The NBA Finals are the pinnacle of professional basketball, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. If you’re asking, “What channel is the NBA Finals on?” you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers the official broadcast channels, streaming services, and everything else you need to catch every game of the championship series.
NBA Finals Broadcast Rights for 2026-2027
As of the 2025-2026 season, the NBA entered a new 11-year media rights agreement. Under this deal, the NBA Finals are exclusively broadcast on ABC (in the United States). This marks a continuation of ABC’s long-standing role as the home of the Finals, now extended through the 2035-2036 season. Games are also simulcast on ESPN for select matchups, but the primary channel remains ABC.
Why ABC?
ABC has been the exclusive U.S. broadcaster of the NBA Finals since 2003. The network offers the widest over-the-air coverage, making the Finals accessible to households without cable or satellite subscriptions. For the 2026 Finals (which concluded in June 2026), all games aired on ABC. The same will hold true for the 2027 Finals.
How to Watch the NBA Finals on TV
To watch the NBA Finals on ABC, you need either:
- A TV with an antenna (over-the-air) – ABC is a free broadcast channel in most markets.
- A cable or satellite subscription that includes ABC.
- A live TV streaming service that carries ABC (see below).
If you have a cable package, simply tune to your local ABC affiliate at game time. Check your local listings for the exact channel number (e.g., Channel 7 in New York, Channel 2 in Los Angeles).
Streaming Options for the NBA Finals
For cord-cutters, several live TV streaming services carry ABC and ESPN. Here are the best options for watching the NBA Finals in 2026-2027:
- YouTube TV – Includes ABC and ESPN in its base plan. Offers unlimited DVR storage.
- Hulu + Live TV – Includes ABC and ESPN. Also provides access to Hulu’s on-demand library.
- FuboTV – Offers ABC and ESPN in its Pro plan. Note: FuboTV does not carry TNT (but TNT no longer has NBA rights).
- DirecTV Stream – Includes ABC and ESPN in its Entertainment package.
All these services offer free trials (typically 7 days), so you can sign up just for the Finals.
Can You Watch the NBA Finals on ESPN+?
No. ESPN+ is a separate streaming service that does not include live NBA games. The NBA Finals are only available on ABC and ESPN (the linear channel). However, you can stream the ESPN broadcast through the ESPN app if you have a cable or streaming subscription that includes ESPN.
International Broadcast Channels
If you’re outside the United States, the NBA Finals are broadcast on various networks:
- Canada: Sportsnet and TSN (English), RDS (French).
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports and TNT Sports.
- Australia: ESPN (via Kayo Sports and Foxtel).
- Latin America: ESPN and Star+.
- Philippines: NBA TV Philippines and Cignal TV.
Check local listings for your region.
NBA Finals Schedule and Game Times
The NBA Finals typically take place in June. For the 2027 Finals, the schedule will be announced after the Conference Finals conclude. Games tip off around 8:00 PM ET (5:00 PM PT) on weekdays and 8:30 PM ET on weekends. All games air on ABC.
What About the NBA Finals on TNT?
As of the 2025-2026 season, TNT no longer broadcasts NBA games. The new media rights deal moved all national games to ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. The NBA Finals remain exclusively on ABC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NBA Finals on regular TV?
Yes, the NBA Finals are broadcast on ABC, which is a free over-the-air channel available with an antenna.
Can I watch the NBA Finals on Netflix or Amazon Prime?
No. Netflix does not carry live NBA games. Amazon Prime Video will stream some regular-season and playoff games under the new deal, but the Finals are exclusive to ABC.
Do I need a cable subscription to watch the NBA Finals?
No. You can watch ABC with an antenna or through a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
What channel is the NBA Finals on for the 2027 series?
The 2027 NBA Finals will air on ABC, just like the 2026 Finals. Check your local ABC affiliate for the channel number.
Conclusion
The answer to “What channel is the NBA Finals on?” is simple: ABC. Whether you watch over the air, via cable, or through a streaming service, you can catch every game of the championship series. Bookmark this guide for the 2027 NBA Finals and never miss a moment of the action.