WNBA League Pass is not available through YouTube TV
YouTube TV does not carry WNBA League Pass, the subscription service that streams out-of-market WNBA games. If you want to watch WNBA games on YouTube TV, you are limited to the games that air on the channels YouTube TV includes — primarily ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV — which broadcast select regular season and playoff games.
WNBA League Pass is sold separately as a standalone subscription through the WNBA's official website and through other platforms like Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime Video. It is not bundled with YouTube TV or offered as an add-on channel the way some sports packages are.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV carries ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV, which broadcast some WNBA regular season and playoff games, but not all games.
- WNBA League Pass, which streams most out-of-market games, is sold as a separate subscription and is not available through YouTube TV.
- You can watch WNBA games on YouTube TV only during nationally televised windows on ABC or ESPN.
- If you want access to most WNBA games, you need both YouTube TV (for local and national broadcasts) and a separate WNBA League Pass subscription.
Which WNBA games appear on YouTube TV
YouTube TV includes ESPN and ABC, both of which broadcast WNBA games during the regular season and playoffs. The number and timing of these broadcasts vary by year and by league schedule. Typically, you will see games on Thursday nights on ESPN, Friday nights on ABC, and select weekend games throughout the season.
YouTube TV also carries NBA TV, which occasionally airs WNBA content, though this is less frequent than ESPN and ABC. The exact schedule changes each season, so checking the YouTube TV guide or the WNBA's official schedule before the season starts is the fastest way to know which games will be available to you.
Games that are not broadcast on these national channels — including most regular season games and some playoff matchups — will not appear on YouTube TV unless they are also being shown on one of those networks that day.
How WNBA League Pass works as a separate service
WNBA League Pass is a streaming subscription sold directly by the WNBA. It gives you access to most out-of-market games throughout the regular season and playoffs. The cost and exact coverage details change from year to year, so visiting the WNBA's official website is the most reliable way to see current pricing and what games are included.
You can purchase WNBA League Pass through the WNBA website, or through third-party platforms including Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV. YouTube TV is not one of these platforms. If you already subscribe to YouTube TV and want League Pass, you will need to pay for it separately through one of those other services.
League Pass typically blackouts local games for teams in your area and nationally televised games, since those are already available through other means. This is standard practice for sports streaming services.
Combining YouTube TV with other ways to watch WNBA games
Many WNBA fans use YouTube TV for nationally broadcast games and then add another service for out-of-market coverage. If you want to watch your home team's local broadcasts, you may also need a cable login or a service that carries your local sports network, depending on your location and team.
Some games are also broadcast on the WNBA's official website and social media channels, particularly during the playoffs. Checking the WNBA schedule directly before each game is the clearest way to know where you can watch.
If cost is a concern, watching only the nationally televised games on YouTube TV (through ABC and ESPN) is free with your subscription and covers a meaningful portion of the season without paying extra.
Why WNBA League Pass is not bundled with YouTube TV
YouTube TV negotiates separately for each channel and service it offers. WNBA League Pass is owned and operated by the WNBA itself, not by a broadcast network, so it operates under different licensing agreements. The WNBA chooses to sell League Pass directly and through select platforms rather than making it available everywhere.
This separation also allows the WNBA to control pricing and distribution. By keeping League Pass separate from cable and streaming bundles, the league can set its own terms and reach viewers who want comprehensive coverage without forcing them to buy a full cable package.
Checking YouTube TV's current channel lineup
YouTube TV's channel list can change, and availability varies by location. To confirm that ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV are available in your area, log into your YouTube TV account and check the channel guide, or visit the YouTube TV website and enter your zip code.
If you do not yet have YouTube TV, you can preview the available channels before subscribing. This is the most direct way to see whether the WNBA broadcasts you want are included in your region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch WNBA games on YouTube TV at all?
Yes, but only the games that air on ABC, ESPN, or NBA TV. These networks broadcast select regular season and playoff games. Most other WNBA games are not available on YouTube TV unless they happen to be on one of those channels that day.
Is there a way to add WNBA League Pass to my YouTube TV subscription?
No. WNBA League Pass is not offered as an add-on to YouTube TV. You would need to purchase it separately through the WNBA website, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, or Sling TV.
How much does WNBA League Pass cost?
Pricing varies by year and by platform. Check the WNBA's official website or the platform where you plan to buy it for current pricing. Some platforms offer free trials, so you can test it before paying.
Will I see blackouts on WNBA League Pass?
Yes. League Pass typically blacks out local games for teams in your area and nationally televised games. This is standard for sports streaming services and is meant to protect local broadcasters and national TV deals.
What if I only want to watch my local WNBA team?
Check whether your team's local broadcasts are on a channel YouTube TV carries, or whether they air on a regional sports network. If they are on YouTube TV's channels, you are covered. If not, you may need a cable login or a different streaming service to watch local games.