The NBA Finals are underway, but that won’t be the end of the excitement for hoop fans. The NBA draft takes place on June 25 and 26 in New York City, and the expected top picks include Cooper Flagg from Duke University, Dylan Harper from Rutgers University and V.J. Edgecombe, from Baylor University. The draft will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC. To watch the draft with little to no buffering, you may need to upgrade your broadband package to ensure you have high-speed internet.
Here’s what you need to know about watching the NBA draft this year.
When is the 2025 NBA draft?
The NBA draft will be at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on June 25 and 26. There are two rounds, and the broadcast begins at 8 PM EST on both nights. On the first night, each team has a time limit of five minutes to make their choice. On the second night, it decreases to four minutes.
Here’s where to watch the NBA draft live each night:
June 25: ABC, ESPN, ESPN appJune 26: ESPN, ESPN appBroadband considerations to watch the NBA draft
You can watch the NBA draft on cable, a streaming service or online. You’ll want a good enough broadband speed to watch the draft live without worrying about the picture lagging at the most nail-biting moments. Here’s what you need to know.
What internet speed do I need to watch the NBA draft?
The internet speed you need will depend on how many devices you are using simultaneously and the picture quality you want. The speeds below are recommended for streaming live TV based on one connected device:
Standard definition (SD): at least 3 MpbsHigh definition (HD): at least 5 Mpbs4K or Ultra HD (UHD): 15 Mpbs or more
Remember, the above figures are only for one connected device. If you have multiple smart TVs or even Ring doorbell cameras, you’ll want to upgrade your plan to faster speeds to avoid lag and poor picture quality. Wireless devices, even when not in use, take up bandwidth.
The type of broadband technology you have will also impact the quality of the picture and connection. Fiber is typically considered one of the best broadband technologies for watching live TV and other high-speed internet activities. This is because it is a dedicated line, which means it isn’t impacted by network congestion in your area.
Where can I stream the NBA draft?
You can stream both nights of the NBA draft on the ESPN app. If you have a subscription to the streaming providers below, you may be able to access the draft that way.
Hulu+ Live TV: Access to ABC and ESPNFuboTV: Access to ABC and ESPNYouTube TV: Access to ABC and ESPNNBA League Pass Premium: Access to live events can vary by locationCan I watch the NBA draft online?
Yes, you can watch the NBA draft online, but you’ll likely need a subscription to a streaming provider. Providers like Hulu+ Live TV, ESPN+ and YouTube TV can be streamed online.
Who are the top picks for the NBA draft?
The following players are projected to be some of the top picks this season, in no particular order:
Cooper Flagg, DukeDylan Harper, RutgersV.J. Edgecombe, BaylorAce Bailey, RutgersTre Johnson, Texas