How to watch the 2026 NBA preseason: Channels, where to stream games, schedule and more

The NBA preseason begins this week. Here's how to watch! (Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) Boston Globe via Getty Images

The 2026-27 NBA season doesn't officially begin until October 20, but in the weeks before then, there are dozens of preseason games on the schedule so you can catch a glimpse of every team in action. Preseason games begin October 3; the Miami Heat and Toronto Raptors will kick things off that night at 7 p.m. ET on NBA TV. You'll find many other preseason games on NBA TV as well as on ESPN, ESPN2, NBC, NBCSN, DAZN and Peacock. Many games will also air locally on RSNs.

Here's a look at the Week 1 preseason schedule for the NBA, and find out where you can tune in.

Where to watch the 2026-27 NBA preseason

Dates: Oct. 3-16

Channels: NBA TV, ESPN, ESPN2, NBC, NBCSN

Streaming: ESPN Unlimited, Peacock, DAZN, YouTube TV and more

When does the 2026 NBA preseason start?

The 2026 NBA preseason kicks off on Oct. 3 with a game between the Miami Heat and the Toronto Raptors.

What channels will air NBA preseason games?

You'll be able to watch nationally televised NBA preseason games on NBA TV, ESPN, ESPN2, NBC, and NBCSN.

Where to watch NBA preseason games without cable:

NBA preseason games on ESPN and ESPN2 will also stream on ESPN Unlimited. Games on NBC and NBCSN will stream on Peacock. And you can watch these channels, plus NBA TV, on live TV platforms like YouTube TV.

This year, DAZN will be broadcasting NBA games in select markets: learn how to sign up for their plan so you won't miss your team's games. Select out of market games will also stream on NBA League Pass.

NBA Preseason Week 1 Schedule:

All times Eastern

October 3

• 7 p.m.: Miami Heat vs. Toronto Raptors (NBA TV/WPLG Local 10)

October 4

• 7 p.m.: Golden State Warriors vs. LA Clippers (NBA League Pass)

• 7 p.m.: Utah Jazz vs. Denver Nuggets (NBA TV/Altitude)

October 5

• 7 p.m.: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Atlanta Hawks (DAZN-MEM)

• 7 p.m.: Phoenix Suns vs. Detroit Pistons (SUNS+/3TV)

• 7 p.m.: New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers (NBA TV/NBCSP+/MSG/MSG on DAZN)

• 8 p.m.: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Bucks+/DAZN-MIN)

• 10 p.m.: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings (NBA TV)

October 6

• 7 p.m.: Brooklyn Nets vs. Charlotte Hornets (NBA TV/TV 64/DAZN-CHA)

• 8 p.m.: New Orleans Pelicans vs. OKC Thunder (Thunder+/Pelicans+/GCSEN)

• 9 p.m.: Denver Nuggets vs. Utah Jazz (Altitude)

• 10 p.m.: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors (NBA TV, Local NBC affiliates)

October 7

• 7 p.m.: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Indiana Pacers (NBA TV/DAZN-MIN)

• 8 p.m.: Phoenix Suns vs. Chicago Bulls (SUNS+/3TV/Chicago Sports Network)

• 8 p.m.: Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies (DAZN-MEM)

• 8 p.m.: Milwaukee Bucks vs. OKC Thunder (Thunder+/Bucks+)

• 10 p.m.: Golden State Warriors vs. Portland Trail Blazers (NBA TV)

October 8

• 7 p.m.: Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (NBC Sports Boston/DAZN-CLE)

• 7:30 p.m.: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Miami Heat (WPLG Local 10/Pelicans+/GCSEN/NBA League Pass)

• 7:30 p.m.: Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets (NBCSP+)

• 7:30 p.m.: Washington Wizards vs. New York Knicks (NBA TV/MSG)

• 8 p.m.: Atlanta Hawks vs. San Antonio Spurs (TBD)

• 10:30 p.m.: Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers (ESPN2)