The 2026 NBA Playoffs are set to begin on April 18th, with the top 16 teams competing for the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. This year's playoffs promise to be an exciting affair, featuring star players like Donovan Mitchell, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, and more. The postseason will conclude with the NBA Finals on June 19th, if the championship series goes seven games.
For those eager to catch all the action, here's a breakdown of how to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs online and on TV.
TV Channels
The NBA Playoffs will be broadcast on the following TV channels:
- ESPN
- ABC
- NBC
Streaming Services
Several streaming services offer live coverage of the NBA Playoffs, providing flexibility for viewers without cable subscriptions.
DirecTV
DirecTV is a comprehensive option, offering over 125 channels, including ESPN, ABC, NBC, NBA TV, CBS Sports Network, FOX Sports, NFL Network, and FanDuel TV. New users can take advantage of a five-day trial, after which the service starts at $59.99 per month for the 'Choice' package.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV provides access to Disney+, ESPN Unlimited, and over 95 live channels, including CBS Sports Network, BET, CNN, and Food Network. Subscribers can also watch Hulu's original content and enjoy unlimited cloud DVR. The service starts at $89.99 per month.
Sling
Sling offers an affordable plan called 'Orange + Blue' for $60.99 per month, allowing viewers to watch the NBA Playoffs on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ABC, and NBC. NBA TV is available through the 'Sports Extra' package for an additional $11 per month.
Fubo
Fubo provides a streaming service starting at $48.99 for the first month, offering over 200 channels. New subscribers can enjoy a five-day free trial.
Peacock
Peacock, the home of the NBA on NBC online, offers an ad-free 'Premium' package for $10.99 monthly or $109.99 yearly, and an ad-supported plan for $16.99 monthly or $169.99 yearly. Subscribers gain access to NBA games, original content, live sports, and entertainment.
Prime Video
Prime Video features marquee NBA games and offers a free 30-day trial for new subscribers. After the trial, the service auto-renews at $8.99 per month. Alternatively, Amazon Prime members can access Prime Video for $14.99 per month, saving nearly 25% compared to the regular monthly price.
NBA League Pass
For those who want to stream every NBA game from all 30 teams during the preseason, regular season, postseason, and NBA Finals, NBA League Pass is the best option. Starting at $16.99 per month, it includes all live games, on-demand games, and access to the NBA's archive, along with NBA TV for coverage, analysis, documentaries, and more.
Conclusion
With a variety of streaming and TV options available, basketball fans can ensure they don't miss a single moment of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Whether you prefer the convenience of streaming services or the traditional TV experience, there's a perfect fit for every fan.
