How to watch NBA games live online in 2025

How to watch NBA games with a VPN

Want to stream NBA games live on any network? With ExpressVPN, you can watch every game from anywhere, anytime, without restrictions.

1. Get ExpressVPN.
2. Connect to a server location that matches the broadcaster you want to watch. For example, basketball fans in the U.S. can connect to a server in the U.S. to catch games on Hulu+Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV.
3. It’s game time!

Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

Why you need a VPN to stream the NBA

If your internet provider notices you’re streaming, it might slow down your connection, causing lag and endless buffering. A VPN solves this by encrypting your traffic, keeping your activity private, and ensuring you enjoy every NBA game without frustrating slowdowns.

Trying to stream at work but are stuck on a network that blocks access to sports streaming services? A VPN keeps your connection private, letting you bypass these restrictions and watch your favorite teams play—no hassle. Just try to keep it cool when your team hits that game-winning buzzer-beater!

Best VPN for watching the NBA in 2025

With a vast network spanning 105 countries and 12 U.S. states, ExpressVPN gives you plenty of connection options to stream NBA games where and when you want them. High-speed 10-Gbps servers ensure a smooth, ultra-HD streaming experience where available, so you can enjoy every NBA game in crisp detail—no buffering, no interruptions.

ExpressVPN works seamlessly with popular sports streaming platforms like NBA League Pass, Fubo, and YouTube TV, giving you easy access to every matchup. With support for up to 8 devices on a single account, you can stream the game on your smart TV while your roommates connect to the VPN on their own devices to watch their favorite shows. Try ExpressVPN today, risk-free, with a 30-day money-back guarantee!

How to watch NBA games with League Pass

In the U.S., NBA League Pass is subject to blackouts, but in other countries, you can enjoy the NBA without blackouts with the international version of NBA League Pass, which also comes with a 7-day free trial. Various packages are available, including one for those who only want to watch a specific team. 

NBA game blackouts: International League Pass vs. U.S. League Pass

NBA League Pass is available both inside and outside the United States. However, there are key differences every fan needs to know.

The U.S. League Pass offers live games and full-game replays for all teams. However, blackouts apply. This means that games are not available live on the U.S. League Pass in a team’s home market. For example, if you’re in New York City, you won’t be able to watch the Milwaukee Bucks playing the Knicks on League Pass because the game will be blacked out in your area. However, you can watch if the Bucks are playing the Los Angeles Clippers, and the game is only airing on local networks in the Bucks broadcast area.

Nationally broadcast games on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV—in other words, most of the playoffs—are also blacked out for United States customers. Sticking with the above examples, a Bucks-Clippers game airing on ESPN would be blacked out in New York City because, in theory, anyone living in the United States can watch it. 

Blackouts are put in place to protect local broadcasters’ viewership while preserving users’ ability to watch out-of-market games. If you’re streaming from a country outside the United States or Canada, every game is effectively “out-of-market,” meaning that there are no blackouts to worry about. 

Is ISP throttling ruining your streaming quality and enjoyment of the game? Connect to one of ExpressVPN’s servers in 105 countries to bypass activity-based throttling and enjoy picture-perfect streaming quality wherever you are. The NBA”s official website has a full list of countries where NBA League Pass is available.

Regional sports networks explained

As in Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League, most NBA games air locally on regional sports networks. However, not every streaming service offers every RSN, and YouTube TV doesn’t offer Bally Sports Networks in any area. Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Hulu + Live TV all offer free trials and select regional sports networks depending on the ZIP code you use when signing up. 

As of October 2024, 13 of the NBA’s 30 teams play on Bally Sports Network RSNs. As for the other 17 teams, some like the Chicago Bulls (Chicago Sports Network), Houston Rockets (Houston Sports Network), and New York Knicks (MSG) either own or co-own their own regional sports networks. The Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, and Sacramento Kings all play on NBC Sports Regional Networks, and the Toronto Raptors’ rights are shared between Sportsnet and TSN.

Stream the NBA using cord-cutting services

Prefer to watch on the big screen? Learn about all the ways to get ExpressVPN on your TV.

How to watch NBA games on ESPN+

ESPN+ will often simulcast NBA games airing on ABC and ESPN throughout the 2024-25 season. Please note that a valid TV subscription, either to a traditional cable company or a cord-cutting service like Fubo, is typically required to stream NBA broadcasts on ESPN+ even if you’re already subscribed to ESPN+.

Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

We’ll keep this page updated with more ways to watch NBA games as they’re announced.

Live stream the NBA on all your streaming devices

ExpressVPN is compatible with computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and even gaming consoles, giving you flexibility across all your devices. With support for up to eight simultaneous connections, you can catch every NBA game, whether you’re at home or streaming on the go.

Key dates for the 2024-25 NBA season

The 2024-25 NBA season officially begins Tuesday, October 22. Here are some key dates to keep in mind throughout the league’s 79th season.

ExpressVPN is a VPN service not intended to be used as a means of copyright circumvention. Please read the ExpressVPN Terms of Service and your content provider’s Terms of Use for more details.

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