WNBA on NBC, Peacock and USA Network: What DIRECTV Viewers Need to Know
2026 was the first season of the WNBA's new national TV deals, and NBC joined as a partner. NBC and Peacock share 22 national regular-season games a season, plus playoff games, and USA Network (DIRECTV channel 242) carries part of the Finals. On DIRECTV, NBC comes with your local channels and USA Network is in every main package. Peacock is a separate streaming subscription.
Where WNBA games air in 2026
| Network | What it carries | On DIRECTV |
|---|---|---|
| NBC | National regular-season and playoff games, Finals Games 1 and 4 | Local NBC station |
| Peacock | NBC games plus Peacock exclusives, all Finals games | Separate streaming app |
| USA Network | Finals Games 2, 3 and 5 to 7 | Channel 242 |
| Team local partners | Non-national games | Varies by team and market |
From NBC Sports' WNBA schedule pages, checked October 13, 2026. Other national partners also carry games, so check each game's listing.
2026 WNBA Finals channels
The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream open the best-of-seven Finals on Saturday, October 17, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC. Game 4 (Oct. 24, 1 p.m.) is also on NBC. Games 2 and 3 (Oct. 19 and 21, with Game 3 also on CNBC) and any Games 5 to 7 (Oct. 26, 29 and 31) are at 8 p.m. ET on USA Network, and Peacock simulstreams every game. For team details, see our guides to the Valkyries and the 2026 WNBA playoffs.
Tips for DIRECTV customers
Make sure you get your local NBC station
The NBC games are on your local NBC affiliate, which comes with DIRECTV's local channels where locals are offered.
Find USA Network on 242
USA Network is channel 242 in DIRECTV ENTERTAINMENT and higher.
Don't confuse USA Network with Peacock
The USA Network Finals games are on regular TV, and you don't need Peacock for them.
Want to check your local channels? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is the WNBA on DIRECTV?
It depends on the game. NBC games are on your local NBC station, and USA Network games are on channel 242. Other partners and local stations carry the rest.
Do I need Peacock to watch the WNBA Finals?
No. Every Finals game is on NBC or USA Network, both on DIRECTV. Peacock is an extra streaming option.
How many WNBA games are on NBC and Peacock?
NBC and Peacock share 22 national regular-season games a season, plus select playoff games.
When is Game 1 of the 2026 WNBA Finals?
Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
Questions about channels or packages at your address? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 13, 2026. Schedules and networks are set by the WNBA and its media partners and may change. Channel lineups, regional networks and package availability vary by address and may change. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site; all marks belong to their respective owners.