NBA League Pass is not available through YouTube TV
YouTube TV does not carry NBA League Pass, the subscription service that lets you watch out-of-market NBA games. If you want League Pass, you need to buy it separately from the NBA's official website or through other platforms like Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video Channels.
YouTube TV does include live NBA games through its cable channels — ESPN, TNT, and ABC — so you can watch nationally broadcast games and playoff coverage. But League Pass gives you access to every team's local broadcasts, which YouTube TV's standard package does not offer.
The difference matters if you follow a team that is not in your local market or if you want to watch games that are not on national television. YouTube TV's sports lineup covers the major broadcast windows, but League Pass is built for fans who want deeper access.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV includes ESPN, TNT, and ABC, so you can watch nationally broadcast NBA games, but not League Pass.
- NBA League Pass must be purchased separately from the NBA's website or through Apple TV Channels and Amazon Prime Video Channels.
- League Pass lets you watch out-of-market games and local broadcasts for all 30 NBA teams, which YouTube TV does not provide.
- YouTube TV's sports package is best for viewers who watch major broadcast games; League Pass is for fans who want access to every team.
What NBA games are on YouTube TV
YouTube TV carries the channels that broadcast NBA games nationally: ESPN, TNT, ABC, and sometimes NBA TV. This means you can watch games that are scheduled for prime time or weekend slots, playoff games, and the NBA Finals.
The exact games available depend on the NBA's broadcast schedule for that week. If your team is playing on ESPN or TNT, you can watch it through YouTube TV. If the game is only available through League Pass or a local regional sports network, YouTube TV will not have it.
YouTube TV also includes local ABC and ESPN affiliates in most markets, which sometimes carry local team broadcasts. Check your YouTube TV guide to see which local channels are available in your area.
How to get NBA League Pass if you want it
To watch League Pass, go to nba.com/leaguepass and buy a subscription directly from the NBA. You can also add League Pass through Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video Channels if you already use those services.
League Pass costs vary depending on whether you want a full season subscription, a monthly plan, or a single-team plan. Prices change year to year, so check the NBA's website for current rates.
If you buy League Pass through Apple TV Channels or Amazon Prime Video, the subscription integrates into your existing account, and you watch through those apps instead of a separate NBA app. Some people prefer this because they manage all their subscriptions in one place.
Blackout rules that affect League Pass
Even with League Pass, you cannot watch games involving your local team if they are broadcast on a local or national channel in your area. This is called a blackout, and it exists because local broadcasters and cable channels have exclusive rights to show those games.
If you live in Los Angeles and the Lakers are playing on ESPN, you cannot watch that game on League Pass — you have to watch it on ESPN, which YouTube TV carries. But if you live in Boston and the Lakers are playing the Lakers' local broadcast, you can watch it on League Pass.
Blackouts are one reason many fans keep both YouTube TV (for national games and local broadcasts) and League Pass (for out-of-market games). It is the only way to see every game without restrictions.
YouTube TV sports channels compared to League Pass
YouTube TV is a cable replacement service, so it focuses on live broadcast channels. League Pass is a specialty service built only for basketball fans who want comprehensive access to NBA content.
YouTube TV gives you ESPN, TNT, ABC, and local channels, which covers the games most people watch. League Pass gives you every team's local broadcast, replays, and condensed games, which is useful if you follow multiple teams or a team outside your market.
The two services work well together. Use YouTube TV for nationally broadcast games and local team coverage, and add League Pass if you want to watch teams that are not in your area or games that are not on national television.
Other ways to watch NBA games without League Pass
If you do not want to buy League Pass, you can still watch NBA games through YouTube TV's cable channels, or through the NBA's free streaming options. The NBA offers free games through its official website and app, though the selection is limited and changes week to week.
Some games are also available through team-specific apps or websites. The Lakers, Celtics, and other franchises sometimes stream games through their own platforms, though this varies by team and by game.
Local regional sports networks sometimes stream games through their own apps or websites if you have a cable login. Check your team's official website to see what streaming options they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch League Pass games through YouTube TV if I add it as a channel?
No. League Pass is not available as an add-on channel through YouTube TV. You must buy League Pass separately from the NBA's website, Apple TV Channels, or Amazon Prime Video Channels, and watch it through those platforms instead.
Do I need YouTube TV to watch NBA games?
No. YouTube TV is one way to watch nationally broadcast games, but you can also watch through ESPN, TNT, ABC, or other cable providers. League Pass works independently of YouTube TV and does not require a cable subscription.
Will YouTube TV add League Pass in the future?
YouTube TV's channel lineup is determined by licensing agreements with broadcasters. League Pass is owned and sold directly by the NBA, so it is unlikely YouTube TV will carry it as a built-in channel. You will probably always need to buy League Pass separately.
What if I want to watch my local team's games that are not on national TV?
Check whether your local team's games are on a regional sports network in your area. YouTube TV carries some regional networks in certain markets. If not, League Pass is the main option for out-of-market access, though blackout rules may still explore to your local team.
Is League Pass worth it if I already have YouTube TV?
League Pass is worth it if you follow a team outside your local market, want to watch games that are not on ESPN or TNT, or follow multiple teams. If you only watch your local team and major broadcast games, YouTube TV's channels may be enough.