How to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs in the U.S. | TV Channels & Streaming
Note: For the 2025–26 season, NBA Playoff games (scheduled to begin on April 18th) are split across ESPN / ABC, NBC / Peacock, and Prime Video.
The 2026 NBA Playoffs are nearly here, and with games spread across different TV networks and streaming services, it’s easy to lose track of where to watch. Whether you’re using cable, a streaming app, or a mix of both, this guide explains which broadcasters have NBA Playoffs coverage and where the NBA Finals will be shown.
Tip: For game-by-game listings, you can also bookmark our NBA TV schedule to check tip-off times and channel info in one place.
Who is Broadcasting the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
During the 2026 NBA Playoffs, games will be broadcast on several different channels and streaming services. ABC / ESPN will show around 18 games in the first two rounds, whilst also showing one of the Conference Finals. NBC / Peacock will also have NBA Playoff games, showing approximately 28 games in the first two rounds, with Prime Video also broadcasting the playoffs for the first time this season.
That is quite a lot of channels to keep an eye on, so make sure to use our NBA TV schedule. This is the best way to check which channel will have your favorite team’s games, regularly updated with the start time and the network of each individual game. By using Livesportsontv.com, you’ll always know how to watch or stream the NBA playoffs.
Are NBA Playoff Games on Regular TV?
Yes, some NBA Playoff games will be on regular TV throughout the playoffs. Games will be shown on either ABC / ESPN or NBC, giving fans a chance to watch the league’s biggest stars on their television sets from the first round all the way to the NBA Finals.
What Channel will the NBA Playoffs be on?
NBA Playoff games air across ABC, ESPN, and NBC, with all of these networks having games during the playoffs. Some matchups are also available via streaming-only platforms, so if you’re watching without cable, you may need a streaming service for certain games. For game-by-game listings, check our up-to-date NBA TV schedule.
| Platform | How to access (Price) | NBA Playoffs | NBA Finals |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN | Pay TV or live TV streaming service, e.g. Fubo, DirecTV (Varies) |
◐ Some | ✖ No |
| ABC |
Free with antenna or via pay TV / live TV streaming (Varies) |
◐ Some | ✔ Yes |
| NBC |
Free with antenna or via pay TV / live TV streaming (Varies) |
◐ Some | ✖ No |
| Peacock | Standalone subscription ($10.99/month, Premium) |
◐ Some | ✖ No |
| Prime Video | Standalone subscription ($8.99/month) |
◐ Some | ✖ No |
Are All NBA Playoff Games On ESPN?
No, however, ESPN is one of the broadcasters that will be showing games during the NBA Playoffs. Throughout the playoffs, ESPN will have its fair share of action, beginning with 18 games over the first two rounds, so if you have ESPN in your TV package, you will be able to enjoy some of the NBA playoffs.
To check which playoff games will be on ESPN, Livesportsontv.com is your best option, clearly laying out game times and channel information for every single NBA Playoff series.
How to Watch the NBA Playoffs - FAQ
Can I watch the NBA Playoff games without cable?
Yes. The easiest way to watch the NBA Playoffs without cable is to use a live TV streaming service such as DirecTV or Hulu + Live TV, since they carry the main TV channels (ABC, ESPN, and NBC) that show the NBA Playoff games.
Also, Fubo isn’t a good standalone option right now because NBCUniversal networks (including local NBC) have been unavailable on Fubo since November 21, 2025.
Note: Some matchups are streaming-only, so to get complete postseason coverage, you may still need to add Peacock and Prime Video.
What Network will show the NBA Finals?
The NBA Finals are shown exclusively on ABC, which has been the case every year since 2002 (For 2026, Game 1 is scheduled for June 3). So, if your team is lucky enough to get to the Finals, or you are simply a fan hoping to watch the biggest series of the year, you will need access to ABC.
Are the NBA Finals on Local Channels?
No, the NBA Finals will not be televised by local channels, as they will be broadcast exclusively on ABC once again. ABC remains the exclusive home of the NBA Finals, and all games will be shown there, as they have exclusive national TV rights to the NBA Finals.
What NBA Playoffs are on TV tonight?
To find out where you can watch the NBA Playoffs tonight, simply head to Livesportsontv.com or download the app. Our regularly updated NBA TV schedule means that you’ll always be able to see which channel tonight’s NBA Playoff game is on.