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How to Watch NBA Games for Free in 2025: Free Trials, Cheaper Passes & More

Streaming content online has never been easier, but it still comes with its challenges. In this guide, we'll explain how to watch NBA games for free with a free trial and how to get around blackouts to enjoy your game in peace.

Kit CopsonJackie LeavittAlison Spedale

Written by Kit Copson (Writer, Briefing Editor)

Reviewed by Jackie Leavitt (Co-Chief Editor)

Facts checked by Alison Spedale (Fact-checking editor)

Last Updated: 2025-02-15T00:21:40+00:00

All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.

How to Watch NBA Games for Free
Key Takeaways: How to Watch NBA Games for Free
  1. Browse to nordvpn.com and grab a 72% discounted plan.
  2. Connect to a Server — If a game is blacked out in your area, connect to a server in a different location to watch it.
  3. Enjoy free streaming of NBA games.

Best VPNs to Watch NBA:

  1. NordPVN — Best VPN overall with great speeds, advanced features and affordable pricing. A 72% discount is available for users who choose NordVPN’s extended subscription options.
  2. Surfshark — Affordable protection for the whole family. Explore Surfshark’s features with a 30-day return policy, and grab extended plans at a 66% (plus 3 months free) discount.
  3. ExpressVPN — Slightly more expensive VPN but feature-rich and fast. Get 25% off the first year with ExpressVPN, covered by its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Facts & Expert Analysis: How to Watch Basketball Games for Free

  • The best way to watch NBA games for free officially is via a free trial with the NBA League Pass, which is available globally except for in a few countries. Those in the U.S. can also add their League Pass to live TV streaming services like fuboTV or YouTube TV. 
  • Games are sometimes blacked out in certain areas in the U.S. and Canada because of exclusive broadcasting rights. You can use a VPN to get around these blackouts. 
  • We recommend NordVPN for bypassing blackouts, but Surfshark is a worthy alternative. 
The Best VPN for the NBA

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most eagerly-anticipated events for basketball fans in the U.S. and abroad. If you’re in the U.S. and have cable, it’s easy to tune in on ABC, ESPN or TNT, but if you’re overseas, knowing how to watch NBA games for free or with a subscription can be trickier. 

What’s more, geoblocking can make things even harder if you’ve been left disappointed by regional blackouts. Fortunately, a secure VPN like NordVPN can get around these blocks. NordVPN is also the best VPN overall, in our opinion.

In this guide, we’ll share the best way to watch NBA games around the world and how to use a VPN if you need one. We’ll show you exactly how to watch NBA games without cable, and how to stream NBA games in general. We’ll also explore alternative streaming options and give you a heads-up on precautions to take if you opt for “unofficial” streaming sites. 

  • 11/01/2021 Facts checked

    Cloudwards updated this guide to include new information on where to stream NBA games and which VPNs to consider.

  • 04/24/2023

    Updated information about ExpressVPN, our top VPN recommendation for watching the NBA online.

  • 11/29/2023 Facts checked

    This guide has been rewritten with the most up-to-date information on how to stream the NBA games in the U.S. and overseas. We’ve also added steps and more detailed VPN recommendations.

  • 10/01/2024 Facts checked

    We recalibrated the VPN positions after thorough reassessment of each service.

  • 11/01/2024 Facts checked

    Added new information about places to stream NBA games as well as the capabilities of the NBA App.

  • 12/14/2024 Facts checked

    We added a new section for the Emirates NBA Cup finals.

  • 12/16/2024 Facts checked

    Added the NBA Cup semifinals results and the teams for the final.

  • 01/26/2025 Facts checked

    Added more information about the best VPNs to stream the NBA.

  • 02/15/2025

    Added information for the 2025 NBA All-Star weekend.

Stream the 2025 NBA All-Star Games Online

The NBA All-Star weekend runs from Friday, Feb. 14 to Sunday, Feb. 16. We’ll see the likes of Noah Kahan, Shaboozey, Kai Cenat and Allisha Gray, along with veterans, international NBA player and young NBA stars. The events are spread across different channels, so here’s a quick run-down (we have a full schedule further down).

DateAll-Star EventChannel
Friday, Feb. 14All-Star Celebrity gameESPN
Saturday, Feb. 15All-Star Saturday NightTNT/truTV
Sunday, Feb. 16All-Star GamesTNT/truTV

Additionally, you can tune into NBA TV for other All-Star weekend coverage and news. Plus, you can watch Sunday’s G League Up Next Game for free on Tubi.

If you don’t have cable, you can subscribe to a live TV streaming service like Sling TV (Orange) or DirecTV Stream to watch the NBA All-Star games. Here’s a full schedule so you don’t miss anything.

NBA All-Stars Weekend Schedule

Friday, Feb. 14
Castrol Rising Stars Practice12:30 p.m. ETNBA TV & NBA App
Basketball Hall of Fame News Conference6:00 p.m. ETNBA TV & NBA App
Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game7:00 p.m. ETESPN
Castrol Rising Stars
– Team C vs Team T
– Team G vs Team M
– Winner 1 vs Winner 2
9:00 p.m. ETTNT & truTV
Friday, Feb. 15
All-Star Practice & Media Day2:00 p.m. ETNBA TV & NBA App
NBA HBCU Classic Presented by AT&T5:00 p.m. ETNBA Tv & NBA App
Commissioner Adam Silver News Conference7:00 p.m. ETNBA TV & NBA App
State Farm All-Star Saturday Night
– Kia Skills Challenge
– Starry 3-Point Contest
– AT&T Slam Dunk
8:00 p.m. ETTNT & truTV
Sunday, Feb. 16
NBA Legends Brunch2:00 p.m. ETNBA TV & NBA App
G League Up Next Game (presented by AT&T)3:30 p.m. ETTubi
74th NBA All-Star Game
– Game 1: Kenny’s Young Stars vs. Chuck’s Global Stars
– Game 2: Shaq’s OGs vs. Candace’s Rising Stars
– Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
8:00 p.m. ETTNT & truTV

How to Watch the Emirates NBA Cup: 2024 Finals Schedule

The Emirates NBA Cup finals will take place in December 2024. In this section, we’ll provide all the details for each final stage. In the U.S., you can stream these games on Max, though coverage is also available on ESPN, TNT and truTV.

Emirates NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Dec. 10-12

DateTeamsResults
Dec 11Bucks vs MagicBucks 114 ✅

Magic 109
Dec 11Thunder vs MavericksThunder 118 ✅
Mavericks 104
Dec 12Knicks vs HawksHawks 108 ✅
Knicks 100
Dec 12Rockets vs WarriorsRockets 91 ✅
Warriors 90

Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals: Dec. 14-15

DateTeamsResults
Dec 14

1:30 p.m. PT
4:30 p.m. ET
Bucks vs HawksBucks 110 ✅

Hawks 102
Dec 14

5:30 p.m. PT
8:30 p.m. ET
Thunder vs RocketsThunder 111 ✅

Rockets 96

Emirates NBA Cup Final: Dec.

DateTeamsResults
Dec 17

5:30 p.m. PT
8:30 p.m. ET
Thunder vs Bucks

Where Can I Stream NBA Games for Free: Live & On-Demand

If you’re wondering how to watch NBA games for free, or how to watch NBA finals for free, we’re afraid that none of the official streaming platforms that broadcast NBA games are truly free, though you can get a free trial to stream NBA games (more on this below), therefore being able to watch NBA live streams for free. There are also a few unofficial websites to watch NBA games for free, including VIPBox Sports and StreamEast, but these kinds of sites include links to copyrighted content. 

Instead of going for free sites to watch NBA live streams for free, we would urge our readers to explore one of the official methods for the best quality and most reliable streaming. Furthermore, free NBA game sites are full of pop-ups, which may infect your device with malware.

If you do decide to use unofficial free live NBA games streaming sites, we’d strongly urge you to use a virtual private network (VPN) and the best anti-virus software to double up on your security. Make sure to also read our article on the best VPN for sports.

Where to Live Stream NBA Games in the US: Free Trials & Cheapest Options

The best way to stream NBA games in the U.S. and abroad is via the NBA League Pass, which we’ll explain more about below. 

You can also watch NBA games on live streaming services in the U.S., including fuboTV (free trial available), Sling TV and YouTube TV (free trial available), but you still need to purchase the NBA League Pass to make this happen. TiVo Stream also offers NBA games in up to 4K quality on supported channels.

Hulu with Live TV is another option. By the way, we also have articles on how to watch Japanese TV and how to watch the Emmys, if you are interested.

The new Emirates NBA Cup tournament games are also available to stream through the NBA League Pass and several of the platforms listed above.

What Is the NBA League Pass, NBA TV & NBA CrunchTime?

The NBA League Pass is a subscription service for the NBA TV website, while NBA CrunchTime is free to watch and gives you access to live “whiparound” NBA coverage with look-ins on every close finish around the league, available exclusively through the NBA App.

You can opt for a seasonal or monthly package, and there are two plan types to choose from: the standard NBA League Pass and NBA League Pass Premium, which comes with no ads and lets you stream on up to three devices at a time. When you sign up, you get a seven-day free trial to help you decide whether you want to continue long-term. 

Fortunately, the League Pass is available in most countries, so geoblocking won’t be an issue for most, but there are some exceptions. In Iraq, Nicaragua and Venezuela, you need to buy it via AirG. The League Pass is unavailable in:

NBA CrunchTime can be watched via the NBA app for viewers in the U.S. and Canada. It usually goes live on Monday nights, but they sometimes add extra dates. 

The NBA App now also offers a multiview feature that allows you to watch multiple games simultaneously on supported devices.

How to Get the NBA League Pass for Cheap

The NBA League Pass subscription price differs by country. In the United States, the standard League Pass currently costs $99.99 for the season, but it’s sold for much cheaper in some countries. For example, in India, it currently costs around $18 for the season. 

To get the pass for cheaper, connect to a VPN in a country where it’s inexpensive — like India — and visit the NBA League Pass subscription page to sign up. You should see the price in local currency, for example an Indian VPN server will result in a price in Rupees (here’s how to get an Indian IP address). You can experiment with different countries and compare prices by using an online currency converter. 

What Are NBA Blackouts & How to Bypass NBA League Pass Blackout

Regional NBA blackouts stop you from watching NBA games live with your League Pass or on a live streaming service like Hulu with Live TV. Blackouts happen in the U.S. and Canada because not every content provider has the right to broadcast a game live. It all depends on your location, and those lucky viewers outside the U.S. and Canada aren’t affected. 

There are two pieces of good news, though. The first: You can still watch blacked-out games on demand after the fact. Even better: You can use a VPN to change your IP address and avoid blackouts altogether. Find out how in the next section. 

How to Watch NBA Games During Blackouts With a VPN

To watch NBA basketball games online free of blackouts, all you need to do is connect to a VPN server in a location where the game won’t be blacked out. Those in the U.S. can check for blackouts by entering their zip code in the “What Can I Watch?” page on NBA TV. Learn more about blackouts on NBA TV’s blackouts information page

  1. Get a VPN

    Subscribe to a worthy VPN provider like NordVPN (more recommendations below), which has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    nordvpn step 1
  2. Download and Install the VPN

    Navigate to the “download” tab on the provider’s website or download the app to your mobile via the Apple app store or Google Play store. Install the VPN on your device.

    download nordvpn
  3. Connect to a Server

    Open the VPN app and sign in. Open the server list in the VPN’s app and search for a location where the game won’t be blacked out. For example, if a game you want to watch will be blacked out in Georgia but not in New York, connect to a server in New York. Click or tap “connect.” 

    nordvpn new york connection
  4. Start Streaming

    Log in to the service you use (League Pass, Hulu with Live TV, etc.) and start streaming the NBA game you want to watch.

    nba leaguepass

The Best VPNs for Watching NBA Live Games Online

A truly secure (not all of them are), fast VPN is well worth the investment, whether you want to watch NBA games online or stream a Netflix series that isn’t available in your country (here’s how to change Netflix region). In short, all streamers should have one, and here are three excellent services to check out, which are also the best apps to watch NBA, in a way.

1. NordVPN — Best VPN

hulu nordvpn us
NordVPN is the fastest VPN with the most consistent speeds across the board. 
The Best VPN for the NBA

Pros:

  • Best speeds on average
  • Reasonable long-term plans
  • Strong streaming speeds

Cons:

  • Minor usability issues

Access your favorite shows from anywhere — try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days and save 72%.

Download
90 Mbps
Very Fast
Upload
9 Mbps
Very Fast
Latency
4 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 01/21/25 to 02/18/25
Data for region:

NordVPN stands out as our top pick for streaming NBA games and bypassing blackout restrictions. With an extensive network of U.S. servers across multiple cities, it’s perfect for accessing local broadcasts and national games. The service offers impressive features like ad and malware blocking, plus download scanning.

Our recent speed tests showed NordVPN to be among the fastest options available, ensuring smooth HD streaming without buffering — crucial for live sports. We’ve consistently accessed NBA League Pass and various regional sports networks without issues.

For basketball fans looking for reliable game access, its two-year plan offers excellent value with a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you test NordVPN risk-free. At $2.52 per month on a two-year subscription, it’s a solid investment for the entire NBA season and beyond. Read our full NordVPN review for more.

2. Surfshark — Best Budget Streaming VPN

surfshark us server

Pros

  • Strong security suite options
  • Solid security
  • Excellent speeds

Cons

  • Site may collect your real IP
  • High latency on close servers
  • No Mac/iOS split tunneling

Watch what you want, where you want — get Surfshark now with a 66% (plus 3 months free) discount.

Download
93 Mbps
Very Fast
Upload
9 Mbps
Very Fast
Latency
3 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 01/21/25 to 02/18/25
Data for region:

If you’re seeking a more budget-friendly option for NBA streaming, Surfshark delivers impressive performance with an extensive U.S. server network. It consistently achieves excellent download speeds in our testing, perfect for live sports streams, and includes ad and malware blocking for uninterrupted streaming.

One standout feature for NBA fans is Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections, which lets you share your account with fellow basketball enthusiasts to split the cost. At just $2.19 monthly with a two-year plan, it’s an excellent value proposition. Test Surfshark yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee, and check our detailed Surfshark review for more.

Surfshark Starter
  • Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
  • Yes
Surfshark One
  • Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
Surfshark One+
  • Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited

3. ExpressVPN — Best Easy-to-Use VPN for Streaming

expressvpn step4
ExpressVPN is the most consistent VPN for streaming NBA games online. 

Pros:

  • Very fast
  • Tight security
  • User-friendly 

Cons:

  • Expensive

Stream freely across the globe — get ExpressVPN’s best deal at 25% off today.

Download
84 Mbps
Very Fast
Upload
8 Mbps
Very Fast
Latency
4 ms
Very Fast
Source: Cloudwards VPN Speed Test. We test daily. Data from 01/21/25 to 02/18/25
Data for region:

ExpressVPN excels in user-friendliness, making it perfect for NBA fans new to VPNs. Its streamlined interface lets you connect to U.S. servers with a single click, while providing reliable access to NBA League Pass and regional sports networks to avoid blackouts. The service delivers consistent high speeds and includes ad blocking for smooth game viewing.

While slightly pricier at $4.99 monthly on a two-year subscription, ExpressVPN offers a premium experience. New users can take advantage of its 30-day refund policy to try ExpressVPN risk-free during game days. Read our full ExpressVPN review for more.

ExpressVPN Plans
  • Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 8
  • Yes

Best Free VPN — PrivadoVPN

Privado VPN US

Pros

  • Easy-to-use apps
  • Generous free plan
  • 10 device connections
  • Unblocks major streaming services

Cons

  • Relatively slow
  • No third-party audit
  • Poor customer support
  • Small server network

PrivadoVPN is one of the few VPNs we recommend, as most free VPNs you find on the Apple app store or Google Play Store are either scams, don’t work, or sell your data. However, PrivadoVPN is a secure VPN with decent speeds, U.S. servers and 10GB of data to stream a few live NBA games.

If you want to upgrade your PrivadoVPN plan, you can do so for just $1.11 per month on a two-year plan, nabbing ad and malware blocking and adult content filtering for the price. Paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try the premium version of PrivadoVPN risk-free. Read our PrivadoVPN review for more.

Final Thoughts: How to Watch Basketball Games for Free

We hope that NBA fans can click away from this guide equipped to handle blackouts and ready to watch all the action, from the first game to the NBA finals, from anywhere. Our recommendation is NordVPN. If NordVPN seems interesting to you, you can check it out risk-free and claim a refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied.

Interested in more on the topic and how you can stay safe while playing your favorite games? Here’s the best Lost Ark VPN, the best Fortnite VPN, as well as the best Minecraft VPN.

Did you enjoy learning how to watch basketball games for free? Will you be watching the NBA games this year? Do you have any experience using a VPN to deal with regional blackouts? If so, let us know about it in the comments. Thanks for reading.

FAQ: Stream NBA Games Online

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