The 2026 NBA Playoffs will feature 16 teams competing for the championship, with coverage available on ESPN, ABC, and NBC. Fans can stream the games live online without a cable subscription.
Key points
2026 NBA Playoffs feature 16 teams
Coverage on ESPN, ABC, and NBC
Live streaming available without cable
Teams include L.A. Lakers and Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland CavaliersOklahoma City ThunderDetroit PistonsSan Antonio Spurs
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Coverage for the 2026 NBA Playoffs is split across various networks, such asESPN, ABC and NBC, with a variety of ways to stream the action live online without cable. Below is everything you need to know to watch the NBA postseason:
When Are the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The NBA Playoffs games are scheduled on Saturday, Apr. 18 and run until the NBA Finals in June. For a complete schedule for the NBA Playoffs, including matchups, networks and start times, click here.
Q&A
How can I watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs live online?
You can watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs live online through streaming services that offer ESPN, ABC, and NBC.
Which teams are competing in the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The 2026 NBA Playoffs will feature teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, and L.A. Lakers.
What networks are broadcasting the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The 2026 NBA Playoffs will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, and NBC.
Can I watch the NBA Playoffs without a cable subscription?
Yes, you can stream the NBA Playoffs live online without a cable subscription using various streaming services.
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How to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on TV
NBA Playoff games broadcast acrossESPN, ABC and NBC, as well as livestreams on Prime Video and Peacock. If you don’t have cable, there are still plenty of ways stream the game live online on streamers such as DirecTV, Sling TV and Hulu+ Live TV.
Starting at $59.99 for the first month of service and $94.99/month afterwards (with a 5-day free trial), DirecTV has every channel you’ll need to catch all playoff games, including ESPN, ABC and NBC. Although it’s the most expensive live TV streaming service, it boasts the most RSNs and special features for sports fanatics, in addition to the major networks like NBA TV, ESPN2, FOX Sports, TNT, TBS and others.
How to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs Live Online: Games and Availability
How to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs Live Online: Games and Availability
Sling TV is the most comprehensive and affordable way to stream all the necessary networks. The streamer’s Sling Orange + Blue package includes ESPN, NBC and ESPN3 (for ABC simulcast).
If you want to catch every game, you’ll want to sign up for their Orange+ Blue Package, which also includes ABC, also half off for your first month. For NBA TV, Sling offers the Sports Extra package, which also includes ESPNU, MLB Network, NHL Network and more, for an additional $11/month.
Please note: Prices and channel availability depends on your local TV market.
The NBA games throughout the playoffs livestream on Prime Video. However, it’s not broadcasting on any network like NBC, ABC and ESPN, so the best way to watch it is online with a Prime Video membership.
Not a member? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Prime Video and Prime Gaming; fast free shipping in less than two days with Prime Delivery; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market, access to exclusive shopping events — like Prime Day and Black Friday — and more.
The NBA on NBC livestreams on Peacock for subscribers only. Not a subscriber? You can purchase the livestream feed of the game starting at $10.99/month for the ad-supported plan, or $109.99/year when you sign up for an annual subscription here. In addition, you can go ad-free for $16.99/month, or $169.99/year for the annual plan.
Aside from the NBA on NBC games, Peacock is the home to other sports leagues, including the Premiere League, PGA, NASCAR, IMSA, Big Ten Football and more.
Starting at $89.99/month, Hulu + Live TV is another great way to catch all the action live, with the option to record the games to watch later with Cloud DVR. In addition to having access to all the networks that broadcast this season (ABC, ESPN and NBC), you’ll also be able to watch Hulu’s extensive lineup of original shows and movies, as well as Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost. NBA TV is not included with Hulu + Live TV.
Fubo TV is an another options for streaming the NBA. The Pro Plan gets you more than 200 channels, including ESPN, ABC and NBA TV, and NBC. In general, Fubo TV is one of the best options for streaming live sports, with 35 RSNs and local networks such as CBS Sports Network, FOX Sports, FS2, BeIn Sports, the Big 10 and the Golf Channel. They’re currently offering a 5-day free trial.
ESPN Unlimited includes everything ESPN has to offer, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN on ABC, ESPN Deportes, SECN, ACCN, SECN+, ACCNX and ESPN+. It includes live NHL games, as part of its service. You’ll get access to other sports leagues, like UFC, F1, MLB, NHL, La Liga and others. ESPN Unlimited goes for $29.99/month.
For a limited time, you can get ESPN Unlimited bundles with Disney+ and Hulu for same price, $29.99/month for 12 months. You’re basically getting Disney+ and Hulu for free for an entire year with the bundle.
How to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs Live Online: Games and Availability
How to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs Live Online: Games and Availability
If you want a one-stop shop for every NBA game, then go with NBA League Pass. Starting at $109.99 per season, you can access every game with live analysis, as well as access to the NBA archive of past games and history. You can also stream NBA TV at no additional cost. It’s really the streaming service to get, if you’re a die-hard NBA fan.
