How to Watch the NBA Finals Livestream (2024)

The finals are on ABC, but there's more than one way to stream

By
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Jeremy Laukkonen
Writer
  • Shoreline Community College
Jeremy Laukkonen is automotive and tech writer for numerous major trade publications. When not researching and testing computers, game consoles or smartphones, he stays up-to-date on the myriad complex systems that power battery electric vehicles .
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Updated on January 25, 2024
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Christine Baker
Reviewed by Christine Baker
    Christine Baker is a marketing consultant with experience working for a variety of clients. Her expertise includes social media, web development, and graphic design.
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    Event Details

    The NBA Finals start on June 6, 2024. Visit the NBA website for the full schedule.

    If you're a cord-cutter, we provide all the information you need to stream the NBA finals on your computer, phone, set-top box, or game console. All you need is a high-speed internet connection, access to the right streaming service, and you'll be ready for the tip-off.

    How to Watch the NBA Finals

    The NBA playoffs are broadcast on a combination of TNT, ESPN, NBA TV, and ABC, but the finals can be watched in their entirety on ABC. If you live in an area that has a local ABC affiliate, the best way to watch the NBA finals is to catch the free over the air broadcast with a digital TV antenna.

    If you can't watch ABC with an antenna where you are or prefer to stream the NBA finals, use ABC Go or a streaming service like Hulu with Live TV or YouTube TV.

    The ABC Go option is only available if you have a cable subscription. Streaming services only include ABC if they have an agreement with the local ABC affiliate in your area.

    How to Stream the NBA Finals on ABC Go If You Have Cable

    ABC offers a livestream of your local ABC affiliate on the ABC Go website. When you watch this stream, it's essentially the same as tuning in to the local ABC channel on your television. Since the NBA finals are broadcast on ABC, you can use this site, or the ABC Go app, to stream the games.

    If you have a cable or satellite subscription, this is the best way to stream the NBA finals. However, this option isn't available if you're a cord-cutter, and it isn't available if there's no participating ABC affiliate in your local area.

    Here's how to watch the NBA finals on ABC Go:

    1. Navigate to ABC.com/watch-live on game day.

    2. Select Live.

      ABC.com

    3. If prompted, select your cable provider and enter your cable account information.

      ABC.com.

    4. When the game starts, it will be available on ABC.com/watch-live.

    How to Stream the NBA Finals Without a Cable Subscription

    If you don't have a cable or satellite subscription, you can't stream the NBA finals through ABC Go. In that case, your best option is to sign up for a free trial with a television streaming service. These services are a replacement for cable and include many of the same channels that cable subscriptions commonly provide.

    In addition to basic cable channels, most streaming services include major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox. However, the availability of these networks is based on whether a streaming service has obtained the necessary streaming rights.

    If you live in a major metropolitan area, there's a good chance at least one streaming service offers ABC where you live. If you live in a rural area, especially if there's no local ABC affiliate, there's a chance that none of the streaming services offer ABC in your area.

    To help you find the best place to stream the NBA finals, we listed the major streaming sites that include ABC, along with a note about their coverage. To find one that works for you, visit their site, enter your ZIP code, and check to see if ABC is available in your geographic area.

    These services offer some type of free trial, so you can get started streaming the NBA playoffs without paying anything in advance.

    Here are your options, including the relevant channels each offer:

    • Hulu with Live TV: This service offers the widest coverage, with the rights to livestream ABC in over 100 markets.
    • YouTube TV: The next best coverage is YouTube TV, which has ABC in over 90 markets. If Hulu doesn't have you covered, check YouTube's live television streaming service.
    • DirecTV Stream: ABC is available on this platform in over 80 markets, so this is the next one you should check.
    • Sling TV: The availability of ABC is limited to a few markets, and it's only available as an add-on. Even though you have to pay for the add-on, it's a good deal if you live in a market where ABC is available on the service.

    Each of these services includes ABC, but not in all areas. The availability of live ABC streams from each of these services is based on the ZIP code. To choose the right service, visit each one, enter your ZIP code, and see if it offers live video from ABC or only on-demand content.

    Livestream the NBA Finals on Your Phone, Tablet, or Streaming Device

    If you want to watch the NBA playoffs on your mobile device, set-top box, or game console, here are the apps you'll need:

    We included links to the Hulu and YouTube TV app because these offer ABC streaming in most markets. The other streaming services have their own mobile apps, so if you end up going with one of them, you still have the option to stream on your phone.

    FAQ
    • How can I watch March Madness online?

      You can watch some March Madness games online via your local CBS station. If you want to stream everything, then you'll need access to CBS and three Turner cable stations (TBS, TNT, and truTV).

    • How can I stream regular season NBA games?

      There are many choices to watch NBA livestream. Most popular streaming services offer channels with access to some regular season games. For instance, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and DirectTV Stream all offer access to ESPN, TNT, and ABC. Plus, you can pick up NBA TV on fuboTV, as well as YouTube TV.

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