The 2025 NBA season tips off Oct. 21 with a star-studded doubleheader — here’s how to watch every game live, including full schedule and streaming options.
The 2025 NBA season is officially here, marking the league’s 80th year of play — and with it, nine months of basketball action. The new season tips off Tuesday, Oct. 21, with a doubleheader featuring the Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by the Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers. Both games will air on NBC and stream on Peacock.
Opening night brings major storylines, including the Thunder’s continued rise and speculation about whether this will be LeBron James’ final season. However, the Lakers star won’t take the court for the opener due to sciatica.
If you’re ready to follow every dunk, buzzer-beater, and tip-off — even without cable — here’s how to watch the entire 2025-26 NBA season live.
When does the 2025 NBA season start?
The season begins Tuesday, Oct. 21, with the NBC doubleheader mentioned above.
What channels are airing NBA games in 2025?
Fans can catch games across NBC, ESPN, and streaming platforms including Peacock, the ESPN app, and Prime Video. For out-of-market matchups, NBA League Pass remains the go-to option.
How to stream NBA games without cable
DirecTV
DirecTV’s Entertainment tier includes NBC, ESPN, and ABC coverage — giving fans access to games on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The package, typically $94.99/month, is now $49.99 ($59.99 with fees) for the first month, with a five-day free trial. Subscribers can also add NBA League Pass and get free access to the new ESPN app’s unlimited streaming package, plus cloud DVR storage.
Peacock
Starting at $11/month, Peacock offers access to all NBA games airing on NBC, including exclusive Monday night games. Fans can also enjoy NFL and Premier League coverage, along with hit comedies like The Office and Parks and Recreation. For $17/month, users can go ad-free, gain access to their local NBC affiliate, and download titles for offline viewing. Peacock now offers a bundle with Apple TV for $14.99/month (with ads) or $19.99/month (ad-free).
ESPN Unlimited
The revamped ESPN Unlimited platform costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year, providing access to all ESPN channels, NBA games on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and exclusive content on ESPN+, SEC+, ACCNX, and more. Subscribers also receive Disney+ and Hulu at no additional cost for the service’s first year.
Amazon Prime Video
Prime Video is the exclusive home for NBA Friday doubleheaders, and starting in 2026, it will add Thursday night games. A standard Amazon Prime subscription costs $15/month or $139/year, which includes free shipping, Amazon Music, and GrubHub+. A 30-day free trial is also available.
NBA League Pass
For $17+/month, NBA League Pass remains the best way to stream out-of-market games all season long.
2025 NBA opening week schedule highlights
Tuesday, Oct. 21
Houston vs. Oklahoma City — 7:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Golden State vs. Los Angeles Lakers — 10:00 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Wednesday, Oct. 22
Cleveland vs. New York Knicks — 7:00 p.m. (ESPN)
San Antonio vs. Dallas — 9:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Thursday, Oct. 23
Oklahoma City vs. Indiana — 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)
Denver vs. Golden State — 10:00 p.m. (ESPN)
Friday, Oct. 24
Boston vs. New York Knicks — 7:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
Minnesota vs. Los Angeles Lakers — 10:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
Saturday, Oct. 25
Oklahoma City vs. Atlanta — 7:30 p.m. (NBA TV)
Monday, Oct. 27
Cleveland vs. Detroit — 7:00 p.m. (Peacock)
Denver vs. Minnesota — 9:30 p.m. (Peacock)
Tuesday, Oct. 28
New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee — 8:00 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Golden State — 11:00 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
For a full list of matchups and channels through opening week, fans can check NBA League Pass or their preferred streaming platform.
Other streaming options
Fans can also watch NBA games through Fubo TV, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV, all of which carry ESPN, ABC, and NBC — with free trials available.
With multiple streaming choices and national broadcasts, it’s easier than ever to follow every highlight of the 2025 NBA season — from the Thunder’s title push to LeBron James’ potential farewell run.
