How to Watch the 2026 NBA Preseason on DIRECTV: National TV Schedule and Channels
Basketball is almost back. The 2026 NBA preseason tips off Saturday, October 3, when NBA TV carries the Raptors and Heat as part of the NBA Canada Games. ESPN and ESPN2 start their five-game preseason slate on Thursday, October 8, with the Kings at the Lakers. The regular season opens Tuesday, October 20.
Most preseason games air only on each team's local TV partners, so the national lineup is short. Here's what's on national TV and where to find it on DIRECTV.
Nationally televised 2026 NBA preseason games
All times Eastern.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV / streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat., Oct. 3 | Heat vs. Raptors (NBA Canada Games) | 7 p.m. | NBA TV |
| Thu., Oct. 8 | Kings at Lakers | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| Sat., Oct. 10 | Spurs at Suns | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN2 |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | Magic at Cavaliers | 6:30 p.m. | ESPN |
| Sun., Oct. 11 | Bulls at Nuggets | 9 p.m. | ESPN |
| Tue., Oct. 13 | Cavaliers at Magic | 7 p.m. | Peacock, NBCSN |
| Fri., Oct. 16 | Nuggets at Lakers | 10:30 p.m. | ESPN |
ESPN's preseason games also stream in the ESPN app. NBA TV says it will carry more preseason games beyond October 3, so check the guide on channel 216 during the first two weeks of October.
NBA preseason channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Included with |
|---|---|---|
| ESPN | 206 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| ESPN2 | 209 | ENTERTAINMENT and higher |
| NBA TV | 216 | CHOICE and higher |
| Local team broadcasts | Varies by market | Depends on your team's TV partner and DIRECTV carriage |
| NBCSN / Peacock | Not in DIRECTV's national lineup | Peacock is a separate subscription |
How to watch the NBA preseason on DIRECTV
ESPN and ESPN2
Both channels come with every DIRECTV package from ENTERTAINMENT up. If your package includes ESPN, DIRECTV offers ESPN Unlimited at no extra cost to eligible customers, so you can also stream these games in the ESPN app.
NBA TV
NBA TV is on channel 216 with CHOICE and higher packages. Along with the October 3 opener, it airs daily shows like The Association and starts its 60-game regular-season schedule on October 24. Read more in what channel is NBA TV on.
Your local team
Most preseason games air on the same local channels that carry each team's regular-season games. Local sports TV has changed a lot for some teams this year, so check your DIRECTV guide for your team's channel. Our guide to watching local NBA games explains the options.
Peacock and NBCSN
The October 13 Cavaliers-Magic game is listed on Peacock and NBC Sports Network. NBCSN isn't in DIRECTV's national lineup, so you'd need a Peacock subscription for that one.
Want NBA TV added before tip-off? Call 1-855-690-9884.
What comes after the preseason
- Tuesday, October 20: NBC and Peacock open the season with a tripleheader: Celtics vs. Pistons, the champion Knicks' banner night against the 76ers, and Spurs vs. Thunder.
- Wednesday, October 21: ESPN's regular-season coverage begins.
- Saturday, October 24: NBA TV starts its regular-season schedule with Bucks at 76ers and Warriors at Suns.
- Out-of-market games: NBA League Pass is still sold through cable and satellite providers. Our DIRECTV NBA and League Pass guide has the details.
Which DIRECTV plan is best for NBA fans?
- ENTERTAINMENT: ESPN and ESPN2 for national games, plus TNT and truTV for other sports. Hockey fans can see our 2026-27 NHL season guide.
- CHOICE and higher: adds NBA TV and, where available, regional sports networks.
- Streaming: the MySports Genre Pack includes ESPN, NBA TV and ESPN Unlimited.
Compare DIRECTV packages at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 NBA preseason start?
Saturday, October 3, with Heat vs. Raptors on NBA TV at 7 p.m. ET. ESPN's preseason coverage starts Thursday, October 8.
What NBA preseason games are on ESPN?
Five: Kings at Lakers (Oct. 8, ESPN2), Spurs at Suns (Oct. 10, ESPN2), Magic at Cavaliers and Bulls at Nuggets (Oct. 11, ESPN) and Nuggets at Lakers (Oct. 16, ESPN).
What channel is NBA TV on DIRECTV?
Channel 216, included with CHOICE and higher packages.
When does the 2026-27 NBA regular season start?
Tuesday, October 20, with a tripleheader on NBC and Peacock.
Questions? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed September 30, 2026. Preseason schedules, times and networks may change, and local team coverage varies by market. Channel lineups, carriage and package prices may change. NBA, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.