Learn how to watch the NBA directly on your cell phone 🏀
For sports fans, especially basketball fans, there's nothing more frustrating than missing an NBA or WNBA game because you're away from the TV.
Nowadays, with mobile technology, you can follow live matches, stats, highlights, and everything happening in the league directly from your phone—whether Android or iOS.
We've put together the best methods and apps to help you never miss a single action from your favorite team.
1. Official NBA Platforms
- NBA App
The official NBA app is indispensable. It features live games (via League Pass), clips, stats, real-time scores, a schedule, and personalized alerts.- Available for Android and iOS.
- Ideal for those who want everything centralized in one place, with high-quality videos and replay options.
- League Pass
Within the NBA App, League Pass functions as a VIP streaming service.- It allows you to watch all games live or on demand, with different plans: full season, themed packages (such as specific teams) and pay-per-view.
- HD broadcasts ensure a complete experience, almost like being in the gym.
2. Multimedia streaming services
- YouTube TV
One of the most popular streaming TV services in the US, YouTube TV includes channels like ESPN, TNT, and ABC, which broadcast the NBA.- Supports multiple screens and cloud DVR.
- Great integration with other devices such as Smart TVs.
- Hulu + Live TV
Combines live streaming with a vast on-demand library.- Offers leading sports channels to cover the NBA.
- Includes recording options and custom profiles.
- Sling TV
More economical, with separate sports packages in Blue (includes TNT) and Orange.- You need to combine packages and add-ons to have ESPN and TNT.
- Cheaper than some competitors, especially if you don't watch many channels.
- DirecTV GO
IPTV service available for Android and iOS, with over 70 channels in the basic package — including ESPN.- It gives you access to live channels, the option to record and mirror to TVs.
- Plans with premium channels like HBO Max; the basic one costs around US$$ 59.90/month.
3. TV and IPTV apps
- fuboTV
Very sports focused, including formulas for NBA (ESPN, FS1, etc.).- Streaming on up to 3 live screens and DVR.
- Ideal for those who want a complete sports experience.
- YouTube (Official NBA Channels)
Even without a subscription, NBA, ESPN and TNT channels post highlights, interviews, mini-documentaries.- Great for news, historical moments, and analysis, free of charge.
- Reddit & Discord (unofficial, but useful)
Communities like /r/NBA subreddits can provide legitimate links to watch, alternative streams, and live analysis.- Useful for finding live streams and real-time commentary.
- They are not official, so quality and legality may vary.
4. Settings and technical tips
- Streaming with VPN
If you're outside the US or in regions where gaming is restricted, using a VPN can help you bypass geoblocks on League Pass or sports apps.- Remember to choose a fast and reliable VPN to avoid lags.
- Data economy
Enable data saving modes in apps to avoid high mobile network consumption.- It is preferable to watch with Wi-Fi whenever possible.
- Video quality
Many apps automatically adjust the resolution to suit your connection.- For 720p or 1080p, ensure a connection above 5 Mbps.
- Game notifications
Set up alerts in the NBA App to notify you when “your” team is playing or if a game is nearing its end, ensuring you don’t miss important plays.
Practical comparison of applications
| App / Service | Types of Games | Plans / Price | Main features |
|---|---|---|---|
| NBA App + League Pass | All live games | Various plans (season, teams, PPV) | Live videos, stats, replays, notifications |
| YouTube TV | Games via TNT/ESPN | ~ US$ 72/month + extras | Multiple screens, DVR, channel competition |
| Hulu + Live TV | ESPN, TNT, ABC | ~ US$ 77/month | Combines live TV and on-demand content |
| Sling TV | ESPN, TNT (with combo) | Package starting from ~ US$$ 40/month | Economical, flexible with add-ons |
| DirecTV GO | ESPN + 70+ channels | Basic US$ 59.90/month | IPTV, recording, mirroring to Smart TVs |
| fuboTV | ESPN, FS1, TNT | ~ US$ 75/month | Sports focus, 3 simultaneous screens, DVR |
| Official Apps (NBA, ESPN) | Clips and highlights | Free | Highlights and video interviews |
6. Best option for your profile
- Complete and in-depth monitoring (watch live, replay, stats): go from NBA App + League Pass.
- Broadcasting games on traditional channels via the internet: YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling (savings), DirecTV GO, or fuboTV are all great options.
- Highlights and curiosities: Free NBA, ESPN or TNT apps in Brazil.
Watch Live
Watching the NBA on your cell phone is simple, convenient, and even economical compared to traditional TV packages.
You can choose the solution that fits your routine—whether it's directly through the official app with League Pass, through streaming TV services, or simply staying informed with recaps and highlights from official channels.
The final tip: choose the service that offers the channels you like most and control your data consumption. With all these features available, the NBA will always be with you—on the subway, at the beach, or even in the shower (as long as you have a signal... no exaggeration 😂).