Watching NBA games in Canada can sometimes be tricky due to regional blackouts and rights restrictions. However, with some knowledge of the options available, Canadian NBA fans can access a wide selection of live games throughout the season. This article will provide an overview of the best ways to stream or watch NBA games in Canada without cable.
NBA Blackout Rules in Canada
The NBA applies blackout rules in Canada to protect the local rights holders, which include TSN, SportsNet, and NBA TV Canada. This means that any nationally broadcast game will be blacked out on NBA League Pass in Canada. Games involving the Toronto Raptors will also be blacked out, even if you are located outside of the Toronto area.
However, there are still many games available on NBA League Pass in Canada each night. You will have access to all out-of-market games not nationally televised in Canada. This includes games broadcast by regional Fox Sports and NBC networks in the U.S.
Ways to Watch NBA Games in Canada
Here are the main ways to watch live NBA games in Canada:
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass will get you access to 1,100+ out-of-market NBA games during the regular season. While nationally televised and Toronto Raptors games will be blacked out, there are still 4-5 live games available to watch every night.
League Pass offers a few different subscription options:
- NBA League Pass – Access to all out-of-market games for $249.99/year.
- NBA Team Pass – Follow a single team for $119.99/year.
- NBA Single Game – Get access to one out-of-market game for $7.99.
You can stream NBA League Pass on a variety of devices like mobile, tablet, streaming boxes, game consoles, and smart TVs.
Cable/Satellite
Watching NBA games on cable TV remains a good option in Canada. Here are the major channels that air live NBA games:
- TSN – TSN broadcasts a large selection of NBA games throughout the season, including weeknight doubleheaders. A TSN cable subscription will get you access to five TSN channels.
- Sportsnet – Sportsnet is the official Canadian broadcaster of the Toronto Raptors. It shows a majority of Raptors games regionally on Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet Ontario, and Sportsnet East. Sportsnet also shows national US broadcasts.
- NBA TV Canada – NBA TV Canada has over 100 live NBA games during the season. It’s included with most cable/satellite bundles that have a sports add-on pack.
While cable offers comprehensive NBA coverage, it can be an expensive option just for basketball. Getting TSN, Sportsnet, and NBA TV will cost $25-$45/month combined on top of a base TV package.
Streaming Services
Streaming is becoming a very popular option to watch the NBA in Canada without cable. Here are some of the major streaming platforms with live basketball:
- DAZN – DAZN has a deal with TSN to live stream their NBA game broadcasts. This makes it a great option to get Raptors games and national games aired on TSN channels without cable. DAZN costs either $24.99/month or $199.99/year.
- fuboTV – fuboTV includes NBA TV Canada in its channel lineup as part of the Sports Plus with NFL RedZone add-on package. This expands fuboTV’s already solid selection of sports content. The package costs $39.99/month.
- Sportsnet NOW – Sportsnet’s streaming service offers live streams of the Sportsnet regional channels. This will get you Raptors games and other national NBA broadcasts on Sportsnet. It costs $34.99/month.
Streaming an NBA streaming service along with NBA League Pass is a great cable-free option for basketball fans. The total cost is less than a cable bundle.
CBC
Canadian broadcaster CBC airs NBA games free over-the-air on CBC and via its app CBC Gem. CBC typically broadcasts 7-10 nationally televised games during the regular season on Saturdays and Sundays. The drawback is that CBC will only air Raptors games.
ABC/ESPN/TNT Apps
Some US sports networks have streaming options available in Canada. Downloading the ABC, ESPN, and TNT apps will allow you to stream live NBA games broadcast on those American channels. You can access the apps on mobile devices, streaming players, smart TVs, and games consoles like Apple TV and Fire TV.
Authentication with a US TV provider login is required. This restriction can be circumvented by using a good quality VPN.
Other Ways to Watch NBA in Canada
Aside from the major broadcast and streaming options covered above, there are a couple other ways Canadian NBA fans can get their basketball fix:
- AT&T TV – AT&T’s streaming TV service offers a Choice package with TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV to stream NBA games without local blackouts.
- Locast – This non-profit streaming service offers free access to over-the-air channels in select Canadian markets like Toronto and Vancouver.
- NBA TV Canada YouTube Channel – NBA TV Canada airs select live game broadcasts each week for free on their YouTube channel.
- Rabbit Ears or HDTV Antenna – Use an antenna to watch NBA games broadcast on ABC, NBC, and FOX affiliates available over-the-air in your region.
Watching NBA Online with a VPN
One option to open up additional NBA streaming options is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN can help circumvent regional blackout restrictions and location blocks.
Here’s how it works:
- Connect to a VPN server located in the US.
- Launch NBA streaming platforms like ESPN, TNT or League Pass.
- You will appear to be accessing the service from within the US.
- Access live NBA games normally blacked out in Canada.
The best VPNs for streaming NBA games include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark due to their combination of speed, reliability, and number of US servers.
When choosing a VPN for basketball, make sure to consider factors like:
- Number of US servers
- Connection speeds
- Access to US streaming apps
- Ability to unblock geo-restrictions
- Multiple device support
A quality streaming VPN opens up many more NBA viewing options for Canadian fans.
How to Watch NBA on Mobile in Canada
One great perk of today’s streaming era is the ability to watch live NBA action directly on your mobile devices. Here are some of the best ways to stream NBA games on mobile and tablet in Canada:
NBA Apps
The official NBA apps available on iOS and Android provide a ton of live game streaming:
- NBA App – Stream out-of-market live games included with an NBA League Pass subscription.
- NBA TV App – Watch NBA TV live in Canada if you have the channel with your TV provider.
- Team Apps – Get access to live regional broadcasts with a cable/streaming subscription.
Network Apps
Media companies like TSN, Sportsnet, ESPN, and TNT all have iOS and Android apps that you can use to watch NBA action:
- TSN App – Stream TSN’s NBA coverage if you have TSN with your TV provider.
- Sportsnet App – Watch Raptors regional broadcasts or national Sportsnet NBA games.
- WatchESPN – Requires login from participating US TV provider.
- WatchTNT – Also needs US TV provider login to access live streams.
A VPN will allow you to use WatchESPN and WatchTNT abroad.
DAZN App
DAZN subscribers can use the DAZN app on iOS and Android to live stream NBA games aired on TSN.
FuboTV App
The fuboTV app enables you to watch NBA TV Canada on the go if you subscribe to fuboTV Canada.
Locast App
Locast provides free streaming of local US broadcast stations in some Canadian markets. Useful to stream ABC/NBC games.
Overall, by using the right combo of network, team, and NBA apps, Canadian basketball fans can enjoy tons of mobile NBA streaming. A VPN can unlock even more mobile accessibility.
How to Watch NBA on Gaming Consoles in Canada
Modern video game consoles have become popular media hubs. All the major devices like PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch allow you to stream live sports in addition to gaming.
Here are some tips for watching NBA games on your console:
PlayStation
- Download the TSN, Sportsnet NOW, DAZN and NBA apps to stream through your PS4 or PS5.
- Use PS Vue (US only) or Sling TV (with VPN) to get ESPN, TNT and NBA TV.
- NHL.TV app provides NBA League Pass streaming.
- Watch ABC, NBC and FOX with Locast or YouTube TV (US).
Xbox
- Get TSN, Sportsnet NOW, and DAZN on Xbox One.
- Stream NBA games on FuboTV using Xbox One or Series X/S.
- Sling TV offers ESPN and TNT (requires VPN).
- NHL.TV, Locast and US streaming services work too.
Nintendo Switch
- Can’t stream directly on Switch but you can stream from phone to Switch via Chromecast.
- Connect HDMI cable from Switch dock to TV to enable TV streaming options.
- Jailbreaking allows you to install streaming apps.
Game consoles open up lots of possibilities for streaming the NBA conveniently on your TV. A good VPN will maximize what you can watch on PS, Xbox or Switch.
How to Watch NBA on Smart TVs in Canada
Modern smart TVs have integrated apps and streaming platforms that make watching the NBA directly on your television easier than ever:
Android TV Streaming
Smart TVs running Android TV like Sony Bravia and Nvidia Shield offer tons of NBA streaming choices:
- Google Play – Download sports and network apps for streaming.
- Sling TV – Provides ESPN/TNT with a VPN.
- Locast – Available in some Canadian regions to watch ABC/NBC/FOX.
Roku TV Streaming
Roku smart TVs also make streaming the NBA in Canada simple:
- The Roku Channel offers some free live NBA games.
- Install network apps like TSN, Sportsnet NOW, ESPN.
- Get DAZN, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Locast.
- Use a VPN router for full access.
Apple TV Streaming
Apple smart TVs provide these NBA streaming options:
- NBA App and network apps like TSN and ESPN using your TV credentials.
- DAZN app with a subscription.
- Sling TV and Locast using a VPN router.
Fire TV Streaming
Fire TV smart TVs and streaming devices enable the following for NBA streaming:
- NBA App, TSN App, Sportsnet NOW.
- Web browser access to network streaming sites.
- Locast app available in some regions.
- Sling TV with ESPN/TNT using VPN.
Overall, smart TV streaming offers Canadian NBA fans one of the most convenient ways to get live basketball on the big screen this season.
Best Streaming Devices for NBA in Canada
In addition to smart TV streaming platforms, dedicated media streaming devices provide another excellent avenue to watch the NBA in Canada without cable.
Here are some top streaming box options:
Streaming Device | NBA Streaming Options |
---|---|
Amazon Fire TV Stick | DAZN, NBA/Network Apps, Web Streaming, Locast |
Roku Streaming Stick+ | DAZN, Sling TV, NBA/Network Apps, Locast |
Apple TV 4K | NBA App, Network Apps, AirPlay Streaming |
Nvidia Shield TV | NBA App, Sling TV, Network Apps, Play Store Apps |
Google Chromecast | Mobile App Streaming, Web Streaming |
Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and Nvidia Shield offer the most options for streaming NBA games in Canada. Chromecast is best for mobile streaming. Connecting your device to a VPN expands streaming capabilities.
Conclusion
Finding live NBA games to stream in Canada can be challenging due to national broadcast restrictions. However, utilizing a combination of NBA League Pass, network apps, streaming services, and a VPN provides ample coverage of live basketball this season.
The best overall options include:
- TSN/Sportsnet Apps + Cable/Satellite for national/Raptors broadcasts
- NBA League Pass for out-of-market games
- DAZN for nationwide TSN streaming
- fuboTV for NBA TV Canada access
- Quality VPN to unlock viewing restrictions
Canadian NBA fans have to be a bit scrappier than US viewers when it comes to streaming basketball. But by fully utilizing the options available through apps, streaming platforms, VPNs and free over-the-air broadcasts, you can create your own streaming solution. With some effort and creativity, it’s possible to watch the NBA without cable this season north of the border.