Basketball’s immense popularity is undeniable. From its origins in the United States, the sport has garnered a massive and devoted following around the world. The National Basketball Association (NBA) serves as a prime example of this phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers globally who are captivated by the exceptional skills showcased by the league’s elite players.
Each NBA season delivers a fresh wave of awe-inspiring moments, featuring breathtaking shots and powerful blocks that enthrall fans internationally. For passionate basketball enthusiasts who cherish spending their weekends engrossed in the game’s grand spectacle, missing any of the action is simply unthinkable.
To ensure you catch every game of the NBA regular season and playoffs, it’s essential to have a solid plan in place. While traditional cable packages can often be costly and fail to grant access to all the games, the advent of streaming services has revolutionized the way we consume sports content. Thanks to these services, it has become incredibly convenient to watch every single game of the NBA season on any device, even including the highly popular Samsung Smart TVs.
How to watch nba games on samsung smart tv
This comprehensive guide aims to assist you in navigating the process of how to watch nba games on samsung smart tv, regardless of whether you have a cable subscription or not. By following the suggestions outlined here, you can ensure that you never miss a game and continue to indulge in the thrill and excitement that the NBA has to offer.
Channels Broadcasting NBA Games on Samsung TV
Samsung TV users in the United States have access to various channels that air NBA games. These channels include major national broadcasters like ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. Since the 2002-03 season, these channels have been televising NBA games across the country.
During the regular season, ESPN airs doubleheaders on Wednesday and Friday nights, while TNT features doubleheaders on Tuesday and Thursday nights. As the season progresses, ABC broadcasts one game on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. NBA TV also broadcasts games almost every night, with an increased number of matches towards the end of the regular season, especially those with playoff implications.
During the playoffs, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV share coverage of the first round, with ABC airing games on weekends. The second round is aired on ESPN, TNT, and ABC during weekends. The conference finals are divided between ESPN/ABC and TNT, with the networks alternating which series they cover each season.
The NBA Finals, one of the most highly anticipated events, are nationally televised on ABC, offering viewers a chance to watch the thrilling series on a national network.
Watching NBA on Samsung Smart TV with ABC, ESPN, & TNT Apps
Samsung Smart TV users can watch NBA games through the streaming apps provided by the major national NBA broadcasters: ABC, ESPN, and TNT. These apps allow users to access the respective NBA coverage offered by these networks. Additionally, overflow broadcasts can be found on ESPN2 and TBS.
To watch NBA games on your Samsung Smart TV, you can download the ABC or ESPN app from the built-in Apps Store and follow the in-app instructions to link your TV provider. For TNT, you will need the TNT Cast app on your TV. This requires downloading the Watch TNT mobile app, signing in with your TV provider, and casting the live stream to your TV.
However, it’s important to note that your cable or satellite plan, or streaming subscription, must include these channels in order to access their content.
Read Also: Casting TNT App to Your Samsung Smart TV
Watching NBA on Samsung TV Without Cable
Even if you have cut the cord and no longer have a cable subscription, there are still ways to enjoy comprehensive NBA coverage on your Samsung Smart TV. Streaming television services such as DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Hulu, Sling, and YouTube TV offer options to watch NBA games.
If you have an older Samsung TV that doesn’t connect to the internet, you can use a streaming media player like a Chromecast dongle, Fire TV Stick, or Roku player to access these live TV services and watch NBA games and other sporting events.
Here is an overview of some of these options:
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream is one of the leading live TV streaming services, offering ABC, ESPN, and TNT in its lowest-priced Entertainment package. To access NBA TV, you’ll need to upgrade to the slightly more expensive Choice tier. Keep in mind that DirecTV Stream adds an additional $15 fee on top of the package price. It also provides a wide selection of regional sports networks.
FuboTV
FuboTV includes both ESPN and NBA TV in its standard “Pro” package, as well as select ABC channels in certain markets. However, it does not offer TNT in its channel lineup. FuboTV also provides access to various entertainment, sports, and news channels, along with features like cloud DVR recording.
Hulu with Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers a comprehensive lineup of 85+ channels, including ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, and TNT. However, it does not include NBA TV. The subscription also provides unlimited access to Hulu’s streaming library, which includes films, TV series, and originals. Additionally, Hulu + Live TV offers access to ESPN+ and Disney+.
Sling TV
Sling TV is a cost-effective option for those primarily interested in nationally-aired NBA games. The Sling Orange plan includes ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3 (which simulcasts select NBA on ABC coverage), and TNT at a lower price compared to other services. Sling TV also offers ABC in select markets with its Blue plan. However, to access all the channels, you would need to opt for the Orange and Blue combo. NBA TV is available as part of the Sports Extra add-on.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV provides ABC, ESPN/ESPN2, TNT, and all NBC Sports regional sports networks in its 100+ channel lineup. It also includes NBA TV in its base plan. YouTube TV offers unlimited cloud DVR storage and allows three simultaneous streams with up to six family profiles on the account.
These options provide a range of channels and features, allowing NBA fans to enjoy the games on their Samsung TVs. Some services may offer free trials or discounts for new subscribers, providing an opportunity to explore their offerings.
NBA League Pass on Samsung Smart TV: An Ultimate Guide for Basketball Fans
For die-hard basketball enthusiasts who want to catch all the action of the NBA regular season, the NBA League Pass is a fantastic option. With the ability to watch every live game that isn’t nationally broadcasted on ABC, ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV, this subscription is worth considering.Guide on how to access the NBA League Pass on Samsung Smart TV, including alternative options and international viewing opportunities.
NBA League Pass Subscription
The NBA League Pass offers up to 40 out-of-market NBA games with home and away commentary, along with access to NBA TV studio shows. Additionally, all nationally-aired games are available for streaming three hours after their completion. The subscription also includes a selection of legendary NBA “classic” matches for fans to relive.
Accessing NBA League Pass on Samsung Smart TV
To access the NBA app and subscribe to NBA League Pass on your Samsung Smart TV, you need to add it to your existing DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV plan. These services offer the League Pass as an optional premium network add-on, providing seamless integration for Samsung Smart TV users.
Local Team Broadcasts and Blackouts
It’s important to note that NBA League Pass does not provide access to local team broadcasts. To watch your local team’s games, you will need to tune into your regional sports network, such as NBC Sports Chicago for Bulls games. Local in-market games may be subject to blackouts, but the subscription allows for on-demand streaming three days after the live broadcast.
Watching NBA on Samsung TV for Free
An affordable option for watching NBA games on Samsung TV is to purchase a digital HDTV antenna, which allows you to tune into your local ABC affiliate station and watch NBA games aired on ABC. This method provides high-definition quality viewing. Additionally, you can utilize free trial streaming TV services like FuboTV and YouTube TV, which offer temporary access to NBA games. Remember to cancel your plan before the trial expires to avoid charges.
International Viewing Options
Basketball fans outside the United States can also enjoy NBA games on their Samsung Smart TVs. In Canada, Sportsnet and TSN share NBA broadcasting rights. By downloading the Sportsnet Now app or logging into the TSN app, Canadian viewers can access the respective network’s NBA coverage. UK viewers can register for the NOW Sports Membership and watch NBA matches on the Sky Sports NBA channel via the NOW app. Australian fans can use the Foxtel Play or Foxtel app to watch ESPN’s coverage, while non-Foxtel customers can register for Kayo Sports. In India, a Voot Select subscription provides access to select NBA regular season and playoff matches, while JioCinema offers match highlights and recaps for free.
Conclusion
With the NBA League Pass and various alternative methods, watching NBA games on your Samsung Smart TV has never been easier. Whether you’re in the United States or abroad, this guide has provided you with all the options to enjoy the excitement of the NBA season. Remember to explore our other TV/streaming guides for more valuable information. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below.
