Cheapest Way to Watch NBA Games in 2025

The NBA is one of the most prominent sports leagues in the world, as it has become more mainstream than ever. Its influence in pop culture, history, and the hearts of people is something that won’t be diminished, and we understand that.

So, we’ve put together the cheapest and most reliable alternatives that actually work, are legal, and won’t put your data or devices at risk. Whether you’re following the Lakers, Celtics, Warriors, or any other team, these platforms have you covered.

Why do I need an alternative to free NBA streams?

For starters, most of those free sites aren’t legal. They don’t have the broadcasting rights to stream NBA games, which raises safety issues and falls under unauthorized streaming.

While StreamEast and similar sites attract a huge user base by offering free NBA coverage, they lack proper licensing, and mostly your digital safety is an issue.

What Is NBA League Pass and How to Get It Cheap

NBA League Pass is the official streaming service by the NBA. It gives you access to every game live or on-demand, including replays, highlights, and studio analysis. It’s the best option for fans who want full coverage without relying on third-party platforms.

The pricing for League Pass depends on your region. If you’re in the US, it might cost more, but by using a VPN to change your location to a country like India, Philippines, or Indonesia, you can get the full League Pass for a fraction of the price. Some regions offer the same content for under $4 a month.

To do this, connect to a cheaper region using SaviourVPN, then head to the NBA League Pass website and sign up from that location. It’s legal, easy, and doesn’t require a local credit card if you use PayPal or virtual payment methods.

Best Countries to Get NBA League Pass for Less

Different regions offer wildly different prices for the same NBA League Pass content. If you’re smart about it, you can save a lot of money just by changing your virtual location. Here’s a quick list of countries where League Pass is most affordable:

• India: One of the cheapest options, often under $4 per month
  
• Philippines: Another low-cost region with full access
  
• Indonesia: Affordable monthly and annual pricing
  
• South Africa: Decent quality streams at a much lower cost than the US
  
• Argentina: Occasionally offers promos that are too good to pass up
  

The only thing to watch out for is blackout restrictions in the US and Canada, which don’t exist in most international versions. So using a VPN to switch to one of these countries gets you the content without the limits.

Monthly Trials and Deals to Consider

Many platforms offer free trials or limited-time deals for new users. Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV both provide trial periods, usually 5 to 7 days. This can be a solid way to catch a few games for free if you time it right, especially during big matchups or playoffs.

Occasionally, ESPN+ or DAZN offers seasonal discounts or bundle deals. If you’re not after a full season and just want to catch a few big games or highlights, these are perfect. Keep an eye on promo windows around preseason, All-Star Weekend, and the NBA Finals for the best deals.

How to Share a Subscription and Split Costs

If you’re trying to save even more, consider sharing a subscription with friends or family. Most streaming platforms allow multiple screens or simultaneous streams. That means you can split the cost of YouTube TV, Hulu, or even NBA League Pass among a few people.

Services like NBA League Pass allow at least two simultaneous streams, and YouTube TV lets you set up six profiles under one account. This way, you all get access without having to pay full price individually.

Just make sure everyone is on the same page with usage times during live games to avoid conflicts, especially for playoff matchups or rivalry nights.

6 Cheapest Legal Ways to Watch NBA Games in 2025

Watching NBA is more accessible than you think as it’s widespread popularity comes with ease of access. Below are the broadcasters for NBA lovers.

1. ESPN+

ESPN+ is a home ground for basketball and you basically have home ground advantage. With great servers, awesome streams and amazing avability, you’re gonna feel like home.

2. Hulu + Live TV

Hulu is a full package. You get access to channels like ESPN, ABC, and TNT. It’s also one of the better options for you with no thinking back.

3. DAZN

While DAZN isn’t primarily focused on NBA content, in some international markets, it offers access to NBA highlights and condensed games. It’s geo-restricted in many areas, so using a VPN can help unlock more coverage affordably.

4. Peacock

Peacock by NBC isn’t a core NBA platform, but it’s increasingly including basketball content like Olympic team coverage or behind-the-scenes features. It’s very affordable and works well as a supplement if you’re not after every game.

5. YouTube TV

YouTube TV gives you all the NBA essentials: ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. It’s one of the best legal ways to stream all nationally televised NBA games. The cloud DVR feature is a huge bonus, and the stream quality is unmatched.

How to watch NBA games safely online?

Use a VPN

Using a VPN like SaviourVPN keeps your location private and allows you to bypass regional blocks, especially helpful for accessing cheaper NBA League Pass pricing from other countries.

Keep Antivirus Software Installed

Even if you’ve moved away from sketchy sites, it’s smart to have antivirus software running just in case. Don’t skip on updates either, that’s how you stay ahead of malware.

Use VPNs to Avoid Blackout Restrictions

Blackout restrictions are one of the most frustrating parts of watching sports legally. Even if you have NBA League Pass, certain games might be unavailable in your region because they are being broadcast locally.

This is where a VPN really comes in handy. By connecting to a different region where that game isn’t blacked out, you regain access instantly. For example, if a Lakers game is blacked out in California, just switch your VPN location to a different country and you’re good to go.

Make sure to clear your cookies and refresh the page after switching locations to make sure the new region registers correctly.