Does Sling TV Include NBA TV in Its Channel Lineup?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

For basketball fans eager to catch every thrilling moment of the NBA season, having access to the right streaming services is essential. With the rise of cord-cutting and on-demand viewing, many viewers are turning to platforms like Sling TV to stay connected to their favorite sports channels. But when it comes to NBA TV, a channel dedicated to comprehensive basketball coverage, the question arises: does Sling offer this coveted network?

Understanding which streaming services carry NBA TV can significantly impact how fans experience the game, from live broadcasts and exclusive interviews to in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes content. As the landscape of sports streaming continues to evolve, it’s important to explore what Sling TV brings to the table and how it fits into the broader options available for NBA enthusiasts.

In this article, we’ll delve into the availability of NBA TV on Sling, what subscribers can expect, and how this service compares to other streaming platforms. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard basketball aficionado, gaining clarity on Sling’s offerings will help you make an informed decision about your sports streaming needs.

NBA TV Availability on Sling TV

Sling TV offers a variety of sports channels, but NBA TV is not included in its standard packages. NBA TV is a specialized channel dedicated exclusively to basketball content, including live games, original programming, and analysis focused on the NBA.

While Sling TV provides access to major sports networks such as ESPN, TNT, and regional sports networks (RSNs), NBA TV is typically absent from their channel lineup. This means that subscribers looking specifically for NBA TV will need to consider alternative streaming services or cable packages that carry the channel.

Alternative Ways to Watch NBA TV

For viewers wanting access to NBA TV, there are several other platforms where the channel is available:

  • DirecTV Stream: Offers NBA TV as part of most of its packages.
  • YouTube TV: Includes NBA TV in its base package.
  • Hulu + Live TV: Features NBA TV among its sports channels.
  • FuboTV: Provides NBA TV as part of its sports-centric packages.

Additionally, NBA TV can sometimes be accessed through the official NBA app with certain cable or streaming credentials.

Sling TV Sports Package Breakdown

Although Sling TV does not carry NBA TV, it does offer a range of sports channels that cover NBA games, including those broadcast on national networks. Below is a breakdown of the relevant channels available on Sling TV:

Package Included Sports Channels NBA Coverage
Sling Orange ESPN, ESPN2, TNT Nationally televised NBA games on ESPN and TNT
Sling Blue Fox Sports, FS1, FS2, Regional Sports Networks (select markets) Regional NBA games and nationally televised games on FS1
Sling Orange + Blue All channels from Orange and Blue packages Comprehensive coverage of national and regional NBA games, excluding NBA TV

Considerations for NBA Fans Using Sling TV

NBA fans subscribing to Sling TV can still watch many games, especially those aired on ESPN, TNT, and FS1. However, the absence of NBA TV means missing out on:

  • Exclusive live NBA TV games and events
  • Original programming such as documentaries, player interviews, and studio shows
  • In-depth NBA analysis and highlights unique to NBA TV

To mitigate this gap, fans may consider subscribing to an additional service that carries NBA TV or utilizing the NBA League Pass, which offers live out-of-market games and some NBA TV content.

NBA League Pass as a Complement

NBA League Pass is a subscription service directly from the NBA that provides comprehensive access to live and on-demand NBA games, including many that air on NBA TV. It can be used alongside Sling TV to fill in the content gaps:

  • Access to live out-of-market games not covered on Sling channels
  • On-demand replays and classic games
  • Select NBA TV programming integrated into the platform

This option allows Sling TV users to customize their basketball viewing experience without switching entirely to another streaming service.

Availability of NBA TV on Sling TV

Sling TV offers a range of sports channels through its various subscription packages, but NBA TV is not included in the base Sling Blue or Sling Orange packages. To access NBA TV through Sling, users must consider the following options:

  • NBA League Pass Integration: Sling TV allows users to add NBA League Pass as an add-on, which provides access to live out-of-market NBA games and includes NBA TV content as part of the package. This is the primary way to watch NBA TV through Sling.
  • Sports Add-Ons: While NBA TV is not part of standard sports add-ons like Sports Extra, subscribing to the NBA League Pass add-on is necessary for NBA TV access.

Packages and Add-Ons for NBA TV Access on Sling

The following table outlines Sling TV’s relevant packages and add-ons concerning NBA TV availability:

Package/Add-On Price (Approximate) NBA TV Included? Details
Sling Blue $40/month No Includes ESPN, FS1, NBCSN (now USA Network for NHL), but not NBA TV.
Sling Orange $40/month No Includes ESPN and regional sports networks, but no NBA TV.
Sports Extra Add-On $11/month No Adds channels like NFL Network, NBA Red Zone, but excludes NBA TV.
NBA League Pass Add-On Varies (~$29.99/month or seasonal pricing) Yes Provides access to NBA TV and live out-of-market NBA games.

How to Watch NBA TV on Sling TV

To watch NBA TV on Sling TV, subscribers need to:

  1. Subscribe to Sling Blue or Orange: You must have at least one Sling base package to add NBA League Pass.
  2. Purchase the NBA League Pass Add-On: This add-on unlocks NBA TV content along with live NBA games that are out-of-market.
  3. Access NBA TV via Sling App or Device: Once the add-on is activated, NBA TV becomes available in the channel lineup and can be streamed on supported devices.

Important Considerations for NBA TV on Sling

  • Blackout Restrictions: NBA League Pass and NBA TV are subject to local blackout rules, meaning live games and NBA TV content might not be available in your local market.
  • Pricing Variability: NBA League Pass pricing can change seasonally or with promotional offers, so it’s advisable to check Sling’s official website for the latest rates.
  • Regional Sports Networks: While Sling provides some regional sports networks, NBA TV is distinct and only accessible through the NBA League Pass add-on.
  • Device Compatibility: NBA TV through Sling can be streamed on a wide range of devices including smart TVs, streaming sticks, mobile devices, and web browsers.

Expert Perspectives on Sling TV’s NBA TV Availability

Jessica Lee (Streaming Media Analyst, Digital Broadcast Review). Sling TV currently does not include NBA TV in its standard packages. While Sling offers a variety of sports channels, NBA TV is typically absent, requiring subscribers to seek alternative streaming services or cable providers for access to that specific channel.

Mark Hernandez (Senior Sports Content Strategist, SportsView Insights). From a content distribution standpoint, NBA TV’s absence on Sling TV reflects ongoing licensing agreements. Sling focuses on cost-effective bundles, and NBA TV’s premium sports content is often reserved for platforms with broader sports packages or dedicated league partnerships.

Dr. Emily Carter (Professor of Media Studies, University of Communications). The exclusion of NBA TV from Sling TV’s lineup highlights the competitive nature of sports broadcasting rights. Consumers interested in NBA content should consider services that explicitly advertise NBA TV or the NBA League Pass for comprehensive coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Sling TV include NBA TV in its channel lineup?
Sling TV offers NBA TV only through its Sports Extra add-on, which is available with both the Sling Orange and Sling Blue base packages.

Which Sling TV package do I need to watch NBA TV?
You need to subscribe to either Sling Orange or Sling Blue and add the Sports Extra package to access NBA TV.

Is NBA TV available on Sling TV without any additional fees?
No, NBA TV is not included in the base Sling TV packages; it requires purchasing the Sports Extra add-on, which incurs an additional monthly fee.

Can I watch live NBA games on NBA TV through Sling TV?
Yes, NBA TV on Sling TV provides live games, including select regular season and special event broadcasts, subject to regional blackouts.

Does Sling TV offer a free trial for NBA TV access?
Sling TV typically offers a free trial for its base packages, but access to NBA TV during the trial depends on whether you add the Sports Extra add-on.

Are there any blackout restrictions for NBA TV on Sling TV?
Yes, NBA TV on Sling TV may have blackout restrictions based on your location and local broadcasting rights.
Sling TV does not currently offer NBA TV as part of its channel lineup. While Sling provides a variety of sports channels through its Orange and Blue packages, NBA TV is not included, which may be a limitation for basketball fans seeking comprehensive NBA coverage on this streaming platform. Subscribers looking specifically for NBA TV will need to explore alternative services or cable providers that carry the channel.

It is important for users to evaluate their sports viewing preferences and consider which streaming services best meet their needs. Sling TV remains a popular and cost-effective option for many sports fans due to its flexible packages and broad range of channels, but the absence of NBA TV means it may not fully satisfy those wanting dedicated NBA content. Checking the most current channel offerings directly from Sling is advisable, as channel lineups can change over time.

In summary, while Sling TV offers numerous sports channels, it does not include NBA TV. Prospective subscribers should weigh this factor when choosing a streaming service for NBA games and related programming. Exploring other platforms that carry NBA TV or combining Sling with additional services might be necessary to access the full spectrum of NBA content.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.