How to Watch the 2026 NBA Cup on DIRECTV: Schedule, Channels and Streaming
By AmericanTV.com editorial team |
The 2026 Emirates NBA Cup Group Play runs from October 30 through November 27, 2026, with Knockout Rounds Dec. 4–11 and the championship on Friday, December 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Of 60 Group Play games, 15 air nationally across Prime Video, NBC and ESPN. On DIRECTV, catch ESPN games on channel 206 and NBC games on your local NBC station. Prime Video games require a separate eligible Prime Video subscription.
2026 NBA Cup at a glance
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Group Play | Oct. 30 – Nov. 27, 2026 (60 games) |
| National Group Play windows | 15 games on Prime Video, NBC and ESPN |
| Knockouts | Quarterfinals Dec. 4–5; Semifinals Dec. 8 and/or 9 |
| Championship | Fri., Dec. 11, 2026, Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis |
| DIRECTV channels | ESPN 206; local NBC; Prime via Amazon app |
Is the NBA Cup on DIRECTV?
Partly. ESPN Cup games are on DIRECTV channel 206, and NBC Cup games are on your local NBC station. DIRECTV channel/app access requires an eligible package, local carriage and supported device. Prime Video Cup Nights are not a DIRECTV linear channel — open the Prime Video app with an eligible subscription.
Find the right broadcast for each game
Group Play has already begun. Before each remaining game, check its current national or local listing. A game shown by one broadcaster does not establish access to every Cup game through that same subscription. Compare the listed matchup, date and start time with your on-screen guide.
For games on an included DIRECTV channel, confirm your package and local carriage. A Prime Video stream requires an eligible Prime Video subscription and supported device; a DIRECTV subscription alone does not establish Prime Video access. Local and national availability and blackout restrictions can differ.
How Knockouts work
Eight teams advance. Quarterfinals and semifinals are in NBA team markets. The championship is Friday, Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse. Broadcast assignments for Knockouts were not fully listed in the Group Play release — check your guide closer to December.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 NBA Cup?
Group Play is Oct. 30–Nov. 27, 2026. Knockouts are Dec. 4–11, with the final on Dec. 11 in Indianapolis.
What channel is the NBA Cup on DIRECTV?
ESPN Cup games are channel 206. NBC Cup games are on your local NBC. Prime Video games stream in the Amazon app.
Where is the 2026 NBA Cup championship?
Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Friday, December 11, 2026.
Do I need Prime Video for the NBA Cup?
Yes for the Friday Cup Night doubleheaders on Prime. ESPN and NBC windows do not require Prime.
Questions about your DIRECTV package? Call 1-855-690-9884 to check options at your address.
Details reviewed November 5, 2026 from NBA.com Group Play schedule release (Aug. 12, 2026). Start times, broadcast assignments, prices and package contents can change and vary by account, device and address. Team, league, network and service names, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.