What Channel Is NBA TV on DIRECTV?
NBA TV is on DIRECTV channel 216, and it's included starting with the CHOICE package. NBA TV's preseason coverage tips off Saturday, Oct. 3, and its regular-season schedule starts Saturday, Oct. 24. Here's which DIRECTV packages carry NBA TV, where the rest of the national games air and how to follow your team.
Quick answer
- NBA TV on DIRECTV: channel 216
- Cheapest Signature package with NBA TV: CHOICE (also in ULTIMATE and PREMIER)
- Not included in: ENTERTAINMENT
- ESPN and ESPN2 NBA games: channels 206 and 209 (ENTERTAINMENT and up)
- Sports-only option: the MySports Genre Pack includes NBA TV
NBA channels on DIRECTV
| Network | DIRECTV channel | Lowest package that includes it |
|---|---|---|
| NBA TV | 216 | CHOICE |
| ESPN | 206 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| ESPN2 | 209 | ENTERTAINMENT |
| Local ABC and NBC stations | Varies by market | Any Signature package where locals are offered |
| Regional sports networks and team channels | Varies by ZIP code | CHOICE (in your home market) |
| NBA FAST Channel | 4114 | Free streaming channel (MyFree DIRECTV) |
Starting in 2025-26, the NBA's national TV partners are ESPN/ABC, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video. Most of your team's games air locally on a regional sports network or a local station, and those come with CHOICE and up where available.
Which DIRECTV packages include NBA TV?
| Signature package | NBA TV (216) | ESPN and ESPN2 | Regional sports networks |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENTERTAINMENT | No | Yes | No |
| CHOICE | Yes | Yes | Yes (where available) |
| ULTIMATE | Yes | Yes | Yes (where available) |
| PREMIER | Yes | Yes | Yes (where available) |
Bottom line: ENTERTAINMENT gets you ESPN's games, but NBA TV and your local team's regional network both start at CHOICE. For most NBA fans, CHOICE is the package to start with.
When NBA TV's 2026-27 games start
- Saturday, Oct. 3: NBA TV's preseason coverage starts with Raptors vs. Heat at 7 p.m. ET, and it carries select preseason games after that.
- Thursday, Oct. 8: ESPN's preseason games begin on ESPN and ESPN2. See our 2026 NBA preseason guide.
- Tuesday, Oct. 20: the regular season opens on NBC and Peacock.
- Saturday, Oct. 24: NBA TV's regular-season schedule begins with Bucks at 76ers and Warriors at Suns. NBA TV has about 60 regular-season games planned.
Cheapest way to get NBA TV on DIRECTV
- Signature packages: CHOICE is the lowest package with NBA TV, and it adds your regional sports network where available.
- Sports-only streaming: the DIRECTV MySports Genre Pack includes NBA TV, ESPN, NFL Network and FS1, plus ESPN Unlimited.
Compare lineups in our DIRECTV package channel comparison, or call 1-855-690-9884 and we'll check what's available at your address.
How to find NBA TV on your DIRECTV guide
- Enter the number: press 2-1-6 on your remote.
- Search by team: type or say your team's name to see every upcoming game on any channel.
- Make it a favorite: add 206, 209 and 216 to your favorites list.
- On the go: sign in to the DIRECTV app and search "NBA TV."
Seeing a blackout message? Some NBA TV games can be blacked out in the teams' home markets, where the game airs on a local channel instead.
Other ways to watch NBA games
- NBA League Pass: for out-of-market games, League Pass is sold through TV providers and directly by the NBA. Learn more in DIRECTV NBA and League Pass 101.
- Peacock and Prime Video: both stream national NBA games as part of the league's TV deals, with their own subscriptions.
- ESPN Unlimited: DIRECTV customers whose package includes ESPN can activate it at no extra cost and watch ESPN's games in the ESPN app.
- Free: the NBA FAST Channel (4114) is a free streaming channel in MyFree DIRECTV. It has its own lineup of programming and doesn't carry NBA TV's live games.
Related DIRECTV basketball guides
- How to watch the 2026 NBA preseason on DIRECTV
- What channel is ESPN2 on DIRECTV?
- What channel is NBA TV on other providers?
- Full DIRECTV channel lineup guide
Want NBA TV, ESPN and your team's local channel on one plan? See DIRECTV options near you or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is NBA TV on DIRECTV?
NBA TV is channel 216 on DIRECTV. The number is the same on DIRECTV satellite and DIRECTV streaming.
Which DIRECTV package has NBA TV?
NBA TV is included in CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER. CHOICE is the lowest-priced Signature package that has it. It is also part of the MySports Genre Pack.
Is NBA TV included in DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT?
No. ENTERTAINMENT includes ESPN and ESPN2, which carry national NBA games, but not NBA TV. You need CHOICE or higher.
When do NBA TV games start for 2026-27?
NBA TV's preseason coverage starts Saturday, Oct. 3, with Raptors vs. Heat at 7 p.m. ET. Its regular-season schedule begins Saturday, Oct. 24, with Bucks at 76ers and Warriors at Suns.
Can I get NBA League Pass with DIRECTV?
NBA League Pass is sold through TV providers and directly by the NBA. Ask about current League Pass availability and pricing for your DIRECTV account.
Is there a free NBA channel on DIRECTV?
The NBA FAST Channel, channel 4114, is a free streaming channel in MyFree DIRECTV. It does not carry NBA TV's live games.
Questions about NBA TV or League Pass on your plan? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 2, 2026. Channel numbers and package contents reflect DIRECTV's current lineup and may change. Game times are Eastern and subject to change; live games are subject to blackout rules. NBA, NBA TV, NBA League Pass, ESPN, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.