How to Watch Local NBA Games on YouTube TV: A Complete Guide
So, you’re a hoops fanatic eager to catch every dribble, dunk, and defensive stop of your local NBA team, but you’re also a cord-cutter riding the YouTube TV wave. The question buzzing in your mind is: “How can I watch those crucial local NBA games on YouTube TV?” The answer, in short, is that it depends on your location and which channels carry your local team’s games. YouTube TV provides access to nationally televised NBA games through channels like ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV. However, to catch local broadcasts, you’ll primarily rely on having access to your Regional Sports Network (RSN) through YouTube TV. Let’s break down exactly how to navigate this court and ensure you don’t miss a single game.
Understanding NBA Broadcasting Rights and YouTube TV
The first step is understanding the convoluted world of NBA broadcasting rights. National games are straightforward: ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV have exclusive rights to certain games, and YouTube TV carries all of these. Local games, however, are a different beast. These games are typically broadcast on Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) specific to your geographic area. Think Bally Sports, NBC Sports Regional Networks, and AT&T SportsNet.
YouTube TV’s relationship with RSNs has been, shall we say, complicated. While they used to carry many of them, disputes over carriage fees have led to YouTube TV dropping several RSNs in recent years. This means whether you can watch your local team directly through YouTube TV hinges on whether they currently have an agreement to carry your team’s RSN.
Checking Your Local Channel Lineup
The easiest way to determine if you can watch local NBA games on YouTube TV is to check your local channel lineup directly on the YouTube TV website. Here’s how:
- Go to the YouTube TV website.
- Enter your zip code. This is crucial! YouTube TV’s channel lineup varies by location due to the RSNs available in your area.
- Review the channels listed. Look specifically for the RSN that broadcasts your local NBA team’s games. If it’s there, you’re in luck!
If your local RSN is listed, you can watch the games broadcast on that channel directly through YouTube TV. If not, you’ll need to explore alternative options, which we’ll discuss shortly.
Utilizing NBA League Pass: An Alternative
Even if YouTube TV doesn’t carry your local RSN, NBA League Pass can be a valuable tool. NBA League Pass allows you to stream out-of-market games. However, keep in mind the key word: out-of-market. Due to blackout restrictions, you typically cannot watch your local team’s games live on NBA League Pass if you are within their designated market.
That said, NBA League Pass can be used to watch replays of your local team’s games after they have aired live. This is a good option if you don’t mind watching the game later in the evening or the next day. Furthermore, NBA League Pass comes in handy when you’re traveling outside your local market, letting you watch your team play even when you’re not at home.
Navigating Blackout Restrictions
Blackout restrictions are the bane of many NBA fans’ existence. These restrictions prevent you from watching a game live through NBA League Pass (or other streaming services) if you are within a certain geographic radius of the team’s home arena. The purpose of blackouts is to encourage fans to attend games in person or watch them through the local broadcast partner (the RSN).
Unfortunately, there’s no legal way to circumvent blackout restrictions without subscribing to the service that holds the local broadcast rights. Using a VPN to change your location might seem like a solution, but it violates the terms of service for both YouTube TV and NBA League Pass and could result in your account being suspended.
Exploring Other Streaming Services
If YouTube TV doesn’t carry your local RSN, and NBA League Pass is subject to blackout restrictions, don’t despair! Other streaming services may offer a solution. Here are a few options to consider:
DirecTV Stream: This is one of the few remaining streaming services that still carries a wide range of RSNs. It’s generally more expensive than YouTube TV, but if watching your local NBA team is a priority, the price might be worth it.
FuboTV: FuboTV also carries a selection of RSNs in certain markets. Check their channel lineup carefully to see if they offer the RSN you need.
Cable or Satellite Providers: While you’re trying to cut the cord, sometimes going back to traditional cable or satellite is the only way to guarantee access to your local RSN. This is the least desirable option for many, but it’s worth considering if you truly can’t live without watching your local team live.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can I find out which RSN broadcasts my local NBA team’s games?
Do a quick search on Google for “[your NBA team name] TV schedule.” This will usually lead you to the team’s official website, which will list the broadcast schedule and the corresponding RSN. You can also check NBA.com’s schedule.
2. Does YouTube TV offer add-on packages that include RSNs?
Currently, YouTube TV does not offer add-on packages to include specific RSNs that are not already part of their base package in your area. What you see listed when you enter your zip code is what you get.
3. What happens if YouTube TV and my RSN have a carriage dispute?
Carriage disputes are unfortunately common. If YouTube TV and your RSN can’t agree on terms, the RSN could be removed from YouTube TV’s lineup. This means you would temporarily lose access to your local NBA games until an agreement is reached or you switch to another provider.
4. Can I use a VPN to bypass blackout restrictions on NBA League Pass or YouTube TV?
While technically possible, using a VPN to bypass blackout restrictions violates the terms of service for both YouTube TV and NBA League Pass. Your account could be suspended or terminated if you are caught.
5. Is NBA TV included with YouTube TV?
Yes, NBA TV is included in the base YouTube TV package. This allows you to watch nationally televised games and other NBA-related content.
6. Does the YouTube TV Sports Plus add-on include any additional RSNs?
No, the Sports Plus add-on primarily focuses on sports networks like NFL RedZone, beIN SPORTS, and Stadium. It doesn’t add any additional RSNs beyond what’s already included in your base YouTube TV package.
7. Can I record NBA games on YouTube TV?
Yes! One of the great features of YouTube TV is its unlimited DVR storage. You can record any NBA game that airs on a channel included in your subscription.
8. How long are recorded games saved on YouTube TV?
Recordings are typically saved for nine months on YouTube TV.
9. Can I share my YouTube TV account with family members who live in a different location?
YouTube TV allows you to share your account with up to five other household members. However, all users must reside in the same household (i.e., the same billing address). Location restrictions may apply to live games.
10. Are there any free trials available for streaming services that carry RSNs?
Some streaming services, like DirecTV Stream and FuboTV, occasionally offer free trials. Check their websites for current promotions.
11. If I travel outside my local market, can I watch my local NBA team on YouTube TV?
Yes, when you travel, you can usually watch your local channels on YouTube TV as long as you are within the United States. However, blackout restrictions still apply to NBA League Pass, even when traveling. If the local market you are visiting is broadcasting the game on an RSN that you don’t get at home, you’ll be able to see it.
12. What are the best devices for watching YouTube TV?
YouTube TV is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Chromecast, and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
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