Over the past few years, basketball has steadily grown in popularity in India, especially among young fans in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The fast pace, flashy dunks, and star power of players like Stephen Curry and LeBron James have drawn millions of Indian viewers to the NBA. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just getting into the sport, one of the most common questions is: where can I watch NBA games in India?
The good news? There are several reliable platforms where you can catch the action live or on-demand — some paid, some free. Here’s everything you need to know.
JioCinema: The New Home for NBA Games in India
Starting in the 2023-24 NBA season, Viacom18, the media company behind JioCinema, secured the streaming rights for the NBA in India. That means JioCinema is now the official digital destination for NBA fans in the country.
- Free Streaming: One major plus is that many NBA games on JioCinema are available to stream for free. All you need is a Jio number and the JioCinema app (or website).
- Live and On-Demand: You can watch games live or catch up later with full replays and highlights.
- Commentary: Most games have English commentary, but some may include Hindi or other regional languages in the future.
For Indian fans who are used to streaming cricket on JioCinema, this setup feels familiar and easy to navigate.
NBA League Pass: The Global Option with Extras
If you want the full NBA experience with minimal ads, multiple camera angles, and no regional restrictions, the NBA League Pass is your best bet.
- Price: The cost in India is much lower than in Western countries. You can subscribe monthly or for the full season.
- Features: It includes every game live and on-demand, player-focused streams, classic games, and original NBA programming.
- Access: Works on mobile, desktop, and smart TVs. Payments can be made via UPI, cards, or wallets.
Many serious basketball fans in India use League Pass for its depth and quality. It’s especially useful during the playoffs or when following a specific team or player.
Sports18 TV Channel: For Traditional Viewers
If you’re someone who prefers watching on television rather than streaming, Sports18 (also part of the Viacom18 group) broadcasts select NBA games in India.
- Availability: It’s available on most DTH services like Tata Play, Airtel Digital TV, and others.
- Programming: Not all games are televised, but you can expect at least 4 to 5 games per week, including marquee matchups and weekend games.
- Language Options: Usually available in English, but future regional expansions are possible depending on demand.
This is a solid option for families or older viewers who still prefer the big screen experience.
YouTube and Social Media: Quick Highlights and Short Clips
Sometimes, you can’t watch a full game due to time or data limits. That’s where platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) come in.
- NBA India YouTube Channel: Offers daily highlights, game recaps, and interviews.
- Instagram and X: Real-time updates, best plays, and interactive fan content.
- Free and Fast: These platforms don’t cost a rupee and work even with slow connections.
While they don’t replace live games, they’re perfect for staying in the loop, especially during a busy workday or commute.
Pro Tips for Indian Viewers
- Time Zones: Most NBA games happen between 5:30 AM and 9:00 AM IST. Weekends may have slightly better timings.
- Data Usage: If you’re streaming on mobile, use Wi-Fi when possible. NBA games can eat up a lot of data.
- Schedule Ahead: Use apps like SofaScore or the NBA app to track game times and results.
- Team Jerseys and Merch: NBA India occasionally runs contests and discounts, so keep an eye on their social channels.
