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ESPN airs NBA games every Wednesday during the regular season. The Worldwide leader, along with ABC, will broadcast a large portion of NBA Playoffs and all of the NBA Finals games this season. With the recent YouTube TV dispute with Disney, here’s how you can stream the NBA on ESPN and ABC for free.
Best NBA streaming options for ESPN, ABC during YouTube TV blackout
There’s no timetable on when YouTube TV’s dispute with Disney will be settled, and no guarantee that it ever will be. There are two streaming services that stand above the rest for the best NBA viewing experience. DIRECTV (free trial) and Fubo (free trial) offer the best packages for those wanting to watch the NBA on ESPN and ABC, along with other nationally televised NBA games.
Both services offer ESPN, ABC and NBC, which is another major broadcasting partner of the NBA. They both have NBA TV, which also airs multiple NBA games every week and will air NBA Playoff games. With DIRECTV and Fubo, you’ll get every nationally televised NBA game that isn’t exclusively on a separate streaming service (Amazon Prime, Peacock).
Switching from YouTube TV to either streaming service can be an adjustment. That’s why the free trial helps you experience them for a few days before deciding which one you like best.
The New York Knicks host the Minnesota Timberwolves at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday, followed by a Luka Doncic vs. Victory Wembanyama, Lakers-Spurs matchup starting at 10 p.m. ET.
Streaming serviceFree trial?PromoPriceDIRECTVYes$35 off first month$84.99fuboTVYes$30 off first month$84.99What is the latest update on YouTube TV-Disney Feud?
Unfortunately for YouTube TV subscribers, there haven’t been many updates since the initial late-night statements on Thursday, Oct. 30. Both YouTube TV and ESPN blamed the other for the deal not coming together.
In the frequently-asked questions section of YouTube TV’s Google page, they answered when an agreement with Disney should be expected.
“We know how disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy, which is why it’s our goal to bring Disney content back to YouTube TV,” YouTube TV’s page says. “We’ll continue to negotiate with Disney in the hopes of achieving resolution, but we can’t speculate at this point about when that may happen or if their content will be restored on the platform.”
YouTube TV has offered a $20 credit to subscribers if the dispute lasts “for an extended period of time,” without actually saying how long that would have to be.
ESPN continues urging its YouTube TV customers to go to keepmynetworks.com. The link leads you to a page where you can contact YouTube TV, post about YouTube TV on social media, find alternative watching options, look at different shows and channels you’re missing out on during the dispute, along with statements ESPN thinks you should know.