In 2025, many basketball fans still search for NBA Reddit Streams hoping to find free live game links. However, since Reddit banned the NBA streams subreddit in 2019, those unofficial feeds are gone. Instead, fans should turn to official and safe streaming options. Major sports sites note that illegal streams often carry malware (infecting devices in 71 seconds on average), so it’s safer to use legitimate channels. In this guide we explain how to watch NBA games online live – often for free via trials or apps – without resorting to “NBA Reddit Streams” links.
Fans should also be aware that searches like nba reddit stream, nba streams reddit, reddit nba streams, nba stream reddit, or where to watch nba streams reddit simply signal people looking for free game feeds, but such routes are unreliable and illegal.
Why “NBA Reddit Streams” Is No Longer Available
The term NBA Reddit Streams originally referred to the now-defunct subreddit r/NBAStreams, where users once posted pirated live streams of games. Sports Illustrated reports that in June 2019 Reddit shut down r/nbastreams after the NBA filed thousands of copyright takedown requests. After that ban, fans moved on to private Discord channels or fly-by-night websites – but these are unregulated.
According to WIPO, visiting illicit sports streams poses serious risks: malware can infect a device in seconds, and surveys show millions of viewers suffer viruses, identity theft or fraud after using illegal streaming sites. In short, relying on “NBA Reddit streams” today is dangerous. The NBA’s official stance is that “platforms shutting down repeat infringers is critical” to protect fans and rights holders.
Instead of risky Reddit links, it’s far better to use official NBA streaming sources. The NBA and its broadcast partners have made it easy to find live games legally. For example, the NBA’s 2025-26 media deals include ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video as exclusive broadcasters. Every game not on those networks is on NBA League Pass (via the NBA App or Amazon). Below we’ll cover all the legal (and in some cases free) ways to watch NBA games live in 2025.
Official NBA Streaming Options
Fans in 2025 have many legal platforms to watch NBA games. The official NBA guide highlights three new broadcast partners: Disney’s ABC/ESPN, NBCUniversal’s NBC/Peacock, and Amazon’s Prime Video. Each will air dozens of games (for example, ABC/ESPN covers ~80 regular-season games; NBC/Peacock covers ~100; Prime Video has 66 games).
The NBA League Pass then carries every other game live or on-demand. In practice, that means: if you want all out-of-market games, subscribe to NBA League Pass (about $17/month or $110/year) or add it through Amazon/Prime (which even offers a 7-day free trial). Major sports sites note League Pass lets you stream every out-of-market game each season.
In the US, nationally televised games are on: – ABC/ESPN: 80+ regular games including Christmas Day and NBA Finals.
– NBC/Peacock: 100+ regular games (Mondays, Tuesdays, Sundays).
– Amazon Prime Video: 66 games, including play-in and some playoff rounds.
These channels are available via cable/satellite or live-TV streaming services.
For example, streaming bundles like Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu Live include ESPN, ABC and TNT (NBA TV) channels. According to one guide, YouTube TV ($73/mo) carries ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV; Hulu + Live TV ($77/mo) also includes ESPN, TNT and ABC; and Sling TV (from $40/mo) offers ESPN (Orange plan) and TNT (Blue plan). (For completeness: fuboTV carries TNT and ABC but notably lacks ESPN.) Local team games come via regional sports networks, which are included in most of these packages.
Fans should also note free trials and promos. Many streaming services offer trial periods. TechRadar notes that Amazon Prime Video has a 30-day free trial, which covers all Prime-exclusive NBA games. Services like Sling TV, YouTube TV and Hulu Live often have 5–7 day trials for new customers. For example, YouTube TV even advertises a short trial, and Australia’s Kayo Sports offers a 7-day free trial. Using these trials (judiciously) lets you catch a handful of games free.
Some live-TV packages (e.g. DirecTV MySports) also offer short discount periods or money-back guarantees that can be used during the season. If you already have cable, remember you likely get ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV on your box. Cable subscribers can add NBA League Pass for the rest of games (often bundled with Prime or DirecTV with a free trial).
Many international viewers also have official streams. For instance, in Canada Sportsnet and TSN share NBA coverage (each airing 41 Toronto Raptors games). These channels are available live on TV and via Sportsnet+ ($30/mo) or TSN+ ($8/mo) streaming platforms. The remaining out-of-market games in Canada are on NBA League Pass (about $20/mo or $185/season). (Likewise, in the UK, NBA games are on Sky Sports and Amazon Prime.) The key is that fans don’t need Reddit or pirate sites – every NBA game is available through legal broadcasters or streaming services.
Two NBA fans in Canada with flags watching a game on TV. Even outside the US, official streams exist. In Canada, Sportsnet and TSN split the Raptors schedule, and fans can watch via Sportsnet+ or TSN+ instead of illegal Reddit streams. The remaining games are on NBA League Pass.
Free and Trial Options
Truly free NBA viewing is limited, but there are some lawful options:
- Antenna for ABC: A digital TV antenna (one-time ~$20–50) can pick up roughly 20 nationally-televised games per season on ABC. This covers select weekends, Christmas Day, and all NBA Finals on ABC. The Starry blog notes “about 20 games per season on ABC” via antenna – perfect for casual fans or playoffs.
- NBA App & Team Sites: The official NBA App (iOS/Android) provides free highlights, replays, and live radio broadcasts. Occasionally the league or networks stream special games or events free on the app. Similarly, NBA team websites and apps offer free audio streams and highlights. These aren’t live video of every game, but they’re 100% legal and ad-free.
- Free Trials: As noted, many paid streaming services offer trial periods. If timed right, you can use YouTube TV’s short trial (5 days), Amazon Prime’s 30-day trial, Hulu or Sling trials, etc., to watch a few games without payment. Remember to cancel before they charge.
- Game Highlights & Recaps: If “watching live” isn’t mandatory, official highlight channels (NBA, ESPN, etc.) post game highlights and condensed replays for free on YouTube and social media. These aren’t live streams, but they’re safe, legal, and free.
These free methods have limitations, but they come without legal or security risk. As one tech guide explains, “NBA basketball is largely stuck behind the paywall around the world,” so true free streams are rare. Still, combining an antenna for ABC games with one or two streaming trials can cover many big matchups at no cost. And don’t forget the NBA’s occasional free broadcasts – for example, all NBA Finals games are on ABC (so free with antenna).
Dangers of Illegal NBA Streams
It may be tempting to click “free NBA stream” links on Reddit or shady sites, but the risks are high. Industry experts warn that illegal streams often carry malware and ads that can hijack your device. In fact, one study found that 57% of illegal streaming apps contain embedded malware, and millions of users suffer viruses, identity theft or even financial loss after visiting pirate sports sites. Along with the legal risk of copyright infringement, these hidden dangers make “watching NBA Reddit streams” far from safe.
If you see a site promising free NBA games, be wary of fake video players prompting you to install plugins or surveys. These are often fronts for malware. Always check if a stream is on an official domain (for example, a broadcaster or cable provider’s site). Remember: the only truly safe way to watch is through authorized channels like NBA League Pass or official apps. The WIPO explicitly advises fans to choose legal broadcasts to avoid becoming piracy victims.
Tips for Safe Streaming
To watch NBA games safely online, follow these best practices:
- Use Official Platforms: Stick to known services: NBA League Pass, ESPN/ABC/NBC apps, Peacock, Prime Video, or verified cable/streaming apps. Even if you find a “free” stream link on Reddit, it’s safer to use a three-day trial on Peacock or Hulu than to risk malware.
- Check for HTTPS and Trustmarks: When entering a site or app, make sure the URL is secure (starts with “https://”) and looks official. Avoid random pop-ups or apps that ask for unusual permissions.
- Enable Ad-Blockers/Antivirus: Even on legitimate sites, ads can be intrusive. Use an ad-blocker in your browser and keep antivirus software active. (Illegal sites often abuse ads to spread malware.)
- Use a VPN if Needed: If you travel or live abroad, some services geo-block NBA content. In that case, a VPN can legally help you access the streams you already subscribe to. (Use a reputable VPN; remember using VPNs to bypass blackouts can violate terms of service.)
- Plan Ahead with Calendar: Check the weekly schedule (e.g. Sunday on ESPN/ABC, Monday on Peacock, etc) and set reminders. That way, you won’t feel forced to hunt for pirated streams last minute.
By following these tips, you can enjoy games hassle-free. For example, many fans find YouTube TV’s interface user-friendly, and it even includes unlimited DVR if games run late. Budget-conscious fans may use Sling+NBA League Pass combo. The key is to avoid sketchy “free stream” sites. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are NBA Reddit Streams?
A: NBA Reddit Streams refers to the (now-defunct) subreddit where users shared links to live game streams. It is not an official NBA service. In 2019 Reddit shut down r/nbastreams after copyright take downs. Today, any “NBA Reddit streams” are either inactive communities or unofficial sites (often illegal).
Q: Where can I watch NBA games for free in 2025?
A: Free live NBA games are scarce. You can use an over-the-air antenna to catch about 20 ABC games per year (including playoffs and Finals). The NBA app offers free highlights, audio, and sometimes special broadcasts. Otherwise, look for streaming free trials (e.g. Amazon 30-day, YouTube TV 5-day). Avoid illegal streams.
Q: Are NBA Reddit Streams legal and safe?
Q: What is the best way to watch live NBA games in 2025 without cable?
A: Official streaming services cover all games. For nationally televised games, use ESPN (on ABC or app), NBC/Peacock, or Amazon Prime. Many cable cutters use live-TV streaming bundles: e.g. YouTube TV (ESPN/TNT/ABC), Hulu Live (ESPN/TNT), or Sling TV. For out-of-market games, get NBA League Pass. Combining these legally avoids the need for random free streams.
Q: How can I watch NBA games internationally?
A: The NBA has global broadcast deals. In Canada, Sportsnet and TSN air local games (available via Sportsnet+ or TSN+ apps), and League Pass covers the rest. In other regions, check local sports networks (Sky Sports in the UK, Kayo in Australia, etc.). Wherever you are, avoid unsecured streams – use VPNs only to access services you already subscribe to.
If you have more questions, check the official NBA “Where to Watch” guide or community forums for details.
Conclusion
In summary, searching for NBA Reddit Streams is a recipe for frustration and risk in 2025. The old Reddit stream community has been shut down, and any free streaming sites they link to are unofficial and unsafe. Instead, rely on the many legal options: network broadcasts, streaming services, and free trials. As we’ve seen, official partners like ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video cover most games, and NBA League Pass handles the rest. Even without cable, services like YouTube TV or Sling plus trials can get you all the action. By choosing legitimate streams and following safety tips, you can watch NBA games online without paying through the nose or risking malware More content.
Enjoy the season, and always put safety first – your favorite NBA game is just a few clicks away through the official channels. If you found this guide helpful, please share it with other fans and leave a comment below with your favorite NBA streaming tips. Let’s keep the discussion legal, safe, and full of hoops!