it’s convenient for you. According to a study by Variety, YouTube TV had over 3 million subscribers by the end of 2020, making it one of the most popular streaming services in the U.S.
Sling TV is another cost-effective solution. I chose their Sling Orange package for $35 per month, which gives access to ESPN and TNT, two of the primary networks for NBA games. Sling TV also offers more flexibility as you can add small channel bundles for an additional fee. One of the things I liked the most about Sling TV is its simplicity and ease of use. Since my primary goal was to catch live NBA games, I appreciated that their user interface was straightforward and efficient.
If you’re someone who wants a more traditional cable experience without the hefty price tag, FuboTV might be your best bet. For $64.99 per month, it includes channels like ESPN, NBCSN, and local networks. What sets FuboTV apart is its focus on sports streaming, offering over 100 channels, 30 of which are sports channels. According to TechCrunch, FuboTV reached approximately 590,430 subscribers by the end of 2020, indicating a growing preference for their streaming service.
I didn’t want to miss the chance to try Hulu + Live TV. This service charges $64.99 per month and offers access to all the big networks including ESPN, TNT, and ABC. What I found convenient was the combination of live TV and on-demand content. I could watch live NBA games and then switch over to binge-watch some of my favorite series, all in one app. Additionally, Hulu + Live TV offers 50 hours of Cloud DVR storage and, for an extra fee, you can increase that to 200 hours.
Last but not least, consider trying AT&T TV Now. Starting at $55 per month, this service offers various packages that include major sports channels. Even though $55 might seem a bit on the higher side, AT&T TV Now occasionally offers promotional deals that can lower this cost. It’s also beneficial if you’re already an AT&T customer, since bundling can save you even more money. With AT&T TV Now, I had the added advantage of an easy transition from my previously existing AT&T internet and mobile services.
For those always on the go, mobile streaming applications can be a lifesaver. The ESPN app, for example, allows live streaming of games that are broadcasted on any ESPN network if you have a login through an eligible online streaming or cable TV provider. Additionally, platforms like Yahoo Sports offer the capability to live stream NBA games directly on your mobile device for free, although it may not cover every single game.
I must mention a hidden gem I discovered: Reddit’s NBA Streams community. Although it isn’t technically a streaming service, Reddit often has links to live streams of NBA games. It’s a community of basketball enthusiasts who share various streaming links that can be very useful especially if some games aren’t available through your chosen service. Be cautious and ensure your internet security settings are robust before clicking on any external links as unofficial streams can sometimes be risky.
For those curious about where to find more options for streaming, you should check out where can i watch NBA games for additional insights. This site offers extensive information about streaming services and can help you choose the right one based on your preferences and budget.
In summary, there are plenty of ways to catch your favorite NBA teams in action without being tied down by a traditional cable subscription. Each of the options I explored has its pros and cons, but they all provide a viable and often more affordable way to enjoy NBA games. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive package or a more specialized service, there’s something out there for everyone. All you need is an internet connection, and you’re ready to dive into the world of live NBA streaming.