Welcome back to the hardwood for the 2023-24 NBA season! Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets take the court vying to earn the Larry O’Brien Trophy once again. However, the Nuggets should expect steep competition from Jayson Tatum’s Boston Celtics, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks, and Stephen Curry‘s Golden State Warriors, all of whom have reached the Finals in recent years. Of course, one can never truly rule out Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and the Los Angeles Lakers, who seek their record 18th title.
Of course, Victor Wembenyama enters the NBA as one an instant Rookie of the Year contender and will ensure plenty of eyeballs on the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference, while plenty of attention will be on the Phoenix Suns’ pairing of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, too. Speaking of dynamic duos, will Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving be able to elevate the Dallas Mavericks to the playoffs this year? Durant and Irving’s former team, the Brooklyn Nets, will also be looking to return to the playoffs (and relevancy) off the grit and grind of stars like Mikal Bridges and Spencer Dinwiddie.
Whether you’re looking to find the best way to watch the NBA using NBA League Pass, or test cord-cutting services that include NBA action, ExpressVPN has you covered on how to safely and securely stream the entire 2023-24 NBA season.
Start date | October 24, 2023 |
Location | United States, Canada |
Number of teams | 30 |
TV partner(s) | ABC, TNT, ESPN, NBA TV |
How to watch NBA League Pass with a VPN
You can stream the NBA in just a few simple steps:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location that matches the broadcaster you want to watch. For example, U.S. fans can connect to a server in the United States like Los Angeles, Seattle, or Denver to stream the coverage on NBA League Pass or YouTube TV.
- Clear browsing data and cookies.
- Open your NBA League Pass or choose your preferred streaming platform to watch the games!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, be sure to use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Can I use a VPN to watch NBA games from another country?
ExpressVPN is a privacy and security service and should not be used as a means of copyright circumvention. We cannot see or control what you do while connected to our VPN, so you are responsible for complying with our Terms of Service, your content provider’s terms, and any applicable laws.
Why do you need a VPN to watch NBA games online?
If you plan on watching NBA games this season, you’ll want to do so with ExpressVPN protecting you along the way. Not only does ExpressVPN offer servers in 105 countries across the globe, all of which are optimized for speed and security, but you can stream every game, from Opening Night through the NBA Finals, on computers, smartphones, and even smart TVs and gaming consoles. You can have up to eight simultaneous connections, allowing you to watch your favorite players—and track your fantasy team along the way—in blazing-fast HD.
Best VPN for watching NBA games in 2023
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for safely and securely streaming the entire 2023-24 NBA season. Our high-speed servers allow you to enjoy every second regardless of your device. ExpressVPN offers easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms that other VPN companies may not support, like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers, plus browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. If you need help along the way, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee!
Key Features:
- High-speed servers in 105 countries across the globe, all optimized for speed and security
- Up to 8 simultaneous connection
- 5-star customer service with 24/7 live chat support
- Strict privacy policy: No activity logs and no connection logs
- Comprehensive support site filled with DIY troubleshooting articles, handy video tutorials, and more
- The industry’s most advanced VPN server technology, TrustedServer, wipes data on every reboot
- Our innovative Threat Manager protects your phone from malware and other suspicious tracking apps
- Next-gen Lightway protocol offers greater speeds, security, and reliability, especially on mobile
How to stream the NBA with League Pass
If you want to check out the biggest showcase games the NBA has to offer, there isn’t a better option than NBA League Pass. You can enjoy games without blackouts by using the international version of the service and it comes with a seven-day free trial.
NBA League Pass
Price: Varies
Want to enjoy NBA games with the privacy and security of a VPN? NBA League Pass is your best option, though please note that the League Pass price varies depending on your country. For example, basketball fans in India need to pay roughly 2000 INR (24 USD) for the entire season. U.S. basketball fans can purchase League Pass Premium for 150 USD for the entire season; other packages are available, including one for those who only want to watch a specific team. Check out the NBA’s official website for a complete list of which countries offer League Pass.
NBA game blackouts: International League Pass vs. U.S. League Pass
What’s the difference between watching NBA League Pass in Germany, Australia, Canada, or the U.S.? League Pass is available both inside and outside the States. However, there are key differences every fan needs to know.
The U.S. League Pass offers live games and full-game replays for all teams. However, blackouts apply. When a team is playing, that game will be “blacked out” on the U.S. League Pass for the team’s home market. Nationally broadcast games on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV—in other words, most of the playoffs—will also be blacked out. (All blacked-out games are available three days after broadcast. If you purchased the 3-Game Choice package, nationally telecast games will be available for purchase three hours after they have aired. Locally telecast games will be available for purchase three days after they air.)
Blackouts are put in place to protect local broadcasters’ viewership while preserving users’ ability to watch out-of-market games. If you’re streaming from a country outside the United States or Canada, every game is effectively “out-of-market,” meaning that there are no blackouts to worry about.
Why is my VPN not working with NBA League Pass?
ExpressVPN’s advanced server network is optimized for compatibility with NBA League Pass, and most users can stream without any issues. But if you should ever encounter a problem, our dedicated Support Team is available via live chat 24/7 to help you overcome any obstacles in trying to watch your favorite basketball team. All ExpressVPN plans are covered by a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Should I use a free VPN to watch NBA League Pass?
Rather than use a free VPN to watch NBA games, basketball fans should instead use ExpressVPN all season long. ExpressVPN offers high-speed servers in 105 countries and easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Additionally, ExpressVPN is available on platforms that other VPN companies may not support, like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers, plus browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. If you need help along the way, ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee!
How to cancel NBA League Pass
If you feel like you’re not getting value out of your subscription, cancelling it is not an arduous process. There’s actually a comprehensive guide on how to cancel. You should also be aware that the service auto-renews monthly—if you’re on a monthly subscription—or prior to the season if you’ve purchased an annual subscription. You can opt out of auto-renewals and you will be notified by email prior to getting auto-renewed for a full season.
Stream the NBA using services with free trials
There are a number of cord-cutting services available that should cover your NBA-viewing needs. They can be slightly pricey, but most offer free trials so you have ample opportunity to see if they’re worth it for you.
YouTube TV
Price: 73 USD/month and up
Channels: ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, TNT
Country: U.S.
YouTube TV offers Americans a variety of channels that carry NBA games, and the subscription costs 73 USD/month. You may need to submit a U.S. ZIP code (e.g., 10022, 48104, etc.), but it accepts a wide array of payment options. If you don’t feel like committing to YouTube TV, use the free trial.
Note: You may need a valid U.S. credit/debit card or PayPal to subscribe to YouTube TV. You can still subscribe to YouTube TV via Google Play, even if you don’t have a U.S. credit/debit card.
Want it on the big screen? Learn about all the ways to get ExpressVPN on your TV.
Fubo
Price: 75 USD/month (base package; price increases to watch additional NBA games)
Channels: ABC, ESPN, NBA TV (Sports Plus add-on)
Country: U.S.
Although Fubo offers a seven-day free trial, it does not have Turner channels (including TBS and TNT) as of September 2023. However, fans from the United States can watch NBA games airing on Turner stations through Fubo if you purchase Max and the Bleacher Report Sports Add-On tier for Max, each of which cost 10 USD/month.
Note: You will need a U.S. credit/debit card to subscribe. The billing address used may determine which local channels are available, and you may be unable to change your location.
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
DirecTV Stream
Price: 65 USD/month and up
Channels: ABC, ESPN, NBA TV (Choice plan and up), TBS, TNT
Country: U.S.
DirecTV Stream is often on the pricier side, especially if you want NBA TV, but it’s a great option for U.S. fans to stream basketball games if you prefer a cord-cutting service over an additional streaming app. DirecTV’s lowest package starts at 65 USD/month (before jumping to its normal price of 75 USD/month after three months), and the service offers a 5-day free trial.
Other ways to stream NBA games
ESPN+
Price: 11 USD/month
Country: U.S.
ESPN+ will often simulcast NBA games airing on ABC and ESPN throughout the 2023-24 season. Please note that a valid TV subscription, either to a traditional cable company or a cord-cutting service like YouTube TV, is typically required to stream NBA broadcasts on ESPN+.
Hulu+Live TV
Price: 70 USD/month
Channels: ABC, ESPN, TBS, TNT
Country: U.S.
Hulu does not offer a free trial, but it does have a live TV package for American fans that includes all the main channels for secure NBA streams as well as many regional sports networks. Free trials are not available.
Sling TV
Price: Varies
Channels: ABC, ESPN, NBA TV (Sports Extra) TBS, TNT
Country: U.S.
Sling TV provides U.S. viewers with access to most channels airing NBA games, and ABC is also available in select markets. Please note that Sling no longer offers a free trial.
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Live stream NBA preseason games in Canada
TSN
Price: 20 CAD/month
Country: Canada
TSN will air Toronto Raptors games throughout the 2023-24 season, as well as other special events, including the NBA Playoffs, NBA Draft, and NBA Summer League. While it doesn’t offer a free trial, TSN+ does allow Canadian users to purchase a one-day pass for less than 11 CAD (which is handy if you only want to watch a specific game or the final).
Sportsnet
Price: 15 USD/month
Country: Canada
Sportsnet offers select Toronto Raptors games during the 2023-24 season, as well as other special events, including the NBA Playoffs, NBA Draft, and NBA Summer League. Canadian viewers can subscribe to Sportsnet for 15 USD/month or 150 USD/year. Please note Sportsnet does not offer a free trial.
2024 NBA Finals odds
Will Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets repeat as champions? Here are the initial 2024 NBA Finals odds according to the FanDuel Sportsbook.
Team | Odds |
Boston Celtics | +370 |
Denver Nuggets | +440 |
Milwaukee Bucks | +440 |
Phoenix Suns | +650 |
Philadelphia 76ers | +1500 |
Golden State Warriors | +1700 |
Dallas Mavericks | +2100 |
Los Angeles Lakers | +2100 |
Los Angeles Clippers | +2400 |
Cleveland Cavaliers | +2600 |
Minnesota Timberwolves | +3000 |
Sacramento Kings | +3600 |
Miami Heat | +3900 |
New York Knicks | +4600 |
New Orleans Pelicans | +5500 |
Oklahoma City Thunder | +5500 |
2023 NBA In-Season Tournament
The 2023-24 NBA season features the inaugural in-season tournament, which officially begins Friday, November 3. The tournament will be played in a group stage format, with the teams divided into six groups of five. Each team will play four games in the group stage, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
Each group’s winner, along with one wild card from each conference, will advance to the quarterfinals. For example, suppose the Boston Celtics earn the Eastern Conference’s top seed, and the Miami Heat secure the Wild Card. The Celtics would host the Heat, while the No. 2 seed will play the No. 3 seed at home. Baseball fans will be familiar with this system, as the MLB playoffs used a similar format from 1995-2011.
T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host the semifinals (December 7) and Finals (December 9). The quarterfinal and semifinal games count as regular season games, as do the statistics. However, statistics from the final will not be counted in the final regular-season numbers. Players will receive prize money if their team reaches the quarterfinals or better. All players on the winning team will receive 500,000 USD, while the runner-ups will earn 200,000 USD per player. The semifinal losers will earn 100,000 USD per player, and those who fall in the quarterfinals will collect a cool 50,000 USD.
NBA Games of the Week
The 2023-24 NBA season is here, and ExpressVPN has you covered with the best games of the week to stream. You can find the daily schedule here, and remember, you can stream every game with NBA League Pass International.
Here is the NBA’s national TV schedule for the week of November 27.
Game | Date and time | TV |
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers | Monday, November 27, 7 p.m. ET / 12 a.m. GMT | NBA TV |
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets | Monday, November 27, 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT | NBA TV |
Miami Heat vs. Milwaukee Bucks (In-Season Tournament, East Group B) | Tuesday, November 28, 7:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. GMT | TNT |
Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings (In-Season Tournament, West Group C) | Tuesday, November 28, 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT | TNT |
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Clippers | Wednesday, November 29, 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT | NBA TV |
Miami Heat vs. Indiana Pacers | Thursday, November 30, 7:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. GMT | NBA TV |
Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings | Thursday, November 30, 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT | NBA TV |
Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers | Friday, December 1, 7:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. GMT | ESPN, ESPN+ |
Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets | Friday, December 1, 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT | ESPN, ESPN+ |
Sacramento Kings vs. Denver Nuggets | Saturday, December 2, 10 p.m. ET / 3 a.m. GMT | NBA TV |
Key dates for the 2023-2024 NBA season
Event | TV Network | Dates |
Opening Night | TNT | October 24, 2023 |
NBA In-Season Tournament begins | ESPN | November 3, 2023 |
NBA Global Games (Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks in Mexico City) | NBA TV | November 9, 2023 |
NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals | TBD | December 7, 2023 |
NBA In-Season Tournament Finals | TBD | December 9, 2023 |
Christmas Day | ABC, ESPN, ESPN+ | December 25, 2023 |
NBA Global Games (Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Brooklyn Nets in Paris) | NBA TV | January 11, 2024 |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day | TNT, NBA TV | January 15, 2024 |
NBA Rivals Week | TNT, ESPN, ABC, NBA TV | January 23-27, 2024 |
NBA All-Star 2024 | TNT | February 16-18, 2024 |
NBA Playoffs | TNT, ESPN, ABC, NBA TV, ESPN+ | April 20-June 2024 |
ExpressVPN is a VPN service not intended to be used as a means of copyright circumvention. Please read the ExpressVPN Terms of Service and your content provider’s Terms of Use for more details.
FAQ for NBA live streams
How can I watch NBA streams for free?
There are no official ways to watch NBA games for free. However, NBA League Pass offers a free trial, as do cord-cutting services like Fubo and YouTube TV.
Can I use NBA League Pass in another country?
Yes, you can use NBA League Pass in another country. However, please keep in mind that NBA League Pass is not available in all countries, and certain games are subject to blackout restrictions.
Does NBA TV work with a VPN?
Yes, NBA TV does work with a VPN. NBA League Pass subscribers can also securely watch games using a VPN connection.
Is it legal to use a VPN with NBA League Pass?
While you can watch NBA games on NBA League Pass by connecting to a VPN server location in a country other than your own, doing so may violate copyright or infringe upon your streaming service’s Terms of Use and the ExpressVPN Terms of Service. As a security and privacy tool, ExpressVPN is designed so that no one can see or control what you do when connected to our VPN service—not even us. So, you are responsible for verifying that your use complies with all relevant terms and laws.
Can I watch NBA League Pass on YouTube TV?
Yes, you can watch NBA League Pass on YouTube TV. YouTube TV offers an add-on subscription for NBA League Pass, which costs an additional 40 USD/month or 200 USD/year. This add-on gives you access to all live NBA games, as well as replays, highlights, and other NBA content. However, please remember that some games may be blacked out in your area.
What is the difference between League Pass and League Pass Premium?
An NBA League Pass Premium subscription allows you to stream every game live or on-demand on up to three devices.
Why can’t I watch live games with NBA League Pass?
Reasons for being unable to live stream games on NBA League Pass include blackout restrictions or technical issues. Make sure to contact ExpressVPN’s dedicated support team if you run into any problems!
Can I stream NBA games on my computer?
Can I stream NBA games on my phone or tablet?
Yes. ExpressVPN has apps for every major mobile device, including iOS and Android.
How can I stream NBA games on my TV with a VPN?
In brief there are five different ways to stream sports on your TV with ExpressVPN:
- With the native app for a smart TV or streaming device
- By streaming on your computer and connecting to the TV with an HDMI cable
- By mirroring or casting wirelessly to your TV or streaming device from your computer or mobile device
- By connecting to an ExpressVPN-enabled router, which allows for unlimited devices and makes it super simple to connect to different server locations simultaneously
- With MediaStreamer, ExpressVPN’s solution for devices that cannot install a VPN, such as some streaming consoles and gaming consoles. MediaStreamer only needs to be set up once, although it does not provide the full security benefits of a VPN.
For more information on all the ways to get ExpressVPN on your big-screen TV, click here or contact a 24/7 Support agent for step-by-step instructions.
I connected to the suggested VPN server location but I can’t log in to the streaming service!
No worries! Server load changes rapidly (especially when lots of people are trying to watch certain events), but that’s exactly why ExpressVPN has high-speed servers all over the world. If you’re trying to access a site in the U.S. or Germany, for instance, try connecting to a different server location in those countries.
I connected to the VPN but my internet speed is slow
If your internet speed is slow or your streaming seems to lag, there are a few possible reasons:
-The distance of your selected VPN server location from your physical location
-Your connection type (wired connections are more reliable than wireless connections)
-Suboptimal interconnectivity between the VPN and your ISP
-Slow internet connection speed at your location
-Your device type and processing power
Try each of the following steps to troubleshoot:
-Download the latest version of ExpressVPN
-Connect to a different VPN server location
-Change your VPN protocol
If you try each of the above and are still experiencing issues with your streaming speed, contact the ExpressVPN Support Team 24/7 and someone will be with you in seconds.
What other streaming services can I watch with ExpressVPN?
ExpressVPN works seamlessly with all the most popular streaming apps from around the world. Using a VPN for streaming ensures you watch securely in blazing-fast HD with unlimited bandwidth, free from ISP throttling (which can sometimes slow down speeds). If you want to watch your favorite team from anywhere—even while traveling or on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi—ExpressVPN is a great way to enhance your sports streaming experience.
