The NBA’s 2025–2026 season tips off with a reshaped league, fresh talent, and elevated competition. Teams across both conferences have deepened their rosters, with all eyes on breakout stars and playoff contenders. For New Orleans Pelicans fans, staying connected throughout all 82 games and into the postseason means more than casual viewing—it's about following every highlight, every buzzer-beater, and every moment that defines a championship drive.
Whether you're watching from your living room or streaming on the go, television and digital platforms continue to evolve, offering new and seamless ways to watch live sports. Among them, DirecTV remains a powerful choice for NBA fans, combining traditional broadcasting with flexible streaming options that cater to every viewing setup.
This guide walks you through exactly how to follow the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2025–2026 NBA season using DIRECTV—clearly, easily, and without missing a single game.
The 2025-2026 NBA season will see the New Orleans Pelicans reignite some of their most heated rivalries, including high-stakes clashes against the Dallas Mavericks and Memphis Grizzlies. Games against Western Conference challengers like the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors will carry significant playoff implications. Expect a particularly electric atmosphere when Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram hit the court against the Los Angeles Lakers—always a marquee event on the calendar.
The league released the full season schedule in August 2025, and several high-profile games stand out. The Pelicans open their campaign with a home matchup against the Houston Rockets on October 22. A five-game road trip in December features three nationally televised contests, including back-to-back games versus the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks. The All-Star Weekend, hosted in Chicago from February 14-16, creates a midseason pause before the push toward playoff positioning intensifies through March and April.
The team will play 41 home games at the Smoothie King Center and 41 away. Historically, the Pelicans have performed better on their home court, where crowd energy and travel reduction contribute to higher efficiency. Watching games live on DirecTV provides access to all home broadcasts in full high-definition, complete with local commentary. Road games, especially those in different time zones, may shift typical viewing habits and are frequently picked for national broadcast coverage.
New Orleans operates in the Central Time Zone (CT), which directly affects game time listings. For the Gulf Coast audience—spanning Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Texas and Alabama—most weeknight games begin at 7:00 or 7:30 PM CT. West Coast matchups often start at 9:00 PM or later locally, while East Coast games typically fall into the 6:00 PM CT window. Synchronizing DirecTV's local listings with the NBA's official start times ensures accurate scheduling on the home screen guide.
DirecTV adjusts its regional program guide based on game start times, ensuring the correct feed appears in the listings. Nationally televised games—broadcast on ESPN, TNT, or ABC—override local channel assignments. When a game begins at 7:30 PM CT, the pre-game show may start as early as 7:00 PM, taking up a larger portion of the slot on regional sports networks like Bally Sports New Orleans. For doubleheaders, viewers should anticipate slight scheduling shifts depending on previous game overrun. Checking live updates on the DirecTV app or website confirms real-time adjustments in listings.
NBA broadcast rights are divided between national and regional networks. National broadcasts feature marquee matchups—games expected to draw viewers across the U.S.—and are controlled by major media outlets. These are accessible to all on certain cable or satellite packages. Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), however, hold the rights to the majority of a team’s regular-season games and cater specifically to local audiences.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, that means most regular-season games air on a regional network unless the game is nationally televised. The broadcast landscape ensures that fans in and around Louisiana see a different mix of channels than viewers in, say, California or New York.
When tuning into the Pelicans this season, expect to navigate this network lineup:
The Bally Sports Gulf Coast region includes networks like Bally Sports New Orleans that are tailored to specific geographic broadcast territories. This segment of the Bally Sports portfolio covers the southern U.S., including Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Alabama. It’s designed to prioritize coverage of franchises located in the Gulf region—so Pelicans games remain front and center here.
Overall reach, blackout zones, and the availability of Bally Sports channels can vary depending on where you live and what TV provider you use. Residents within the Pelicans’ official market will receive Bally Sports New Orleans through DIRECTV’s regional sports network tier.
DIRECTV provides a deep bench of sports channels tailored for basketball fans. The platform includes regional sports networks, national sports broadcasters, and specialty NBA content. Whether tracking every possession of the New Orleans Pelicans or flipping between marquee matchups, the selection covers every angle.
The on-screen guide on DIRECTV’s satellite box offers a quick way to locate all scheduled Pelicans matchups. Games are listed under team names, participating cities, or even abbreviations like “NOP” for New Orleans Pelicans. Scroll between dates or use real-time filters to pinpoint live and upcoming broadcasts.
The DIRECTV app simplifies this even further. Users can launch the app, tap the “Sports” tab, and search “Pelicans” to see a list of live, on-demand, and upcoming games tied to that team. Integration with the app allows for game reminders, recordings, and push notifications in one place.
DIRECTV lets users customize their guide by setting favorite teams. Navigate to the “Favorites” section, select the New Orleans Pelicans, and the system will highlight or automatically record games if DVR is active. This setup eliminates manual browsing and keeps basketball where it belongs—front and center on your screen.
DIRECTV structures its packages to serve a wide set of sports fans, but basketball lovers—especially those following the New Orleans Pelicans—will find specific tiers better suited for full-season coverage. Depending on how closely you want to follow both local and national broadcasts, your choice of package will strongly impact the viewing experience.
For consistent access to regional broadcasts of the Pelicans, the CHOICE™ package is the minimum requirement. This package includes Bally Sports New Orleans—the primary RSN (Regional Sports Network) broadcasting Pelicans games throughout the Gulf South. In addition to covering local games, CHOICE™ provides access to national networks like ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV, rounding out the standard NBA broadcast partners.
NBA action overlaps with other sports seasons, and fans often seek broader offerings. The ULTIMATE package builds on CHOICE™ by including over 125 additional channels, incorporating more specialty sports networks. Add-ons like CBS Sports Network and FS1 become accessible here, allowing deeper immersion into sports content beyond local and national NBA games.
With the PREMIER™ package, every sports-centric channel comes standard. That includes all of NBA League Pass when activated, premium movie networks, and niche sports content. This package targets households wanting a high-volume, all-inclusive media experience year-round.
CHOICE™ starts at a lower monthly rate compared to PREMIER™, but the trade-off is access to fewer niche and national sports networks. Fans mostly interested in local Pelicans broadcasts with occasional national matchups won't need to go beyond CHOICE™. However, those who also enjoy tracking league-wide highlights, marquee matchups, and playoff action across networks will benefit from stepping up to ULTIMATE or PREMIER™ tiers.
Viewers based in Louisiana, southern Mississippi, and surrounding parts of the Gulf Coast where Bally Sports New Orleans is available should strongly consider the CHOICE™ package or above. It’s the only DIRECTV base tier that consistently includes this critical RSN. Pelicans fans in areas with frequent blackout coverage or out-of-market games requiring League Pass access may prefer PREMIER™, especially during the postseason run.
The debate between streaming and satellite comes down to lifestyle, technical preferences, and viewing priorities. To decide how to watch the New Orleans Pelicans' 2025–2026 season on DIRECTV, assess what features matter most—then match that with the platform that delivers them best.
DIRECTV's traditional satellite service provides a consistently high-definition viewing experience. Broadcasts don’t rely on internet bandwidth, so performance remains unaffected during peak usage hours. For fans prioritizing game clarity or living in areas with limited internet infrastructure, satellite ensures a stable connection across all quarters.
For fans who prefer to catch tip-off while on a business trip or during a commute, the DIRECTV App fits easily into mobile routines. Streaming Pelicans games through the app supports multiple device types without the need for a set-top box or dish installation.
Experienced users bridge both environments. They record games on satellite DVRs for full-resolution replays at home while catching live quarters via streaming when away. Some fans use mobile alerts tied to DVR scheduling, allowing them to set a recording remotely through the app if caught up with work or errands.
Others integrate smart home ecosystems, syncing Pelicans broadcasts to start automatically or routing audio to home speakers only during key game moments. Exploring the DIRECTV ecosystem fully unlocks these options, especially for users managing multiple access points and devices.
To start watching New Orleans Pelicans games on your smartphone, tablet, or connected TV, begin by downloading the DIRECTV app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Once installed, open the app and sign in using your DIRECTV credentials — the same username and password used for your main subscriber account.
If you're a new subscriber, activate your account first at directv.com. After logging in on the app, sync will occur automatically, linking your channel lineup and preferences to your device.
Accessing live games is simple. Tap on the “Guide” tab at the bottom menu and scroll through the day’s available programming. Use the integrated search bar — type “Pelicans” or the specific matchup (e.g., “Pelicans vs. Lakers”) to jump directly to the live broadcast.
Games airing on regional sports networks like Bally Sports New Orleans (for local fans) and national carriers like ESPN or TNT will appear based on your service package. Tap the game listing, select “Watch Live,” and the stream launches in high definition instantly if you're connected to Wi-Fi or a stable mobile network.
DIRECTV’s app allows you to schedule game-time alerts. When you find a future Pelicans game in the TV guide, tap the listing, then press “Set Reminder.” A push notification will trigger 10–15 minutes before tip-off, depending on your settings.
All upcoming reminders are accessible under the “My Library” tab, where you can manage, reschedule, or remove alerts at any time.
With DIRECTV’s app integrated tightly into your TV ecosystem, the Pelicans come with you — courtside access from anywhere, whether you're commuting, traveling, or multitasking at home.
DIRECTV makes it easy to schedule recordings for New Orleans Pelicans games through both traditional satellite DVR and DIRECTV STREAM's cloud DVR. For satellite users, the Genie HD DVR allows scheduling up to seven days in advance. Navigate to the guide, highlight the game, press the Record button, and confirm. Want to record the entire season? Select Record Series to capture every Pelicans matchup automatically.
Cloud DVR users on DIRECTV STREAM get similar functionality. Through the DIRECTV app or website, find the game using the search bar, click the listing, and tap or click Add to My Library. This queues the game for automatic recording, accessible from any device linked to your account.
Blackout restrictions—whether local or national—pose obstacles for recording. Games blacked out in your area will not be accessible on your local RSN or national channel during live broadcast. To anticipate these scenarios:
DVR storage capacity matters. The Genie HD DVR offers up to 200 hours of HD programming, while DIRECTV STREAM cloud DVR provides 20 hours by default, expandable to unlimited hours via an upgraded plan. Here’s how to keep your recordings organized and avoid storage conflicts:
To delete or edit existing recordings, access your DVR list, select the game, and choose from retention options like Keep Until I Delete or Keep Until Space Is Needed. Manual deletion is also available with one click.
DIRECTV STREAM includes cloud DVR with the flexibility of watching games live or catching the entire broadcast after it airs. With the unlimited DVR add-on, recordings are kept for up to nine months. The platform allows simultaneous streaming and recording, meaning you can watch one game live and record another airing at the same time.
Recorded Pelicans games will appear instantly in your library and are playable on any supported device—smartphone, tablet, smart TV, or web browser. Fast forward, rewind, or skip between quarters to customize your viewing experience, even during post-game analysis or extended time-outs.
NBA League Pass offers full-season access to out-of-market NBA games, including every matchup of the New Orleans Pelicans that isn't nationally broadcast or subject to local blackout restrictions. This subscription-based service delivers live and on-demand games in high-definition, multi-game viewing options, and condensed game replays. For viewers outside the New Orleans area, League Pass becomes the bridge to watching every Pelicans game without missing a minute of action.
DIRECTV integrates NBA League Pass directly into its channel lineup, making subscription activation simple. To add League Pass:
The subscription activates immediately, and you'll gain access to all out-of-market games that same day. There’s no need for a separate NBA account—DIRECTV handles access and authentication natively.
For the 2025-2026 season, DIRECTV offers NBA League Pass for a one-time payment or spread across five monthly installments. The total cost for the full season stands at $99.99. For subscribers who want a single team pass (ideal for Pelicans fans outside Louisiana), the price is $49.99 for the season. Billing is automatic through the DIRECTV monthly statement. There are no extra fees beyond the advertised price unless subscribers add premium features like NBA League Pass Premium, which removes commercials and includes streaming access across multiple devices.
Fans outside the regional SPORTS network coverage area won’t find local broadcasts of Pelicans games. That’s where NBA League Pass steps in. Whether living in Seattle, Boston, or Denver, DIRECTV subscribers with League Pass will watch the full New Orleans roster in motion—from tip-off to final buzzer. The single-team package focuses on Pelicans games only, so everything from Zion Williamson alley-oops to last-second Brandon Ingram buzzer-beaters will be at your fingertips, live or on replay.
Blackout rules define where and when certain NBA games can be shown based on your viewing location and the broadcast rights owned by different networks. For fans watching the New Orleans Pelicans 2025–2026 season on DIRECTV, these restrictions determine whether you’ll have access to live coverage of specific matchups—especially when the team plays in-market.
Local blackouts occur when national networks, such as ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV, do not hold exclusive rights to a game, but the matchup is still being broadcast by a Regional Sports Network (RSN). In the Pelicans' situation, Bally Sports New Orleans typically carries these local broadcasts. If the game is being televised by Bally Sports in your zip code, then NBA League Pass and some national broadcasts might block it.
DIRECTV follows league-wide blackout protocols, using your billing address to determine viewing eligibility. If the database deems you in-market and you try to watch the game on a national package instead of the assigned RSN, access will be denied, and you’ll see a blackout message.
Even nationally televised games can be held back in certain regions if the RSN has the broadcasting rights. On the flip side, exclusive broadcasts on TNT or ABC override local coverage, meaning Bally Sports won’t show the game and the national feed becomes your only option.
This makes it essential to check each game's broadcast status. If the Pelicans play on a Wednesday and TNT picks it up exclusively, DIRECTV customers will need access to TNT’s feed. That same game won’t appear on League Pass within blackout regions.
Fans outside of Louisiana and surrounding coverage zones don’t face local blackout restrictions. However, when a Pelicans game is nationally televised, NBA League Pass subscribers won't see it live there either, unless it’s made available after broadcast on replay. In these cases, DIRECTV subscribers benefit most by maintaining access to both RSNs and national networks.
Planning your game-night setup with the blackout matrix in mind ensures zero surprises and uninterrupted access to the entire Pelicans regular season slate.
©2026 American TV. All Rights Reserved
Disclaimer: All rights reserved. AmericanTV.com is a website for research and comparison as such, falls under "Fair Use". AmericanTV.com does not provide directly phone, TV, and internet service. All trademarks, logos, etc. remain the property of their respective owners and are used by AmericanTV.com only to describe products and services offered by each respective trademark holder. The use of any third party trademarks on this site in no way indicates any relationship between AmericanTV.com and the holders of said trademarks, nor any endorsement of AmericanTV.com by the holders of said trademarks.
We are here 24/7 to answer all of your TV + Internet Questions:
1-855-690-9884
1-855-690-9884