After a promising finish to last year’s campaign, the Cleveland Cavaliers enter the 2025–2026 NBA season with sharpened expectations. With a young core maturing and offseason moves signaling a clear win-now mentality, fans are preparing for what could be a pivotal chapter in the franchise’s modern era.
For those in Northeast Ohio and beyond, consistent access to Cavaliers broadcasts makes the difference between feeling part of the season or missing it entirely. Whether you're tracking every buzzer-beater or analyzing player rotations, coverage continuity is non-negotiable.
DirecTV has long positioned itself as a reliable partner for NBA fans, offering comprehensive options for following the regular season, playoffs, and regional matchups. So what’s the best way to catch every Cavaliers game on DirecTV this season? Let’s get into the specifics.
The NBA released the Cleveland Cavaliers’ full 2025–2026 season schedule in August 2025, mapping out an 82-game slate that runs from late October through mid-April. Within this span, several matchups and milestones stand out for fans planning their DirecTV viewing calendar.
Of the Cavaliers' 82 regular season games, 18 will be nationally televised. Networks covering these include TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV. The remaining 64 games are assigned to regional broadcasts, specifically Bally Sports Ohio, the Cavaliers’ local television partner. These regionally televised games are subject to blackout restrictions based on geographic location unless accessed via a verified provider like DirecTV.
The complete official Cleveland Cavaliers 2025–2026 schedule—including broadcast assignments, home/away details, and time zone adjustments—is available on the Cavaliers’ page on NBA.com. This resource updates dynamically if the league flexes games to national networks later in the season.
The NBA relies on a tiered media rights structure that blends national visibility with regional loyalty. For the 2025–2026 season, fans will encounter a familiar distribution model: marquee matchups on major national networks, and a deeper regional focus for local coverage like that of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
National broadcast rights are held by a trio of networks: ABC, ESPN, and TNT. These networks air high-profile regular season games, opening night showdowns, holiday showcases like the Christmas Day lineup, the NBA All-Star Game, and the entire playoff slate through the NBA Finals.
However, not every Cavaliers game makes it to these national networks. For the heart of the season—the weeknight matchups, regional rivalries, and back-to-backs—coverage shifts to Regional Sports Networks (RSNs).
Bally Sports Ohio holds the regional television rights for the Cleveland Cavaliers. This RSN carries the bulk of the Cavs’ regular season games, including pre-game and post-game analysis, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes access tailored for local fans.
Owned by Diamond Sports Group, Bally Sports Ohio delivers broadcasts enriched by a dedicated Cavaliers crew. The network uses multiple camera angles and real-time stats overlays tailored specifically for local broadcasts, separating it from the standardized national feeds. When the Cavaliers aren't featured on national TV, Bally Sports Ohio becomes the exclusive destination for live game coverage.
Want to pinpoint where to find Bally Sports Ohio in DirecTV’s lineup? Let’s dive into that next.
To access Bally Sports Ohio on DirecTV, subscribers need the CHOICE™ package or higher. This package tier opens up regional sports networks (RSNs), including Bally Sports-branded channels, which broadcast local NBA games in participating markets.
The CHOICE™ package includes more than 200 channels and is positioned as the entry-level tier for sports fans who want comprehensive coverage of local professional teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers. Premier, ULTIMATE, and PREMIER plans also carry Bally Sports Ohio, so upgrading beyond CHOICE™ guarantees continued access.
Bally Sports Ohio typically appears on channel 660 or channel 661 on DirecTV, depending on your geographic location within the Cavaliers' broadcast territory. In northern and central Ohio, viewers generally find it on channel 660. In eastern or southeastern Ohio, as well as parts of northern Kentucky or western Pennsylvania, the listing may shift to 661 due to territorial signal mapping.
Channel numbers on DirecTV remain fixed across most receiver models, so once you identify the correct station, it remains consistent night to night.
Bally Sports Ohio broadcasts are regionally exclusive. DirecTV provides access to the channel only if your billing ZIP code falls inside the channel’s designated market area (DMA), which includes:
Viewers located outside this footprint won’t find Bally Sports Ohio in their local channel guide, even with the correct package.
DirecTV adheres strictly to the DMA boundaries set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and cable rights agreements. This ensures that only in-market viewers receive access to game broadcasts via Bally Sports Ohio. If your ZIP code falls outside the Cavaliers' broadcast area, the channel won't populate in your guide, and blackout restrictions may apply for streaming options.
Want to confirm eligibility? Enter your ZIP code on DirecTV's official local lineup checker to verify access.
Staying tuned to Cleveland Cavaliers action throughout the 2025–2026 season requires the right sports channels—and DirecTV delivers a lineup tailored for NBA fans. From national broadcasts to regional networks, every marquee matchup and midweek showdown can be found across multiple channels included in various DirecTV packages.
Nationally televised NBA games air across a familiar set of cable giants. DirecTV includes all the staples in its channel lineup for basketball coverage:
Channel numbers vary by region, but all are easily accessible either by searching directly or browsing the DirecTV Guide interface.
Different DirecTV packages grant different levels of sports access. Here's how the top three packages stack up for Cavaliers and NBA fans:
All three packages support HD broadcasts, and many games are available with Dolby audio for a more immersive experience. Do you prioritize Cavs matchups, league-wide coverage, or both? Your answer will guide you to the package that fits.
DirecTV Stream is a standalone internet-based service, unlike the traditional DirecTV satellite setup. There’s no need for a dish, a contract, or professional installation. The streaming platform delivers live TV over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, letting viewers access sports, news, and entertainment through a digital interface similar to Netflix or Hulu.
Traditional DirecTV requires satellite equipment and often involves long-term agreements. For viewers focused primarily on mobility, device flexibility, and eliminating hardware, DirecTV Stream offers a more agile option—especially when following teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers across a full NBA season.
To watch the Cavaliers via DirecTV Stream, the key is choosing a package that includes Bally Sports Ohio, which carries most of the team’s regular season games. As of the 2025–2026 season, only the Choice package and above include regional sports networks like Bally Sports Ohio.
These packages provide access without requiring hidden fees for regional sports access, unlike some streaming competitors.
Whether you're watching from home or on the go, DirecTV Stream supports multiple devices:
This compatibility means fans watching the Cavaliers can switch screens without losing quality or access.
DirecTV Stream delivers games in up to 1080p resolution with 60 frames per second, depending on internet speed and hardware capability. Broadcasts appear with virtually no buffering on strong connections, offering smooth cuts between fast breaks, crowd reactions, and timeouts.
Unlike some streaming platforms with significant lag time, DirecTV Stream keeps delays under 30 seconds in most scenarios, allowing real-time reactions on social media or while texting with fellow Cavs fans. With 20 hours of Cloud DVR (and upgrade options available), catching every LeVert assist and Mobley block never depends solely on timing.
The DirecTV app is available for both iOS and Android devices. To get started, open the App Store or Google Play, search for “DirecTV”, and install the official app published by AT&T Services, Inc.
After installation, launch the app and enter your DirecTV credentials. Use the same login you use for your home satellite or DirecTV Stream account. Once signed in, the app syncs with your subscription in real time.
The DirecTV app provides direct access to every network carrying Cavaliers games during the 2025–2026 season. This includes:
On game nights, tap the “Live TV” tab, select the network airing the game, and start streaming immediately. The app supports high-definition playback, with adaptive quality based on your internet connection.
If your DirecTV package includes a Genie HD DVR, the mobile app syncs to your DVR library. This connection allows you to:
Switching between live broadcasts and previously recorded games requires just a tap—not digging through multiple menus. Whether you're on the train, at work, or traveling out of state, full game access stays in your pocket.
For fans wanting a broader NBA experience beyond just local coverage of the Cleveland Cavaliers, DirecTV offers access to premium subscription packages—most notably, the NBA League Pass.
NBA League Pass unlocks an expansive slate of out-of-market games throughout the 2025–2026 season. This add-on serves viewers who want to track teams beyond their regional broadcasters or follow specific players across the league. With League Pass, fans will receive:
Subscribers can toggle between enhanced viewing modes, pause and rewind games in real time, and dig into metrics with advanced analytics overlays.
DirecTV subscribers can add NBA League Pass directly through their account portal or by contacting customer service. Packages range from full-league access to team-specific subscriptions; the latter is ideal if your interest begins and ends with the Cavaliers.
Alternatively, fans may choose to subscribe through NBA.com/LeaguePass. This digital route allows standalone streaming access without tying the subscription to a cable or satellite provider. However, users choosing this method will need to use a separate app or device to watch games.
In addition to NBA League Pass, DirecTV offers features that enhance the basketball watching experience. Multi-View lets fans split their screen to watch several games simultaneously. Smart DVR integration means automatic recording of full games or just fourth quarters for those who want to skip to the most crucial moments.
Exploring these options ensures that even during the most packed game nights, no Cavaliers highlights go unnoticed. Want to see how Darius Garland is handling the clutch? Flip the feed. Curious how Mobley dominates defensively? Rewind, zoom in, and dissect the action.
Blackout restrictions are enforced due to the NBA’s regional and national broadcasting agreements. These rules give exclusive territorial rights to certain media partners. If a Cleveland Cavaliers game is airing on a national network like ESPN or ABC, DirecTV must blackout the Bally Sports Ohio feed in your region. The logic: you’re expected to watch via the network holding national rights during that time slot.
In-market games, typically meant to air on Bally Sports Ohio, can also be blacked out if contractual boundaries are crossed. For example, if you're within the geographic footprint of the Cavaliers' local market but trying to stream via a service not licensed for your region, the feed won't display.
DirecTV enforces blackouts by geolocation, which means your ZIP code dictates whether you see a regional or restricted broadcast. That location data is used to verify broadcasting rights associated with each subscriber’s area. If Bally Sports Ohio owns the rights in your region, and no national network overlaps at the same time, the broadcast will remain available. But when a national TV partner holds exclusive rights to that game—either partially or fully—DirecTV triggers the blackout protocol, cutting off the feed and directing you to the correct network channel.
Wondering if you're considered in-market or out-of-market? The NBA defines Cavaliers’ territory as mostly Ohio, parts of western Pennsylvania, northern Kentucky, and a few surrounding counties. Being just outside this zone could unlock blacked-out games with the right plan.
DirecTV's Genie DVR gives full control over how and when Cavaliers fans watch the 2025–2026 season. With this system, recording live games—including those aired on Bally Sports Ohio or national networks like ESPN and TNT—requires just a few taps on the remote.
To record a single game, navigate to the DirecTV guide, locate the Cavaliers broadcast, press the “R” button once, and the system locks it in. Press it again, and the Genie sets up a series recording, capturing every broadcast featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers automatically—home games, road games, nationally televised matchups, and replays alike.
The Series Recording feature removes the worry of checking schedules each week. Once configured, it tracks the schedule and records every broadcast with “Cleveland Cavaliers” in the episode title. For fans with shifting work hours or conflicting TV commitments, this function offers consistency and convenience without requiring weekly adjustments.
Genie DVR models support up to 200 hours of HD recordings, with the Genie 2 enabling content storage across multiple TVs in a household. Even for a regular season containing 82 games—with many recorded in full HD—the hard drive comfortably holds several weeks of games, pre-game analysis, and post-game wrap-ups without purging older content unless manually deleted or space runs low.
Multiple household members tracking different teams? The Genie records up to 5 shows simultaneously, letting Cavaliers games record in the background while others enjoy separate live programming on different channels.
Use the fast-forward, rewind, and pause features to build a personalized viewing experience. Fans who record games can skip commercials, replay critical three-pointers, or slow down a buzzer-beater finish. If you miss the live event entirely, many broadcasts also become available on-demand shortly after the final whistle, giving another layer of access through the DirecTV library menu.
Ready to automate your Cavaliers coverage? Dive into the DVR menu, locate the season opener, and schedule the season in full. Game time doesn’t have to mean couch time—DirecTV’s DVR capabilities follow the schedule, so you don’t have to.
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