Welcome to the 2025–2026 NBA season, where excitement returns to the hardwood and fans are dialing in to follow every play, dunk, and buzzer beater. Among the most sought-after teams on broadcast schedules is the Golden State Warriors—commanding a national audience and a loyal fan base eager to catch every game, whether live on TV or streamed digitally.

DirecTV stands out as a reliable and full-featured solution for Warriors fans who want consistent access to NBA action. With broadcast coverage from NBC Sports, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV, DirecTV consolidates major networks under one subscription, delivering a smooth viewing experience from preseason to playoffs.

Breakdown of the Golden State Warriors 2025–2026 Season Schedule

The NBA released the full Golden State Warriors schedule for the 2025–2026 season on August 15, 2025. Fans can view the complete schedule, including home and away matchups, by visiting the official Warriors 2025–2026 Season Schedule.

Key Matchups and Can’t-Miss Games

The regular season tips off on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, with Golden State hosting the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center—an opening week clash that will air nationally on TNT. High-profile showdowns against Western Conference contenders like the Denver Nuggets (November 10 and March 14) and the Memphis Grizzlies (December 18 and February 26) also make headlines. Expect intense energy during rivalry nights with the Sacramento Kings, scheduled for both Christmas Day and April 3 in what could be a pivotal late-season fixture.

National TV Appearances

Golden State appears on nationally televised games 34 times this season—surpassing most teams in the league. That includes:

Game Start Times and Viewing Considerations

Most home games at Chase Center are set for 7:00 PM PT, while road games fluctuate based on time zone. East Coast matchups start at 4:30 PM PT, which may impact availability on regional broadcasts versus national channels. Sunday games tend to begin earlier, often at 12:30 PM or 3:00 PM PT, especially those scheduled for ABC’s weekend coverage. Late start times, particularly on road trips to the Pacific and Mountain divisions, can push tip-off past 8:30 PM PT. When planning to watch via DirecTV, always cross-reference game timing with the guide to ensure correct channel access—especially for those using DVR or mobile streaming.

Unlock Every Play: A Deep Dive into DirecTV Sports Packages

Core Sports Coverage: Choice, Ultimate, and Premier

DirecTV structures its sports access through tiered packages, starting with the Choice package. This mid-level plan provides over 105 channels, including major sports networks like ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, and NBC Sports Bay Area, which carries Golden State Warriors regional broadcasts. Upgrading to Ultimate opens access to more than 140 channels, adding networks such as the NHL Network, CBS Sports Network, and the Golf Channel. For the most extensive coverage, the Premier package includes every channel from the lower tiers, and incorporates premium networks like HBO, SHOWTIME, and STARZ, along with full sports coverage including regional sports networks.

Building a Customized Game Plan with NBA League Pass

DirecTV offers sports-specific add-ons for fans who want deeper access. To follow the entire 2025–2026 NBA season, the NBA League Pass is the leading add-on. Subscribers get access to out-of-market games—ideal for Warriors fans living outside California. DirecTV integrates NBA League Pass directly into the satellite or streaming platform, allowing seamless viewing alongside regular channels. League Pass on DirecTV also includes home and away announcer options, stats via the red button, and condensed game replays.

Regional vs. National Coverage: Understanding the Divide

Regional coverage hinges on location. If you reside within the Warriors’ regional broadcast area, games air via NBC Sports Bay Area, included in the Choice package and up. This is part of DirecTV's RSN (Regional Sports Network) access. Outside of that market? You’ll miss those local broadcasts unless you’ve subscribed to NBA League Pass. National coverage, delivered through networks like ESPN, ABC, or TNT, is available in all DirecTV packages from Choice onwards. These provide select marquee NBA games, including potential Warriors matchups aired coast to coast.

Which package aligns with your viewing needs? The answer depends on your location, the level of NBA access you expect, and whether you want to follow the Warriors home and away—every game, every quarter.

Which DirecTV Channels Air Warriors Games?

Golden State Warriors games appear across a mix of regional and national TV channels. Knowing which networks carry specific matchups can eliminate game-day guesswork and ensure uninterrupted viewing throughout the 2025–2026 season.

Local Warriors Broadcasts on DirecTV

NBC Sports Bay Area holds the exclusive local broadcasting rights for most Golden State Warriors regular-season games. This channel delivers in-depth coverage, including pre-game insights, real-time analysis, and post-game shows featuring team insiders and former players.

Nationally Televised Warriors Games

When the Warriors face marquee opponents or headline high-stakes contests, the matchups move to national networks. These channels offer coast-to-coast coverage regardless of regional location and often present alternate commentaries or studio analysis.

The distribution of broadcasts between NBC Sports Bay Area and national networks depends on game significance, opponent, and scheduling. Nationally televised games are not shown on NBC Sports Bay Area, and vice versa, due to exclusive broadcast rights. Fans in the Warriors’ local market should track both the team’s broadcast schedule and the channel listings to watch every game live.

Find NBC Sports Bay Area on DirecTV & Never Miss a Warriors Tip-Off

Locating NBC Sports Bay Area on DirecTV

For fans in Northern California, NBC Sports Bay Area is the regional home of the Golden State Warriors. On DirecTV, this channel is available on Channel 696. However, access depends heavily on your ZIP code and market availability. Only subscribers within the designated broadcast territory can view the channel.

Regional Exclusivity: Zip Code Matters

DirecTV enforces regional sports network (RSN) restrictions by ZIP code. NBC Sports Bay Area is categorized as an RSN, so it's only unlocked for subscribers in allowed markets—primarily Northern California and parts of Western Nevada.

Is NBC Sports Bay Area Included in All DirecTV Packages?

NBC Sports Bay Area is not available with every DirecTV plan. It comes standard with the following tiers:

If you’re on the Entertainment package, you won’t get access to NBC Sports Bay Area. Upgrading to the Choice package or higher will solve that.

Confirming Game Availability

Live coverage of every Warriors game isn’t limited to national rights holders—many matchups air only on NBC Sports Bay Area. If you're local and subscribed to a qualifying DirecTV plan, games will appear in your regular programming lineup. Use your on-screen guide or the DirecTV mobile app to check broadcast times and channel placement in real time.

How NBA Broadcasting Rights Impact Viewers

Every season, the NBA sells its broadcasting rights through layered agreements, splitting content between national networks and regional sports networks (RSNs). These contracts define exactly where and how a game airs—down to the zip code. Fans tuning into the Golden State Warriors' 2025–2026 season on DirecTV will experience the effects of these rights firsthand.

National vs. Regional Broadcasts

National rights are allocated to ESPN, ABC, and TNT, while regional rights go to networks like NBC Sports Bay Area for Warriors games. The NBA determines which games are exclusive to national broadcasters and which are assigned to a team’s local RSN. When ESPN or TNT has an exclusive national broadcast, local RSNs are not permitted to simulcast the game.

For example, if the Warriors face the Lakers in a Wednesday primetime matchup aired by ESPN, NBC Sports Bay Area won't carry that game. Viewers relying solely on regional coverage won't see it unless they have access to the national network in question.

Understanding Blackout Restrictions

Blackouts enforce these rights. If you’re located in the Warriors' local market but try to watch their game on NBA League Pass or a national stream that's blacked out locally, you'll be blocked. The blackout triggers because the RSN owns the rights to that specific market—and fans must use NBC Sports Bay Area via DirecTV to access the feed.

Conversely, fans outside the local market face a different set of rules. They can watch the game via NBA League Pass unless the contest is nationally televised. National exclusivity overrides League Pass access across every market.

Implications for DirecTV Subscribers

These rights explain why fans might see some games on multiple channels, while others vanish from their guide entirely. What appears unpredictable on the surface is tightly coordinated through NBA contracts and network agreements that prioritize market exclusivity and national reach.

How to Watch Warriors Games While Traveling or Out of Market

Blackout Restrictions and What They Mean for Warriors Fans

When traveling beyond the Golden State Warriors’ regional broadcast territory, blackout rules affect game availability. These restrictions exist because regional sports networks, like NBC Sports Bay Area, hold exclusive local broadcast rights. If the game airs locally where you are but not on a channel available through DirecTV, the feed gets blocked on other platforms, including NBA League Pass.

In practical terms, traveling to cities like Los Angeles or Portland could trigger a blackout for a Warriors broadcast you’d otherwise access at home. Even with an active League Pass account, games subjected to local broadcast rights in your temporary location will appear unavailable.

Strategies for Following the Warriors Away from Home

Missing a Warriors game because you're out of town doesn't have to happen. Several tools bridge this gap, even across state lines:

When League Pass Works—and When It Doesn’t

League Pass functions seamlessly when you're far from the Bay Area or any regional broadcast zone of the opposing team. Stay in New York or Chicago and any Warriors game will stream live, regardless of local coverage in San Francisco. But if the Warriors play the Lakers and you're sitting in Los Angeles? Expect the game to be blacked out, even on League Pass. Location, not team loyalty, dictates access.

Need full coverage no matter where you go? Combine a League Pass subscription with DirecTV to maximize access to nationally and regionally broadcast games. Add a VPN if you're technically inclined and looking for location flexibility, though this route involves trial and error regarding video quality and access stability.

DirecTV Stream vs Satellite: Which One Should Fans Choose?

DirecTV Stream: Flexibility That Matches Your Lifestyle

DirecTV Stream doesn’t require a satellite dish or physical installation. Subscribers simply need a stable internet connection and a compatible device—smart TV, smartphone, Roku, Apple TV, or Amazon Fire Stick—to dive into live Warriors games from the couch, airport lounge, or even the gym.

This option appeals directly to cord-cutters. If you’ve moved away from traditional cable structures and prefer flexibility over hardware, DirecTV Stream integrates easily into a modern digital footprint. With access to live channels including NBC Sports Bay Area and national networks like ESPN or TNT (depending on your plan), viewers watch real-time action while navigating a minimalist setup.

Stream also allows for multiple user profiles and simultaneous streams. Want to watch the Warriors on your living room TV while someone else streams a different game on a tablet? That configuration works without conflict.

DirecTV via Satellite: Premium Consistency and Broader Access

While streaming is growing rapidly, satellite still holds advantages—particularly in picture quality and comprehensive channel coverage. DirecTV Satellite delivers more reliable 4K broadcasts for live sports. For fans who prioritize visual clarity and audio depth, satellite routinely provides a more immersive experience than variable streaming resolutions.

The satellite tier also includes stronger nationwide availability, especially useful for fans living in areas with slower or inconsistent broadband connections. When weather and Wi-Fi slow streaming down, satellite remains stable and direct.

Another point to consider: satellite subscribers often get access to a wider array of sports programming. From regional sports networks outside your immediate market to lesser-known sports channels bundled into higher tiers, this might appeal to those who track multiple teams across leagues.

Side-by-Side Comparison for Warriors Fans

If your weekend routine includes streaming NBA games on a mobile device while running errands—or switching between devices during dinner—DirecTV Stream matches that rhythm. If home-viewing with surround sound and zero buffering defines your game night, satellite offers the most consistent experience.

Watch the Warriors Anywhere: TV, Stream, or Mobile

Whether you're on the couch at home, commuting, or traveling across time zones, DirecTV ensures you never lose sight of a single Warriors play. With broad device compatibility and flexible streaming options, fans can choose where and how they watch without missing a beat.

Compatible Devices for Watching the Warriors

On-the-Go Viewing with the DirecTV App

The DirecTV app functions as a portable gateway to your sports package. From anywhere with an internet connection, users can launch the app and tune into NBC Sports Bay Area or other Warriors broadcasting partners. The app syncs across registered devices, allowing for smooth pick-up sessions from one screen to another.

Streaming on Multiple Screens: Know Your Limits

Simultaneous streaming varies depending on the account type. DirecTV via satellite subscribers can stream to up to two devices concurrently using the app, while DirecTV via Internet (streaming-only plan) allows up to 20 simultaneous streams—three of which can be outside the home network. For multi-screen households, the streaming-only plan offers a noticeable advantage.

Planning on watching the Warriors during a family movie night and sharing the stream with friends across town? Check your simultaneous stream allowance—it could change how you invite others to tune in.

Watch the Warriors in Stunning Detail: 4K and HD Options on DirecTV

Experience the Game in 4K UHD

DirecTV offers select NBA matchups — including Golden State Warriors games — in dazzling 4K Ultra HD resolution. These broadcasts deliver sharper lines, deeper contrast, and smoother action, enhancing the speed and precision that define Warriors basketball.

To catch a game in 4K, check channels 104, 105, and 106 — DirecTV’s dedicated 4K sports and event channels. Not every Warriors game is available in this format, but nationally televised matchups and high-profile regional broadcasts are prime candidates.

All Regular Coverage in HD

Even when 4K isn’t available, every Warriors game aired on DirecTV appears in high-definition. Channels such as NBC Sports Bay Area (channel 696 in most Western U.S. regions), ESPN (channel 206), TNT (channel 245), and ABC (channel 7 in most cities) all broadcast in crisp 1080i HD.

What You Need to Watch in 4K or HD

The difference becomes immediately noticeable during breakaways and pin-point three-pointers from the arc — the clarity of 4K lets you follow the ball's spin and track player movement with cinematic sharpness. Pair that with surround sound, and your living room becomes Oracle South.

Ready to level up your viewing experience? Dive into the Warriors’ season in full detail — because when Steph releases a three from half court, you’ll want to see the net ripple in perfect resolution.

Watch Warriors Games On Your Time: On-Demand and DVR Options with DirecTV

Live games bring the adrenaline, but not everyone can sit down at tip-off. DirecTV covers that. Whether you're juggling a late work meeting, bedtime routines, or just prefer watching without commercial breaks, there are multiple ways to stay in sync with the Golden State Warriors' 2025–2026 season — even when you're off the clock.

Record Full Games with DirecTV's DVR Systems

DirecTV offers both traditional satellite DVR and cloud-based DVR for Stream users. With either option, you can record every Warriors matchup — regular season or playoffs — and watch on your own schedule. The Genie HD DVR for satellite users supports up to 200 hours of HD content and can record five channels simultaneously. That means you can capture a full game and a SportsCenter recap while still saving space for a movie night.

DirecTV Stream subscribers receive unlimited cloud DVR storage (as of 2024), retaining recordings for up to 9 months. Scheduling recordings requires just a few clicks through the on-screen guide or DirecTV app. Whether Golden State squares off with the Celtics or hosts a Western Conference showdown, the DVR ensures you never miss a beat.

Streaming Replays and Highlights On-Demand

Missed the live broadcast but didn't record it? No problem. The DirecTV app offers on-demand access to select NBA games and condensed highlight packages. These include post-game breakdowns, top plays, and key quarter recaps. Availability varies depending on network rights — NBC Sports Bay Area replays are typically accessible for Warriors fans within the regional broadcast area.

Manage Your Viewing with Precision

With these tools, you control how and when the game unfolds — no spoilers, no stress. Every slam dunk, steal, and three-pointer by Golden State waits on your terms.

Subscription Plans & Pricing Breakdown: What You’ll Pay to Watch the Warriors

To follow the Golden State Warriors throughout the entire 2025–2026 NBA season on DirecTV, you’ll need to select a package that includes the channels airing both local and national games. DirecTV offers options for both traditional Satellite users and DirecTV Stream subscribers. The pricing and channel access differ significantly between the two platforms.

DirecTV Stream: Pricing and Inclusions for Sports Fans

Note: Taxes and regional sports fees apply. In most markets, the regional sports fee runs around $13.99/month and is charged separately.

DirecTV Satellite Packages: Tiered Options with More Extensive Channel Lineups

DVR service comes standard with all plans but is limited to Genie DVR hardware. Additional receivers and whole-home DVR service incur monthly fees.

Add-On Options for NBA and Sports Coverage

Bundling premium coverage with add-ons ensures users won’t miss nationally exclusive games or content blackout due to market restrictions. Tiers beyond Choice will mainly benefit fans who track multiple NBA teams or follow other major sports leagues.

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