Though its national television situation is locked in for the next decade, the NBA’s local television landscape continues to change.
At a time when cord-cutting has resulted in the collapse of the traditional regional sports network model, NBA teams have had to improvise on the fly. Several teams this offseason found new television homes after the dissolution of Main Street Sports Group, operator of the FanDuel-branded RSNs. Several signed deals with DAZN, whether fully exclusive or as part of a hybrid model with over-the-air affiliates.
“It’s an extremely well-run league,” Pete Oliver, CEO/growth markets for DAZN, told Sports Media Watch regarding the NBA earlier this month. “I think people are really excited about what’s happening with those teams, and we’re very pleased to have them, and we’ve got a number of the teams that made the playoffs, and of course, the Knicks as well, who won. So that has worked out quite well, I would say.”
While many of the afflicted teams ended up signing with DAZN, others signed exclusive over-the-air deals with local broadcast networks. A few of the networks themselves have launched in-market streaming solutions, while others are owned and operated by the franchises. Most of the regional sports networks televising the NBA share common ownership with some of the teams they televise and are generally found in the larger markets.
During the offseason, the NBA hired Matt Volk as its general manager of local media, who is overseeing a new local media group within the league office. Volk, who formerly worked as the chief operating officer of NESN and SportsNet Pittsburgh, is beginning his first full season with the league as more evolution in media could be on the horizon.
All of these changes occur ahead of the expected launch of a centralized streaming hub for NBA games. Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal has reported that YouTube has been in advanced discussions with the league to land rights to host the local hub, which would initially be comprised of “20 to 25 teams” for more than $1 billion annually. ESPN and DAZN have publicly confirmed interest in acquiring the rights, while Amazon reportedly has interest as well.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver addressed the situation during media availability at the league’s Board of Governors meeting this past July. “We’ll cobble together a series of solutions for this season,” Silver said. “But then I feel good that we will then have something on a national basis in place for the following year.”
For now, the NBA season begins with a multitude of viewing options for regional broadcasts. Sports Media Watch has compiled a guide to finding and accessing local broadcasts for the 30 NBA franchises.
Select a team
| Atlantic | Central | Southeast | Northwest | Pacific | Southwest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOS | CHI | ATL | DEN | GSW | DAL |
| BKN | CLE | CHA | MIN | LAC | HOU |
| NYK | DET | MIA | OKC | LAL | MEM |
| PHI | IND | ORL | POR | PHX | NOP |
| TOR | MIL | WAS | UTA | SAC | SAS |
Atlanta Hawks
After several seasons of simulcasting games across Gray Media-owned channels, most notably Atlanta News First, the Atlanta Hawks are moving their regional broadcasts across the networks full time.
WANF Atlanta News First and Peachtree Sports Network will air 74 Hawks games this season. Hawks games had previously aired on WPCH (Peachtree TV) for a 22-year stretch starting in 1972, and WANF broadcast Hawks games for seven years beginning in 1986. WANF and Peachtree Sports Network simulcast 13 games on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast last season, a collaboration with the Hawks that first began in 2023. In-market streaming of Hawks games will take place on Prime Video for the first time this year included with an Amazon Prime membership.
Hawks television broadcasts will feature play-by-play announcer Bob Rathburn alongside analyst Dominique Wilkins. Brian Oliver joins the rotation as a game analyst, while WANF sports director Baillie Burmaster will contribute as a sideline reporter and host. Madison Hock will primarily serve as the reporter and host across Hawks coverage throughout the year. On the audio side, Steve Holman returns as the play-by-play voice of the Hawks this season airing on Audacy-owned 92.9 The Game.
The Hawks finished atop the Southeast division last year with a 46-36 record, but the team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Knicks. Atlanta enters the season with a young core featuring Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu.
Boston Celtics
NBC Sports Boston will again be the home of Boston Celtics broadcasts for the 2026-27 NBA season. The regional sports network, which has aired Celtics games for more than three decades under various names, continues to offer in-market streaming through an add-on subscription on Peacock priced at $14.95/month. That fee is on top of a Peacock subscription, which begins with the “Select” plan priced at $9/month or $90/year.
The Celtics broadcasting team returns intact this season with play-by-play announcer Drew Carter, analyst Brian Scalabrine and reporter Abby Chin. Carter will call national NBA games for ESPN this season, while Scalabrine will continue his national role with NBC Sports as well. On the audio side, Celtics radio broadcasts feature play-by-play announcer Sean Grande with analyst Cedric Maxwell airing on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
The Celtics will be featured on national television 31 times this season, including eight appearances each on ESPN and the NBC broadcast network. Prime Video will air seven Celtics games this season, and the team will be on the ABC broadcast network three times as well — including a Christmas Day matchup against the Miami Heat.
The Celtics enter the season with a revamped roster following the blockbuster trade of star forward Jaylen Brown, breaking up the championship-winning duo with Jayson Tatum. The team finished on top of the Atlantic division last year with a 56-26 record, but fell in seven games during the first round of the playoffs to the Philadelphia 76ers.
Brooklyn Nets
YES Network enters its 24th season as the Nets’ television home, dating back to the team’s time in New Jersey. In-market streaming of YES Network content moved from The Gotham Sports App to DAZN this fall, launching a direct-to-consumer subscription for $20/month that also includes access to New York Yankees games. The service also sells a season pass for Nets games priced at $120/season.
Users watching the Nets through DAZN can bundle YES Network with MSG+ for $35/month that also includes access to New York Knicks games in addition to the NHL Rangers, Islanders and Devils. The networks first started bundling their programming via The Gotham Sports App when it came to market ahead of the 2024-25 NBA and NHL regular seasons.
The Nets broadcast team on YES Network has featured play-by-play announcer Ryan Ruocco with analyst Sarah Kustok and reporter Meghan Triplett. Additional voices include Ian Eagle, Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter. Nets games airing on WFAN have featured the duo of Chris Carrino and Tim Capstraw for approximately 25 years.
Brooklyn will try to return to the NBA Playoffs for the first time since the 2022-23 season with a young roster featuring rookie Mikel Brown Jr. and sophomore Egor Dëmin. The Nets also have several veterans on the roster as the team looks to improve on its last-place finish in the Atlantic division (20-62 record).
Charlotte Hornets
Starting this season, Charlotte Hornets games will be available to stream in market through DAZN after several years through the FanDuel Sports Network app. Subscriptions to Hornets games on DAZN begin at a price point of $20/month or $120/season on the standard plan.
While DAZN acquired exclusive regional rights for several NBA teams during the offseason, the Hornets are among a handful of teams who will pair DAZN streaming with over-the-air distribution. The team inked a partnership with Cox Media Group under which WSOC Channel 9 and TV64 will broadcast games on over the air television this season. Hornets games formerly aired on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.
The television broadcast team of play-by-play voice Eric Collins, analyst Dell Curry and reporter Shannon Spake is returning intact this season despite the change in network. WFNZ enters its 18th straight year as the radio broadcast home of the Hornets and will feature play-by-play voice Sam Farber. The Hornets will be on national television nine times this season, led by three appearances on NBA TV.
The Hornets qualified for the NBA Playoffs last season as a play-in team but did not advance to the first round following two losses. Charlotte shook up its core during the offseason, headlined by trading LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a four-team trade.
Chicago Bulls
Chicago Sports Network begins its third season as the regional television home of the Chicago Bulls after games had previously aired on the now-defunct NBC Sports Chicago. During the offseason, longtime television analyst Stacey King passed away at the age of 59. Rather than naming a new commentator, CHSN is utilizing an analyst rotation to work with play-by-play announcer Adam Amin, members of which include Kendall Gill, Robbie Hummel, Will Perdue, Bill Wennington and Scott Williams. Games will also air on 104.3 The Score with Chuck Swirsky joining analyst Wennington.
Bulls games are available to stream via CHSN+ for $20/month. The all-access subscription grants access to Blackhawks and White Sox broadcasts in addition to the Bulls and is priced at $30/month or $350/year.
The Bulls finished fourth in the Central division last season with a 31-51 record, falling short of the playoffs after qualifying for the Play-In Tournament in the previous year. Chicago enters the season with lottery selection Caleb Wilson alongside other new acquisitions such as Norman Powell and Nic Claxton.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers are one of five NBA teams that signed an exclusive deal with DAZN. Like the others, the team will have select games simulcast over-the-air across Cleveland 19 News, Cleveland’s 43 and the Rock Entertainment Sports Network.
In-market streaming subscriptions to DAZN for Cavaliers games begin at $20/month or $120/season on the standard plan. The enhanced ultimate plans are priced at $25/month or $140/season and provide additional viewing benefits, such as multiview, alternate camera angles and more concurrent streaming across devices. The Cavaliers are scheduled to appear on national television 20 times this season, led by six games on ESPN.
Cavaliers broadcasts will feature play-by-play announcer John Michael with analysts Brad Daugherty and Austin Carr throughout the season, along with reporter Serena Winters. As part of a partnership with iHeartMedia, Cavaliers games air on Newsradio WTAM 1100AM/106.9 FM and 100.7 FM WMMS with play-by-play announcer Tim Alcorn.
The Cavaliers finished second in the Central division last year with a 52-30 record, qualifying for the NBA Playoffs in a fourth consecutive year. The team advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2017-18 but fell in four games to the New York Knicks.
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks will continue airing games over-the-air on KFAA 29 and WFAA as part of a deal with TEGNA, plus other stations in the team’s regional footprint. Games will stream on the MavsTV+ streaming service, priced at $15/month or $100/season. Fans can access the streaming service on smart devices, desktop browsers and connected television devices.
Mavericks television broadcasts feature play-by-play announcer Mark Followill beginning his 22nd season on the airwaves, and he will work with analysts Devin Harris, Derek Harper and Jeff Wade, plus reporter Lesley McCaslin. The team is starting its first year with 105.3 The Fan as its flagship radio station and will air broadcasts with play-by-play announcer Chuck Cooperstein and analyst Brian Dameris. In total, the Mavericks will be on national television 29 times this year, led by eight appearances on NBA TV and seven on the NBC broadcast network.
The Mavericks finished fourth in the Southwest division last year with a 26-56 record, the first year since the organization traded star guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Denver Nuggets
Altitude Sports is entering its 22nd season as the television home of the Nuggets, across the RSN itself and the Altitude+ streaming service, which offers in-market subscriptions priced at $20/month or $200/year. That also access to Colorado Avalanche NHL games.
Aside from the regional slate on Altitude Sports, 20 games will be simulcast across 9NEWS and KTVD Channel 20. Select matchups have been simulcast across the two networks since the 2024-25 season under a deal between Kroenke Sports & Entertainment and TEGNA. The Nuggets are also scheduled to air on national television 34 times this season, including seven appearances each on ESPN, the NBC broadcast network and Prime Video, plus a Christmas Day game against the Golden State Warriors on ABC.
Noah Reed makes his debut this season as the new play-by-play voice of the Denver Nuggets on Altitude Sports, working alongside Katy Winge, who was named the full-time analyst for Nuggets broadcasts over the summer. Vic Lombardi returns to the airwaves as the lead studio host and reporter for Nuggets games. Altitude Sports has also added new analyst Jason Richardson and host/reporter Lauren Gardner for Nuggets games throughout the year. Jason Kosmicki is the play-by-play voice of the Nuggets on Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM.
The Nuggets finished second in the Northwest division with a 54-28 record last season, qualifying for the playoffs but ultimately falling to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the opening round. Denver returns its core of Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon this season along various new additions.
Detroit Pistons
After airing on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit for several years, Detroit Pistons games will move to The Spot – Detroit 20 under a deal with Scripps Sports. The over-the-air network will produce game broadcasts that will be distributed across linear television platforms throughout the season and stream through DAZN.
The Pistons were one of several teams to join DAZN during the offseason but did so on a non-exclusive basis. In-market streaming subscriptions to DAZN for Pistons games begin at $20/month or $120/season under the standard plan. Users can access additional viewing functionalities, including multiview and more concurrent streams, with the ultimate plan priced at $25/month or $140/season.
Pistons broadcasts on The Spot – Detroit 20 will feature play-by-play announcer George Blaha starting his 51st season calling Pistons games. Blaha will work with analyst Greg Kelser, along with reporters Johnny Kane and Natalie Kerwin, who will also contribute to pregame and postgame coverage. Radio coverage of the Pistons on Audacy-owned 97.1 The Ticket includes play-by-play announcer Mark Champion and analyst Rick Mahorn. The Pistons will be featured on national television outlets 24 times this year, including seven times on the NBC broadcast network.
Despite finishing atop the Central division (and Eastern Conference) with a 60-22 record, the Pistons were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Golden State Warriors
NBC Sports Bay Area remains the regional television home of the Golden State Warriors, as it has been for more than three decades under various names. Games will stream as an add-on subscription to Peacock priced at $14.95/month. That fee is on top of a Peacock subscription, which begins with the “Select” plan priced at $9/month or $90/year.
Broadcasts again feature play-by-play voice Bob Fitzgerald alongside analyst Kelenna Azubuike. Radio broadcasts of Warriors basketball, which enter a 10th season with 95.7 The Game as the flagship station, include play-by-play announcer Tim Roye with home analyst Tom Tolbert.
The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, will try to compete for an NBA championship after previously winning four titles in an eight-year span.
Houston Rockets
Space City Home Network begins its fourth season as the regional television home of the Houston Rockets after the team had previously aired on AT&T SportsNet Southwest. The Rockets entered a joint venture with the Houston Astros to launch the regional sports network, which subsequently introduced its SCHN+ direct-to-consumer platform in the midst of the 2025-26 NBA regular season.
In-market streaming subscriptions to SCHN+ are priced at $20/month or $200/year and include access to Rockets and Astros broadcasts, along with other programming. Rockets broadcasts on Space City Home Network feature play-by-play announcer Craig Ackerman and analyst Ryan Hollins. SCHN reporter Vanessa Richardson announced her departure from the network prior to the season to take on an expanded role with ESPN. Rockets games on SportsTalk 790 feature the radio broadcast team of play-by-play voice Matt Thomas and analysts Adam Clanton and Adam Wexler.
In the team’s first season with star forward Kevin Durant, the Rockets finished second in the Southwest division last season with a 52-30 record. Houston qualified for the NBA Playoffs but lost in the first round in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers were one of five teams this offseason to sign an exclusive agreement with DAZN for regional broadcasting rights. The streaming platform will broadcast all of the regional broadcasts during the regular season, 22 of which will be available for free in front of the paywall. In-market streaming subscriptions for Pacers games at DAZN begin at $20/month or $120/season for the standard plan. The ultimate plan, which provides additional viewing functionalities and enhancements, is priced at $25/month or $140/season.
DAZN reached a deal with Nexstar Media Group to make 15 games available on over-the-air television across CBS4 Indy and FOX59. Those games will be part of the 22 that are available for free on DAZN. Pacers games formerly aired on FanDuel Sports Network Indiana until the conclusion of last season when owner Main Street Sports Group wound down its operations.
Pacers regional television broadcasts airing on DAZN will feature play-by-play announcer Chris Denari, analyst Quinn Buckner and reporter Jeremiah Johnson. Radio broadcasts on Urban One-owned 93.5 / 107.5 The Fan include longtime play-by-play announcer Mark Boyle with analyst Eddie Gill and sideline reporter Pat Boylan.
The Pacers played all of last season without star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who was recovering from a torn right Achilles he suffered in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The team finished near the bottom of the Eastern Conference — and last in the Central division — with a 19-63 record.
LA Clippers
The LA Clippers relaunched the “ClipperVision” streaming platform ahead of the new season while adding linear distribution across multiple MVPD and vMVPD providers. The service will be the home for all Clippers regional game broadcasts this year, 10 of which will be simulcast on Nexstar-owned KTLA 5. Clippers games formerly broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network SoCal and were paired with the ClipperVision DTC option beginning in 2022 until it merged into the FDSN app prior to last season.
Clippers television play-by-play voice Brian Sieman is entering his 20th season with the team, joined this season by analyst Jim Jackson and new reporter Ohm Youngmisuk. Mike Fratello and Brent Barry will work as game analysts throughout the season as well. Clippers games broadcast on AM 570 LA Sports feature play-by-play announcer Carlo Jiménez.
Both of the team’s games against the Toronto Raptors, who reacquired Kawhi Leonard this offseason in a trade with the Clippers, are slated for regional distribution.
The Clippers finished third in the Pacific division last season with a 42-40 record, but the team did not advance beyond the Play-In Tournament. Of course, the team’s offseason was underscored by an investigation surrounding salary cap circumvention that ultimately resulted in multiple suspensions, fines and the forfeiture of five first-round draft selections.
Los Angeles Lakers
Spectrum SportsNet begins its 15th season as the regional television home of Los Angeles Lakers basketball and will broadcast 72 regular-season matchups throughout the season. In-market streaming subscriptions for Spectrum SportsNet+, the network’s direct-to-consumer service, are available for $20/month or $200/season and also includes access to other programming on the regional sports network.
Lakers broadcasts on Spectrum SportsNet feature play-by-play announcer Bill Macdonald working with analyst Stu Lantz for home games and Danny Green on the road games with reporters Mike Trudell and Roqui Theus. Radio broadcasts on ESPN LA 710 AM consist of play-by-play announcer John Ireland and analyst Mychal Thompson.
The Lakers finished atop the Pacific division with a 53-29 record, but the team fell short of an appearance in the Western Conference Finals after losing in the second round to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies were one of five NBA teams to sign exclusively with DAZN for regional game broadcasts during the regular season. Prior to this season, Grizzlies games had broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast and streamed on the FDSN app. In-market streaming subscriptions to Grizzlies games on DAZN begin at $20/month or $120/season for the standard plan. The ultimate plan offers enhanced viewing functionalities and experiences for $25/month or $140/season.
As part of the expanded partnership with DAZN, 15 Grizzlies games will be simulcast on TEGNA-owned ABC24, a free over-the-air broadcast network in the Memphis market. The games airing on ABC24 will also be made available for free on DAZN.
Grizzlies broadcasts on DAZN feature longtime play-by-play announcer Pete Pranica with analyst Brevin Knight and reporter Rob Fischer. Radio broadcasts on 92.9 FM ESPN Memphis include play-by-play announcer Eric Hasseltine with analysts Elliot Perry and Michael Wallace.
Memphis finished the 2025-26 season last in the Southwest division with a 25-57 record, failing to qualify for the postseason. The organization enters the new season with lottery selection Cameron Boozer in the fold starring alongside young players Cedric Coward and Zach Edey.
Miami Heat
Regional broadcasts of Miami Heat basketball are moving to WPLG Local 10 this season as part of an expanded partnership. The over-the-air network, which is owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is taking over the broadcasts that had previously aired on FanDuel Sports Network Sun.
In-market streaming of Heat games is available through LOCAL 10 Plus Platinum, a new direct-to-consumer service available for free across multiple devices. Heat games had previously streamed on the FanDuel Sports Network app owned by Main Street Sports Group, which shuttered operations following the 2025-26 NBA regular season.
The Heat television broadcast team on WPLG Local 10 features play-by-play announcer Eric Reid and analyst John Crotty. Radio broadcasts airing on WQAM include play-by-play announcer Jason Jackson and analyst Amy Audibert.
In addition to newcomer Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Heat added Klay Thompson, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bobby Portis Jr. to the roster as the team looks to win its first championship since 2013. The Heat finished last season fourth in the Southeast division with a 43-39 record but did not advance beyond the Play-In Tournament following a one-point loss to the Charlotte Hornets.
Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks regional broadcasts will be distributed fully over the air this season on MY24 in Milwaukee, and statewide on other affiliates, as part of the team’s partnership with Rincon Broadcasting Group. In-market streaming of Bucks games is available through Bucks+, a new direct-to-consumer service accessible within the NBA App, with subscriptions priced at $20/month or $100/season.
Bucks television broadcasts feature play-by-play voice Lisa Byington and analyst Marques Johnson with reporter Melanie Ricks. Wesley Matthews is also joining the broadcast team for a second consecutive year as a television analyst. The radio broadcasts, which air on Good Karma Brands-owned 620 WTMJ, have included play-by-play announcer Dave Koehn and home analyst Ben Brust.
The Bucks finished third in the Central division of the Eastern Conference last season with a 32-50 record and were eliminated in the Play-In Tournament. As a result of the blockbuster trade that sent Antetokounmpo to the Heat, the Bucks acquired Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakučionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves were one of five teams to sign exclusively with DAZN during the offseason after Main Street Sports Group ceased operations. In-market streaming subscriptions to DAZN for Timberwolves games are available for $20/month or $120/season on the standard plan, while the ultimate plan is priced at $25/month or $140/season.
KARE 11, marking its third campaign simulcasting the Timberwolves, will simulcast 15 games. Those simulcasts will also be available for free on the DAZN app. The Timberwolves will play on national television 33 times this season, including 11 broadcast television windows (eight on NBC, three on ABC), nine appearances on ESPN and six games on Prime Video.
The Timberwolves added numerous play-by-play announcers to its broadcast roster this season alongside Michael Grady, who also has national assignments with NBC Sports and Amazon’s Prime Video. Former Portland Trail Blazers play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro will call Timberwolves games this year in addition to Jon “Boog” Sciambi and Alan Horton. Jim Petersen is beginning his 29th season as the analyst for Timberwolves broadcasts, while Meghan McPeak debuts as a sideline reporter and host. Radio broadcasts airing on WCCO will continue to feature Horton as the play-by-play voice.
The Timberwolves advanced to the second round of the playoffs last year but fell to the San Antonio Spurs in six games. During the offseason, the team traded Julius Randle to the Brooklyn Nets and acquired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets to pair alongside star guard Anthony Edwards.
New Orleans Pelicans
Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, owned by Gray Media, enters its third season as the regional television home of the New Orleans Pelicans. In addition to GCSEN, FOX 8 WVUE-TV will simulcast 20 regular-season Pelicans games this year, starting with the team’s Opening Night matchup against the Indiana Pacers.
Pelicans games are available to stream in-market on Pelicans+, a team-owned direct-to-consumer service that launched ahead of the 2024-25 season. Subscriptions to Pelicans+ are available for $15/month or $105/season. Beyond the local inventory, the Pelicans are scheduled to appear on national television four times this year — including two games on Prime Video.
Pelicans television broadcasts include play-by-play announcer Joel Meyers, analyst Antonio Daniels and sideline reporter Andrew Lopez. Other new additions on the television side include Kelly Crull as the studio show host and Kalia Butler as the team reporter. WWL Radio broadcasts of Pelicans basketball will feature play-by-play voice Todd Graffagnini, analyst John DeShazier and host Gus Kattengell.
The Pelicans have not qualified for the NBA Playoffs since the 2023-24 season when the team was swept in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder.
New York Knicks
The NBA champion New York Knicks will once again be carried by MSG Networks this season, but with in-market streaming now on DAZN instead of The Gotham Sports App. Subscriptions to MSG+ through the DAZN app are available for $30/month and also includes access to hockey games for the Rangers, Islanders and Devils. MSG+ can also be bundled with YES Network for $35/month, granting users access to Yankees and Nets games.
The longtime television duo of play-by-play announcer Mike Breen and analyst Walt “Clyde” Frazier will be back on MSG Networks. Radio broadcasts on ESPN New York feature play-by-play announcer Tyler Murray and analyst Monica McNutt. Murray has generally been the primary backup play-by-play announcer on television for Breen, who is also the lead play-by-play voice for the “NBA on ESPN.”
The Knicks finished last season second in the Atlantic division of the Eastern Conference with a 53-29 record and proceeded to end a 53-year championship drought last season, winning the NBA Finals for the first time since 1973 with a five-game victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The team’s starting five of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns returns to try and become the first team to win consecutive NBA titles since the Golden State Warriors eight years ago.
Oklahoma City Thunder
After airing on the FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma regional sports network for almost two decades, the Oklahoma City Thunder moved on from the channel as Main Street Sports Group wound down its operations. Thunder games will now air on Griffin Media-owned KSBI in Oklahoma City, Okla. and KQCW in Tulsa, Okla. as part of the Thunder Gameday Network, but most of those games will only be available to cable and satellite subscribers. Only ten games will be available over-the-air.
In-market streaming for Thunder games takes place through the Thunder+ direct-to-consumer service available within the NBA App. Subscriptions to the platform are available for $20/month or $109/season and provide access to live game broadcasts in addition to replays on demand.
Thunder regional television broadcasts feature play-by-play announcer Chris Fisher, analyst Michael Cage and reporters/hosts Nick Gallo, Paris Lawson and Royce Young. WWLS 98.1 The Sports Animal is the flagship station of the Thunder Radio Network and includes broadcaster Matt Pinto.
The Thunder will try and win a second championship in three years this season with a roster consisting of stars such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Oklahoma City finished atop the Western Conference — and first in its Northwest division (64-18 record) but fell to the San Antonio Spurs in a seven-game Western Conference Finals series.
Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic regional broadcasts this season will be distributed over-the-air on MagicTV 27 and WFTV 9 under a multiyear partnership with Cox Media Group, plus streaming via DAZN. In-market streaming subscriptions to DAZN for Magic games are available for $20/month or $120/season for the standard plan. The ultimate plan, which offers additional viewing functionalities and enhancements, is priced at $25/month or $140/season.
Dante Marchitelli steps into the television play-by-play role following the retirement of longtime announcer David Steele. Marchitelli will work with analyst Jeff Turner and reporter Kendra Douglas on the broadcasts accessible through multiple points of distribution. Radio broadcasts on 96.9 The Game feature play-by-play announcer Jake Chapman for a fifth season.
The Magic finished second in the Southeast division of the Eastern Conference last year with a 45-37 record, but the team failed to advance beyond the first round of the playoffs with a Game 7 loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Philadelphia 76ers
NBC Sports Philadelphia returns as the regional television home of the Philadelphia 76ers this season, extending a relationship that dates back approximately three decades under various names. Games are again available to stream in-market through an add-on subscription on Peacock priced at $24.95/month. That fee is on top of a Peacock subscription, which begins with the “Select” plan priced at $9/month or $90/year.
Sixers television broadcasts airing on NBC Sports Philadelphia feature play-by-play announcer Kate Scott, analyst Alaa Abdelnaby and new sideline reporter Tom Haberstroh. Games airing on 97.5 The Fanatic, which has broadcast the 76ers since 2012, feature broadcaster Tom McGinnis on the call.
After a second-round exit from the playoffs last season following a 45-37 regular season (fourth in the Atlantic division), the Philadelphia 76ers reloaded the roster by trading for Jaylen Brown and signing LeBron James. The duo will pair with returning starters Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe and Joel Embiid as the organization tries to snap a 43-year championship drought.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns are entering their fourth season airing regional games across Arizona’s Family 3TV, Arizona’s Family Sports and CBS 5 in the Phoenix metropolitan area. In-market streaming of Suns games will again be available through Suns+, which has now been merged with the standalone Arizona’s Family Sports app. Subscriptions to Suns+ are available for $15/month or $110/season and include access to the team’s regional broadcasts.
Kevin Ray is starting his 10th season as the television play-by-play announcer for the Suns, and he will work with an analyst rotation consisting of Eddie Johnson, Rex Chapman and Ann Meyers Drysdale, along with reporter Amanda Pflugrad. Arizona Sports 98.7 broadcasts of Suns basketball will feature play-by-play announcer Jon Bloom with analyst Tim Kempton.
The Suns will try and return to the postseason this year after being swept out of the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Phoenix continues to be anchored by star guard Devin Booker and also acquired Miles Bridges and Luke Kennard during the offseason.
Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers will broadcast games via its Rip City Television Network for a third consecutive season, distributed in Portland across KUNP Portland and KATU ABC 2. In-market streaming of Trail Blazers regional broadcasts is available through BlazerVision, the team-owned direct-to-consumer platform that launched prior to the 2024-25 season. Subscriptions for BlazerVision are priced at $20/month or $120/season and also features access to other team-related content.
Trail Blazers television broadcasts will reportedly feature Travis Demers as the new play-by-play announcer on a trial basis after Braiden Bell was relieved of his duties mere hours after he was announced as the team’s new television voice. Demers has been the team’s radio voice since the 2019-20 season, and his television calls are expected to be simulcast for the time being. Analyst Lamar Hurd and reporter Brooke Olzendam are returning in their roles this season following the departure of play-by-play announcer Kevin Calabro, along with reported layoffs of analyst Michael Holton and hosts Neil Everett and Jamie Hudson.
The Trail Blazers finished fourth in the Northwest division last year with a 42-40 record but managed to qualify for the NBA Play-In Tournament. The organization is preparing for a healthy Damian Lillard to star alongside Ja Morant, Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe as the team seeks to return to the playoffs.
Sacramento Kings
NBC Sports California, which has aired Kings games for more than two decades under various names, remains the regional television home of Sacramento Kings basketball. In-market streaming is available via an add-on subscription on Peacock priced at $17.95/month. That fee is on top of a Peacock subscription, which begins with the “Select” plan priced at $9/month or $90/year.
The Kings organization concluded its 32-year partnership with Sactown Sports 1140 last season, instead opting to launch the Kings Radio platform accessible online and through the team’s official app. Radio broadcasts will once again feature play-by-play announcer Gary Gerould with Henry Turner and Jason Ross also contributing. Television broadcasts on NBC Sports California will include play-by-play announcer Mark Jones and analyst Kayte Christensen.
The Kings have not made the playoff since the 2022-23 campaign, aligning with when the team ended a 16-year postseason drought. Sacramento enters the new season with rookie Darius Acuff Jr., along with returning guard Zach LaVine and new forward De’Andre Hunter.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs were one of five teams to sign exclusively with DAZN during the offseason. In-market subscriptions to DAZN are available for $20/month or $120/season on the standard plan. The ultimate plan, which includes additional viewing enhancements and functionalities, is priced at $25/month or $140/season. The Spurs will also broadcast a package of 22 regular-season games for free over the air on CW San Antonio WOAI 4.2, with those games available to watch for free on DAZN as well.
Spurs radio broadcasts on the radio feature Dan Weiss, who is entering his second year in the role following the retirement of Bill Schoening. The team’s television broadcasts feature play-by-play announcer Jacob Tobey and analyst Sean Elliott. It had been reported that Tobey was dismissed from his role as the Spurs announcer during the offseason after accusations of an affair, but he shared last month that he would be returning. “I understand that I will have to regain trust within the organization and across our community, a community where I will continue to be present with enthusiasm and passion,” he wrote in a statement on X.
The Spurs, featuring stars Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Devin Vassell, finished first in the Southwest division last season with a 62-20 record. The team advanced to the NBA Finals but fell in five games to the New York Knicks.
Toronto Raptors
As has been the case for more than a decade, television broadcasts of Toronto Raptors basketball are split between TSN and Rogers Sportsnet. The two networks air Raptors games nationally throughout Canada over the course of the regular season.
The networks each have their own in-market streaming services to view the action without a traditional cable television subscription. TSN+ is priced at $25/month for a standard subscription and $30/month ($250/year) for the premium version. Sportsnet+ is set at $35/month ($270/year) for the standard edition, while the premium iteration is priced at $45/month ($345/year). Both subscriptions contain access to other sports broadcasts and studio programming airing on these national outlets.
Raptors regional broadcasts on TSN and Sportsnet include play-by-play voice Matt Devlin. For the games on TSN, Devlin works with analyst Jack Armstrong and reporter Raegan Subban, who steps into the role following the departure of Kayla Grey. For the games on Sportsnet, Devlin works alongside analyst Alvin Williams and reporter Danielle Michaud.
The Raptors finished third in the Atlantic division of the Eastern Conference last season with a 46-36 record but fell in seven games to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Over the offseason, the team completed a blockbuster trade in which they reacquired star forward Kawhi Leonard, who won a championship in his one season with the Raptors in 2019.
Utah Jazz
Jazz games will air on KJZZ 14 for the fourth-straight season and stream through the Jazz+ and SEG+ platforms. In-market streaming subscriptions to Jazz+ are available for $20/month or $125/year. There is also an SEG+ bundle option that provides access to Utah Mammoth hockey games for $175/year.
Outside of the regional presentations, the Jazz will be featured on national television eight times this season, half of which are airing on the NBC broadcast network.
The Jazz television broadcast team features play-by-play announcer Craig Bolerjack, analyst Thurl Bailey and reporter Lauren Green. Radio broadcasts on KSL Sports Zone include play-by-play announcer David Locke and analyst Ron Boone.
The Jazz finished last in the Northwest division of the Western Conference with a 22-60 record, failing to qualify for the NBA Playoffs for a fourth consecutive season. The team will look to return to playoff action with a revamped roster that includes Darryn Peterson, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Brice Sensabaugh.
Washington Wizards
Monumental Sports Network continues as the home of Washington Wizards basketball this season as the team enters a new era with the debut of top lottery selection AJ Dybantsa alongside veterans Trae Young and Anthony Davis. The team will look to return to the playoffs for the first time in five years after previously competing in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
In-market streaming of Wizards games is available through Monumental+, the network’s direct-to-consumer service with broadened distribution on DAZN. Subscriptions are available for $20/month or $180/season and also includes access to Washington Capitals hockey and Washington Mystics basketball games.
Wizards television broadcasts feature play-by-play announcer Chris Miller, analyst Drew Gooden and sideline reporter Chase Hughes. Brendan Haywood and John Wall will also serve as analysts throughout the regular season. Radio broadcasts of Wizards basketball on 106.7 The Fan feature play-by-play announcer Dave Johnson (starting his 30th season) alongside analyst Glenn Consor (beginning his 20th season).
Washington finished at the bottom of the Southeast division last season with a 17-65 record.
National TV appearances by NHL team (U.S.)
| Team | Total | ABC | ESPN | NBA TV | NBC | Peacock | Prime Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Hawks | 12 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Boston Celtics | 31 | 3 | 8 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 7 |
| Brooklyn Nets | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Charlotte Hornets | 9 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
| Chicago Bulls | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | 20 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 3 |
| Dallas Mavericks | 29 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 4 |
| Denver Nuggets | 34 | 4 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 4 | 7 |
| Detroit Pistons | 24 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 2 | 5 |
| Golden State Warriors | 33 | 3 | 8 | 5 | 8 | 3 | 7 |
| Houston Rockets | 25 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 2 | 5 |
| Indiana Pacers | 13 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 4 |
| LA Clippers | 11 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 40 | 5 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 3 | 10 |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Miami Heat | 31 | 3 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | 33 | 3 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 2 | 6 |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| New York Knicks | 42 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 2 | 10 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 33 | 4 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 2 | 8 |
| Orlando Magic | 11 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 42 | 5 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 3 | 10 |
| Phoenix Suns | 14 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 1 |
| Portland Trail Blazers | 15 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 2 |
| Sacramento Kings | 4 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| San Antonio Spurs | 39 | 5 | 9 | 5 | 9 | 2 | 10 |
| Toronto Raptors | 10 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Utah Jazz | 8 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
| Washington Wizards | 10 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Notes
- The ESPN NBA lead broadcast team of play-by-play announcer Mike Breen, analysts Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler and reporter Lisa Salters will broadcast the 2027 NBA Finals on ABC
- For purposes of the above table, games airing on ESPN and ABC are counted once in each column, but they are consolidated as one in the “Total” category
- The TNT Sports studio show “Inside the NBA” with Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny “The Jet” Smith returns for a second season airing on ESPN and ABC
- ESPN added Jason Kidd as an analyst on “NBA Countdown” with Malika Andrews, Brian Windhorst, Kendrick Perkins and Shams Charania.
- Prime Video will air the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time this season, while ESPN/ABC will televise the Western Conference Finals
- NBC Sports and Prime Video alternate years in which they carry a conference finals series
- There is one year in which ESPN/ABC will not air a NBA conference finals series
- All Monday night NBA games airing on Peacock this season will use the “On the Bench” format that places analysts aside the benches of the competing teams rather than behind the announcing booth
- NBC Sports added Doc Rivers as a studio and game analyst this offseason, returning to television after a stint as head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks
- NBA League Pass continues to serve as the home for out-of-market games, offering feeds of local games throughout the regular season
