NBA fans hoping to watch every game this season face a new financial hurdle that could reach $891, as broadcast rights scatter across multiple networks and streaming services. The end of the NBA’s deal with TNT has dispersed national games across NBC/Peacock, ESPN, ABC, Prime Video, and various local sports channels, leaving fans with a costly patchwork of subscriptions.
The Athletic outlined the expenses on Thursday, October 22, calculating that a fan aiming to catch every nationally televised game, local team broadcasts, and out-of-market contests could spend nearly $900 over the eight-month season. A YouTubeTV “Sports-Only” package, priced at $520 for the season, includes access to ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Peacock games simulcast on NBC Sports Network.
On top of that, a separate Peacock subscription is necessary for the 21 Tuesday night games exclusive to that service, costing $78. Prime Video carries NBA games on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturday afternoons, requiring a $63 subscription for the seven months it broadcasts games. For local coverage, certain teams, like the Washington Wizards, demand an additional $120 subscription. To watch out-of-market games not covered by local providers, fans must pay $110 for the NBA League Pass.
The Athletic also noted that fans who avoid cable or multichannel digital providers might spend less by subscribing à la carte. Subscriptions to ESPN Unlimited, Peacock, and Prime Video total $423 for the season. Adding local and out-of-market games brings the total to $653.
The financial burden is compounded by scheduling. Multiple NBA games often run simultaneously, forcing fans to consider additional TVs or devices. For example, five games are scheduled to start at 7 p.m. EST on Friday, October 23, all on different platforms.
The NBA’s weekly broadcast schedule breaks down as follows: Mondays feature games on Peacock and NBC Sports Network; Tuesdays are on NBC/Peacock; Wednesdays on ESPN; Thursdays on Prime Video; Fridays split between Prime Video and ESPN; Saturday afternoons on Prime Video and evenings on ESPN/ABC; and Sunday games on ESPN/ABC and ABC.
This fragmentation follows the NBA’s decision to end its partnership with TNT, a longtime broadcaster of many marquee matchups. The dispersal across streaming platforms and traditional channels reflects wider changes in sports broadcasting rights, but for fans, it means juggling multiple subscriptions and paying more than ever to keep up.
The Athletic’s findings highlight the growing cost of following professional basketball in an era where televised sports spread across competing digital services. Fans committed to every game face a steep price tag for full access, a shift that could affect viewing habits this season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
