The official NBA App was designed by the NBA in conjunction with Microsoft and can be accessed on almost any device. For phones, tablets, Smart TVs, media sticks and computers running Apple OS or Google the NBA App is available from the relevant App store, just search NBA App. For Windows users it can be accessed through their web browser of choice by clicking here.
Important things to note, the NBA app isn’t free and is subject to local blackouts, which means some games might not be available in your area. Specifically if a national broadcaster or regional network has purchased the rights to show the game. We get into the specifics below.
Is the NBA App Free?
The NBA App itself is free and has some content available, such as game schedules, news feeds and access to some limited NBA media. However in order to watch games, live or retrospectively you will need to have a membership to NBA League Pass.
NBA League pass can be purchased through the app and has several different tiers of access and payment options. The most complete way to get access to all the games is to pay for the entire season up front and take the Premium option. This reduces costs and allows you access to all of the games live and on demand, subject to local black outs. At Basketball Noise we prefer the Premium option because of 1 specific feature. The All Possessions condensed game. This allows you to watch every possession of the game, with all of the stoppages taken out. If you’re trying to watch a lot of games, this is an essential option.
You can sign up to NBA League Pass by following this link.
Are all NBA games on the NBA App?
Yes, all NBA games are available to view live on League Pass. However due to national and local broadcast rights deals, some games may be subject to “Blackouts” in your area. These games should be readily available to watch live on TV and Cable platforms often via a separate subscription. Nationally broadcast games with blackout restrictions are available to view in NBA League Pass archives three hours after they have aired. Locally broadcast games are available three days after they have aired.
How can I get around local blackouts on the NBA App?
NBA League Pass Blackout Restrictions are regionally based. A VPN can simply and quickly alter your device’s digital location, avoiding any Blackout Restrictions. With a VPN Like NordVPN can help you easily view the game you have paid to watch via NBALeague Pass, no matter where you are physically located in the world.
Blacked out games should be readily available to watch live on TV and Cable platforms often via a separate subscription. Nationally broadcast games with blackout restrictions are available to view in NBA League Pass archives three hours after they have aired. Locally broadcast games are available three days after they have aired.
Is there a way to use the NBA App for free?
The NBA App is available for free, although without NBA League Pass there is no full game content available to watch.
Can I share my NBA League Pass with a friend?
If you upgrade to League Pass Premium you unlock the ability to watch the action on multiple devices at the same time. This would allow anyone, anywhere who has your user name and password to log in and watch live or on demand NBA games.
This allows you to stream on 3 devices at the same time, so in theory you could split the cost with 3 friends and all enjoy as much NBA action as you like. Although this is almost certainly against the terms and conditions of League Pass.