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Difference Between NBA League Pass and NBA TV?

Difference Between NBA League Pass and NBA TV?

As basketball and NBA fans, and simple lovers of the game, we are always trying to watch the latest games in real-time.  However, there happens to be a plethora of different offerings provided by the NBA to watch live games.  From nationally broadcast games to region specific ones, to NBA League Pass and NBA TV.

And if you are thinking of purchasing a subscription to either NBA League Pass or NBA TV, you may be wondering, what is the difference between NBA League Pass and NBA TV? 

Below, we are going to discuss the differences between both NBA League Pass and NBA TV, their offerings, price, and which one would be best for your specific needs.

How to View the Latest NBA Highlights, Scores, and Rankings?

If you are simply looking to view the latest NBA highlights, scores, rankings, and rumors, then there has never been an easier time to do so.   With the advent of the internet, and the cropping of social media, you can find a number of Instagram and Twitter accounts which provide the latest NBA highlights and rankings in near real-time.

In addition to relying on social media, you can also trust old stalwarts of the industry for the latest NBA news, highlights, rankings, and rumors.  This includes the likes of both Bleacher Report and ESPN

As both Bleacher Report and ESPN have direct relationships with the NBA, their video quality, updates, and highlights are oftentimes crystal clear and more accurate.

Difference Between NBA League Pass and NBA TV?

How are NBA Games Broadcast on TV?

In the United States, NBA games are broadcast either nationally or locally.  In 2014, the NBA announced a nine-year, $24 billion extension with Turner Sports, ESPN, and ABC to broadcast live games each season through the 2024-2025 NBA season.

This extension offers the following rights to each network:

  • ABC – 19 regular season games, the Christmas day double or triple header, occasional Saturday night and Sunday afternoon games, some first and second round playoff games and the NBA Finals games.
  • ESPN – 82 regular season games played mostly on Wednesday and Friday.  Occasional Sunday and Monday night games, and up to 30 playoff games during the first two rounds.
  • TNT (Turner Sports) – 67 regular season games played mostly on Thursday night, All-Star weekend, and up to 45 playoff games.

In addition to the above, the NBA also signs multiple broadcast rights with local television networks.  These local or regional networks contract with the NBA team in their area for the rights to broadcast a number of regular season games locally.

For example, if you live in New York or New Jersey, you would be able to purchase or add the Brooklyn Nets or New York Knicks regional channel to your television lineup and would be able to view most of their live games via your television subscription.

Difference Between NBA League Pass and NBA TV?

How to Watch All Live NBA Games?

Unfortunately, if you are looking for a way to watch all and any live NBA game, regardless of your specific region in the country, you will need to upgrade and subscribe to either NBA League Pass or NBA TV.  Currently, only a select number of live games are broadcast nationally.

In addition, as with the example above, if you live in New York or New Jersey, but are a fan of the Atlanta Hawks, you will not be able  to view all of their live games without a subscription to either NBA League Pass or NBA TV.

NBA League Pass vs. NBA TV

When it comes to choosing between NBA League Pass or NBA TV,  it is important to understand the differences before you purchase a subscription. 

Before getting into the details, NBA League Pass is an offering directly from the NBA, which can also be purchase directly from your television subscriber, which allows you to watch and stream any live game for any team in the league.

NBA TV, however, should be thought of as another network channel, similar to TNT, ABC, or ESPN.  With NBA TV, you are offered an additional 106 live NBA games throughout the season.  However, you do not have full access to all live NBA games.  Similar to NBA League Pass, NBA TV can be purchased directly through the NBA or via your television provider.

To put is simply, with NBA League Pass, you are able to watch every live NBA game, regardless of region or where the game is taking place.  However, with NBA TV, you are afforded an additional 106 NBA games throughout the season but are not able to choose which additional games are provided.

Difference Between NBA League Pass and NBA TV?

How Much is NBA League Pass and NBA TV?

Currently, there are three unique offerings for NBA League Pass and NBA TV. 

For NBA TV, the current season price is $59.99.  However, you can opt to pay monthly at $6.99 per month.

For NBA League Pass, you have two subscription options. Either NBA League Pass or NBA League Pass Premium.  With NBA League Pass Premium, you are afforded all live NBA games commercial free.  In addition, with NBA League Pass Premium, you can stream all games on two separate devices.

NBA League Pass is currently priced at $199.99 per season or $28.99 per month.

NBA League Pass Premium is currently priced at $249.99 per season or $39.99 per month.

You can view, purchase, and subscribe to either NBA League Pass, NBA League Pass Premium, or NBA TV here.

Is There a Free Trial for NBA League Pass or NBA TV?

If you are unsure of which subscription package you believe would be best for you, then you may consider trialing either NBA League Pass or NBA TV.  Currently, both NBA League Pass and NBA TV provide a free7-day trial so that you can see which one works for you.

However, please note, you will be required to input your credit or debit card information on the trial page and will be automatically upgraded once the 7-day period has ended.  If you want to cancel your trial, and not be charged, be sure to do so before the end of the seven-day period.

Does NBA League Pass Include NBA TV?

Unfortunately, no, NBA League Pass does not include access to NBA TV.  If you have NBA League Pass, you will not be able to view games being broadcast on NBA TV without an NBA TV subscription.

Difference Between NBA League Pass and NBA TV?

Are There Any Blackouts with NBA League Pass?

Again, unfortunately yes, there are some blackouts and games which are not broadcast on NBA League Pass.  These are any games which are nationally broadcast on either TNT, ESPN, ABC, or NBA TV. 

In addition, you will not be able to watch or stream any regional or local games on NBA League Pass and will need to watch those games via your local channel.

So, returning to the example above, if you live in New York or New Jersey and want to watch the Brooklyn Nets or New York Knicks, you will have to do so on your local television channel.

Should You Get NBA League Pass or NBA TV?

While we, obviously cannot choose for you, you should consider just how many games you plan to watch before subscribing to either NBA League Pass or NBA TV.  If you are a casual fan looking to watch a few more games, then NBA TV should suffice.  However, if you are looking to watch as many games as possible, then NBA League Pass would be your best bet.

Should You Get NBA League Pass Premium?

If you really hate commercials, then we would recommend going with NBA League Pass Premium.  With the premium subscription, not only will you not have to view any commercials, but you will also be able to stream two separate games on two devices simultaneously.

Difference Between NBA League Pass and NBA TV?

Can You Watch NBA League Pass and NBA TV on a Mobile Device?

Yes, the NBA has created multiple apps so that you can stream games available on either NBA League Pass or NBA TV to your preferred device.  These apps not only include iOS and Android devices, but also Apple TV, Roku, Xbox, PlayStation, Amazon Fire devices, and any other major technological device.

What is NBA Team Pass?

Lastly, the NBA has also recently created the NBA Team Pass subscription.  With an NBA Team Pass subscription, you are afforded all live games for one team of your choice. 

However, blackouts still apply, and you will need to choose a team that is not offered in your region.  In addition, if your team of choice is playing on a national broadcast, you will not be able to stream it via your NBA Team Pass subscription.

For example, if you are a Los Angeles Lakers fan, but live in New York City, with NBA Team Pass, you can watch all Los Angeles Lakers live games via the app or website.

Currently, NBA Team Pass is priced at $119.99 per season or $17.99 per month and offers a free 7-day trial period.

Can You Add NBA TV to an NBA League Pass or NBA Team Pass Subscription?

Yes!  Currently, you are able to “bundle and save” by adding NBA TV to either an NBA League Pass, NBA League Pass Premium, or NBA Team Pass subscription.  Doing so will provide you with the additional 106 games which are exclusive to NBA TV.

To add the NBA TV subscription to your NBA League Pass, NBA League Pass Premium, or NBA Team Pass subscription, you will pay an additional $29.99 per season or $3.99 per month.