The 2026 NBA Finals are underway, and the New York Knicks have already seized early momentum. The New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game 1, moving one step closer to what would be the franchise's first NBA championship since 1973.
The matchup features two compelling storylines. The Spurs are led by 7-foot-3 superstar Victor Wembanyama, who is trying to bring another title to San Antonio. Meanwhile, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is looking to help end New York City's 53-year championship drought and bring the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to Madison Square Garden.
Every game of the best-of-seven NBA Finals airs exclusively on ABC. Cord-cutters have several ways to watch, with most major live TV streaming services carrying the network. Here's everything you need to know about watching the 2026 NBA Finals.
2026 NBA Finals schedule
The Knicks and Spurs will play a best-of-seven series, with the NBA championship going to the first team to win four games. While seven games are scheduled, the series could end sooner if one team reaches four victories before Game 7.
Game |
Date |
Time (ET) |
Channel |
Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Game 1 |
Wednesday, June 3 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
Knicks 105, Spurs 95 (NYK leads 1-0) |
Game 2 |
Friday, June 5 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
TBD |
Game 3 |
Monday, June 8 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
TBD |
Game 4 |
Wednesday, June 10 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
TBD |
Game 5* |
Saturday, June 13 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
If necessary |
Game 6* |
Tuesday, June 16 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
If necessary |
Game 7* |
Friday, June 19 |
8:30 p.m. |
ABC |
If necessary |
*If necessary.
Watch the NBA Finals on ABC
The simplest way to watch the NBA Finals is through your local ABC station. If you have a traditional cable, satellite or streaming TV package that includes ABC, you'll be able to watch every game live.
Many viewers can also watch ABC for free with an over-the-air antenna, depending on their location and signal strength.
Best streaming services for the NBA Finals
YouTube TV — $54.99/month
YouTube TV includes ABC, ESPN and more than 100 live channels. The service also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, making it easy to record games and watch later.
Hulu + Live TV — $89.99/month
Hulu + Live TV combines live sports coverage with access to Hulu's on-demand library, Disney+ and ESPN+ in a single subscription.
Fubo — Sports + News ($55.99/month)
Fubo carries ABC in most markets and is known for its sports-focused channel lineup. New subscribers may qualify for a free trial.
Sling TV — $45.99/month
Sling TV is one of the more flexible streaming options for NBA fans. In addition to its standard monthly subscription, viewers can choose prepaid access for one day, three days, seven days or three months. Sling Orange includes ESPN and provides access to NBA Finals coverage. ABC availability varies by market, so check Sling's channel lineup in your area before subscribing.
DirecTV — $64.99/month
DirecTV offers access to ABC and ESPN along with a broad lineup of sports, entertainment and news channels.
Note: Prices shown reflect standard monthly rates at the time of publication. New subscribers may qualify for free trials, introductory discounts or limited-time promotions.
Can you watch the NBA Finals on the ESPN App?
Yes, you can stream games through the ESPN App with a participating TV provider or eligible streaming subscription.
The ESPN App may also offer additional viewing experiences, including alternate camera angles, enhanced statistics and companion broadcasts during the series.
How to watch the NBA Finals while traveling
If you're traveling during the NBA Finals, you may still be able to stream coverage through your existing subscriptions. However, some streaming services may limit access based on your location, meaning your usual coverage could look different while you're away from home.
In those situations, some viewers use a virtual private network (VPN) to access their streaming accounts while traveling. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, which may help you securely sign in to your streaming services while on the go.
New to VPNs? Getting started is relatively simple:
- Choose a VPN service, such as NordVPN , and follow the setup instructions
- Select a server location that matches your home country
- Open your streaming app and log in as usual
Don't miss the NBA's biggest stage
With every game airing on ABC and multiple streaming options available, fans have more ways than ever to watch the Knicks and Spurs battle for the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Whether you watch through cable, an antenna or a live TV streaming service, you'll be able to catch every moment of the 2026 NBA Finals.
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