How to Watch the 2026 NBA Finals
(Image credit: Joe Murphy / Contributor)
The 2026 NBA Finals are set, with the New York Knicks facing the San Antonio Spurs in a matchup featuring two of the NBA’s biggest storylines. The Spurs are led by 7-foot-3 superstar Victor Wembanyama, who is looking to bring another championship to San Antonio, while the Knicks and guard Jalen Brunson are chasing New York City’s first NBA title in 53 years.
The best-of-seven championship series begins Wednesday, June 3, and every game will air exclusively on ABC. Cord-cutters have several ways to watch. Most major live TV streaming services carry ABC, making it easy to follow the action without a traditional cable subscription.
Here’s everything you need to know about watching the 2026 NBA Finals.
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2026 NBA Finals schedule
The Knicks and Spurs will play a best-of-seven series, with the NBA championship going to the first team to win four games. While seven games are scheduled, the series could end sooner if one team reaches four victories before Game 7.
|
Game |
Date |
Time (ET) |
Channel |
|
Game 1 |
Wednesday, June 3 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
|
Game 2 |
Friday, June 5 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
|
Game 3 |
Monday, June 8 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
|
Game 4 |
Wednesday, June 10 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
|
Game 5* |
Saturday, June 13 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
|
Game 6* |
Tuesday, June 16 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
|
Game 7* |
Friday, June 19 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
*If necessary.
Watch the NBA Finals on ABC
The simplest way to watch the NBA Finals is through your local ABC station. If you have a traditional cable, satellite or streaming TV package that includes ABC, you’ll be able to watch every game live.
Many viewers can also watch ABC for free with an over-the-air antenna, depending on their location and signal strength.
Best streaming services for the NBA Finals
(Image credit: Joe Murphy / Contributor)
YouTube TV – Sports Plan $54.99 per month
YouTube TV includes ABC, ESPN and more than 100 live channels. The service also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, making it easy to record games and watch later.
Hulu + Live TV – $89.99 per month
Hulu + Live TV combines live sports coverage with access to Hulu’s on-demand library, Disney+ and ESPN+ in a single subscription.
Fubo – Sports + News $55.99 per month
Fubo carries ABC in most markets and is known for its sports-focused channel lineup. New subscribers may qualify for a free trial.
Sling TV – $45.99 per month
Sling TV is one of the more flexible streaming options for NBA fans. In addition to its standard monthly subscription, viewers can choose prepaid access for one day, three days, seven days or three months. Sling Orange includes ESPN and provides access to NBA Finals coverage.
DirecTV – $64.99 per month
DirecTV offers access to ABC and ESPN along with a broad lineup of sports, entertainment and news channels.
Can you watch the NBA Finals on the ESPN App?
Yes. Fans can stream the ABC broadcast through the ESPN App by signing in with participating TV provider credentials.
The ESPN App may also offer additional viewing experiences, including alternate camera angles, enhanced statistics and companion broadcasts during the series.
How to watch the NBA Finals while traveling
If you’re traveling during the NBA Finals, you may still be able to stream coverage through your existing subscriptions. However, some streaming services may limit access based on your location, meaning your usual coverage could look different while you’re away from home.
In those situations, some viewers use a virtual private network (VPN) to access their streaming accounts while traveling. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, which may help you securely sign in to your streaming services while on the go.
New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:
- Choose a VPN service, such as NordVPN, and follow the setup instructions
- Select a server location that matches your home country
- Open your streaming app and log in as usual
Don’t miss the NBA’s biggest stage
With every game airing on ABC and multiple streaming options available, fans have more ways than ever to watch the Knicks and Spurs battle for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Whether you watch through cable, an antenna or a live TV streaming service, you’ll be able to catch every moment of the 2026 NBA Finals.
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