If you’re a cord-cutter, we provide all the information you need to stream the NBA finals on your computer, phone, set-top box, or game console. All you need is a high-speed internet connection, access to the right streaming service, and you’ll be ready for the tip-off.
How to Watch the NBA Finals
The NBA playoffs are broadcast on a combination of TNT, ESPN, NBA TV, and ABC, but the finals can be watched in their entirety on ABC. If you live in an area that has a local ABC affiliate, the best way to watch the NBA finals is to catch the free over the air broadcast with a digital TV antenna. If you can’t watch ABC with an antenna where you are or prefer to stream the NBA finals, use ABC Go or a streaming service like Hulu with Live TV or YouTube TV.
How to Stream the NBA Finals on ABC Go If You Have Cable
ABC offers a livestream of your local ABC affiliate on the ABC Go website. When you watch this stream, it’s essentially the same as tuning in to the local ABC channel on your television. Since the NBA finals are broadcast on ABC, you can use this site, or the ABC Go app, to stream the games. If you have a cable or satellite subscription, this is the best way to stream the NBA finals. However, this option isn’t available if you’re a cord-cutter, and it isn’t available if there’s no participating ABC affiliate in your local area. Here’s how to watch the NBA finals on ABC Go:
How to Stream the NBA Finals Without a Cable Subscription
If you don’t have a cable or satellite subscription, you can’t stream the NBA finals through ABC Go. In that case, your best option is to sign up for a free trial with a television streaming service. These services are a replacement for cable and include many of the same channels that cable subscriptions commonly provide. In addition to basic cable channels, most streaming services include major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. However, the availability of these networks is based on whether a streaming service has obtained the necessary streaming rights. If you live in a major metropolitan area, there’s a good chance at least one streaming service offers ABC where you live. If you live in a rural area, especially if there’s no local ABC affiliate, there’s a chance that none of the streaming services offer ABC in your area. To help you find the best place to stream the NBA finals, we listed the major streaming sites that include ABC, along with a note about their coverage. To find one that works for you, visit their site, enter your ZIP code, and check to see if ABC is available in your geographic area. Here are your options, including the relevant channels each offer:
Hulu with Live TV: This service offers the widest coverage, with the rights to livestream ABC in over 100 markets.
YouTube TV: The next best coverage is YouTube TV, which has ABC in over 90 markets. If Hulu doesn’t have you covered, check YouTube’s live television streaming service. DirecTV Stream: ABC is available on this platform in over 80 markets, so this is the next one you should check. Sling TV: The availability of ABC is limited to a few markets, and it’s only available as an add-on. Even though you have to pay for the add-on, it’s a good deal if you live in a market where ABC is available on the service.
Livestream the NBA Finals on Your Phone, Tablet, or Streaming Device
If you want to watch the NBA playoffs on your mobile device, set-top box, or game console, here are the apps you’ll need:
