DIRECTV offers a free 5-day trial covering all the affected channels with plans starting at just $49.99/month for your first month. That unlocks NFL, NBA, NHL, and college football across ESPN, ABC, and more, plus regional sports networks in most markets, all for one price.

While NBA Cup games broadcast on TV across NBC and ESPN, the in-season tournament can also be streamed on web-based streaming cable services — like DirecTV, Fubo and Hulu + Live TV — some of which even offer free trials. Games are also streamable on Prime Video and Peacock.

With the 2025-26 NBA season in full swing, the league is already seeing a lot of buzz and excitement for what’s to come throughout the schedule. The first big event is the NBA Cup, a six-week in-season knockout tournament where each team has a chance to win it all.

Tonight’s (Oct. 27) Cavs vs. Pistons game will not air on traditional cable as it is exclusive to the Peacock streaming service. Peacock currently offers two subscription types: Premium with ads and Premium Plus ad-free. Peacock Premium costs $10.99/month, while Premium Plus costs $16.99/month.

There are plenty of options for fans to catch the start of the new season, including the return of the NBA on NBC - the first time since 2002.