If you’re an NBA fan in the UK, you may be wondering how to watch your favourite games for free.
The good news is that there are a few options available that won’t require you to pay for a subscription.
One option is to tune into the NBA Sunday Games on Sky Sports, which are also available for free on their YouTube channel.
Additionally, the BBC also broadcasts some NBA games, so it’s worth checking their schedule to see if any games are being shown.
Another way to watch NBA games for free is to take advantage of free trials offered by streaming services.
For example, Kayo Sports offers a free trial in Australia, while FuboTV offers a free trial in the US.
Understanding NBA Broadcasting Rights in the UK
Watching NBA games in the UK can be a bit tricky due to the broadcasting rights.
In this section, I will explain what NBA broadcasting rights are, who owns them in the UK, and how they affect watching NBA games in the UK.
What are NBA broadcasting rights?
NBA broadcasting rights are the legal agreements between the NBA and broadcasters that allow them to show NBA games on television or online.
These agreements specify which games can be broadcasted and how they can be broadcasted, such as live or recorded, and on which channels or platforms.
Who owns the NBA broadcasting rights in the UK?
In the UK, the NBA broadcasting rights are owned by Sky Sports, which has a multi-year agreement with the NBA to show live games, highlights, and other NBA-related content.
How do NBA broadcasting rights affect watching NBA games in the UK?
Since Sky Sports owns the NBA broadcasting rights in the UK, they have the exclusive rights to show live NBA games.
This means that if you want to watch NBA games live in the UK, you will need to have a subscription to Sky Sports.
However, there are other ways to watch NBA games, such as NBA League Pass, which allows you to watch live and recorded games online for a fee.
Another option is NOW TV, which can help if you don’t have Sky.
It’s important to note that watching NBA games through unofficial streams or sources is illegal and can lead to legal consequences.
Additionally, these streams may be of low quality and unreliable, so it’s best to stick with legal and official sources.
Free ways to Watch NBA in the UK
If you’re looking for free ways, there are a few options available.
Here are some ways to watch NBA in the UK without spending a penny:
BBC iPlayer
The BBC has secured the rights to air live NBA games in the UK.
You can watch NBA games for free on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.
This means you can watch some of the biggest games of the season without paying a penny.
However, the number of games available on BBC is limited, and you may not be able to watch every game you want to see.
Sky Sports Mix
Sky Sports Mix is a free channel available to all Sky TV customers, which broadcasts a selection of live sports events, including NBA games.
You can watch NBA games for free on Sky Sports Mix, but the number of games available is limited.
You may not be able to watch every game you want to see on this channel.
Freeview Channel 64
Freeview Channel 64 is a free channel that broadcasts a selection of live sports events, including NBA games.
You can watch NBA games for free on this channel, but the number of games available is limited.
You may not be able to watch every game you want to see on this channel.
Live Streaming Websites
There are several live streaming websites that offer free NBA games.
However, these websites are often illegal and may not be reliable.
They may also be shut down at any time. If you choose to use these websites, you do so at your own risk.
Some of the popular live streaming websites include Reddit NBA Streams, Stream2watch, and Live TV.
While there are free ways to watch NBA in the UK, the number of games available on these platforms is limited.
If you want to watch every game of the season, you may need to subscribe to a paid service.
Paid ways to watch NBA in the UK
If you’re willing to pay for it, there are a few different ways to watch NBA games in the UK.
Sky Sports
Sky Sports is the official broadcaster of the NBA in the UK, so if you have a Sky Sports subscription, you’ll be able to watch many of the games live on TV or online via the SkyGo app.
However, not all games will be shown on Sky Sports, so you may miss out on some of the action.
If you’re a die-hard NBA fan and want to make sure you don’t miss any games, you can upgrade your Sky Sports subscription to include the NBA channel.
This will give you access to all the live games, as well as highlights, analysis, and other NBA-related content.
NBA League Pass
If you want to watch every single NBA game, NBA League Pass is the way to go.
This online service lets you stream every game live, as well as watch replays, highlights, and other content on demand.
You can also choose to watch games from a specific team or player’s perspective, which is a unique and immersive experience.
There are a few different NBA League Pass packages available, including a full season pass, a team pass, and a day pass.
Prices vary depending on the package you choose, but they can be quite expensive, so this option is only recommended for serious NBA fans.
Overall, if you’re willing to pay for it, there are a few different ways to watch NBA games in the UK.
Whether you choose to watch on Sky Sports or NBA League Pass, you’ll be able to enjoy live games, highlights, analysis, and other content.
Just be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege.
Ethical and Legal Considerations
While it may be tempting to try and watch NBA games in the UK for free, it is important to consider the ethical and legal implications of doing so.
Streaming content without paying for it is illegal and can result in fines or even imprisonment.
Additionally, streaming from illegal sources can expose your device to viruses and malware, putting your personal information at risk.
It is also important to consider the impact on the NBA and its players.
The league and its teams rely on revenue from broadcasting rights to support their operations and pay their players.
Watching games through illegal streams takes away from their ability to generate income and can harm the league and its stakeholders.
There are legal ways to watch NBA games, such as through a subscription to NBA League Pass or through a cable or satellite TV provider.
These options may require a fee, but they provide access to high-quality, legal streams of NBA games without the risks associated with illegal streams.
Ultimately, the decision of how to watch NBA games is up to the individual.
However, it is important to consider the ethical and legal implications of any actions taken and to make informed decisions that support the NBA and its players.
Conclusion
There are several options available for watching NBA games in the UK for free.
The BBC and Sky Sports are the two main broadcasters of NBA games in the UK, and both offer free coverage on certain days, such as Sundays.
Additionally, online betting sites may offer free streaming of NBA games with a deposit into your account.
It’s important to note that while these options may be free, they may not offer the same level of coverage or quality as paid services such as NBA League Pass.
Additionally, free options may be limited to certain games or may only be available for a limited time.
If you are a die-hard NBA fan and want access to all games and comprehensive coverage, it may be worth investing in a paid service.
However, if you are looking for a more casual viewing experience or simply want to catch a few games for free, the options outlined in this article should suffice.
Ultimately, the choice of how to watch NBA games in the UK is up to you and your personal preferences.
Whether you opt for free or paid services, there are plenty of options available to suit a range of budgets and viewing habits.