Finding out which channel the Cleveland Cavaliers are on tonight used to be simple. You’d just flip to Channel 43 or wait for the scroll on the bottom of the news. Honestly, those days are long gone. Now, between the rebrand of regional sports networks and the NBA’s massive new national TV deals, trying to find cleveland cavaliers what channel can feel like you need a master's degree in streaming services.
If you’re sitting on your couch right now with the remote in your hand, here’s the short answer: Most nights, you’re looking for FanDuel Sports Network Ohio. Yes, the name changed again—it’s the old Bally Sports Ohio. But if it’s a big matchup, you might be looking for ESPN, ABC, or even NBC and Peacock.
The Local Scene: FanDuel Sports Network and Beyond
For the 2025-26 season, the vast majority of games—70 of them, to be exact—live on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (FDSN Ohio). This is the "home" channel. If you have Spectrum, Cox, or Breezeline in Northeast Ohio, it’s likely already in your package.
But what if you cut the cord?
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You can actually subscribe to FDSN Ohio as a standalone streaming service now. You don't even need a cable login. You just download the app, pay the monthly fee, and you're in. Fubo and DIRECTV STREAM also carry the channel, which is a lifesaver for people who want the "real" TV experience without the satellite dish on the roof.
There is also a really cool "free" option that a lot of people overlook. The Cavs struck a deal with Gray Television to air several games over-the-air. This means if you have a cheap digital antenna, you can catch select games on WUAB Channel 43 or the Rock Entertainment Sports Network. It’s sort of a throwback to the old days, and it's great for fans who don't want to shell out $20 a month just to see Donovan Mitchell cook.
National TV: When the Cavs Go Big
Because the Cavs have been playing so well lately, the national networks are all over them. For 2026, the NBA’s broadcast landscape has shifted. We now have three major partners: Disney (ESPN/ABC), NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock), and Amazon Prime Video.
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- ESPN and ABC: These are the traditional heavy hitters. If it’s Wednesday night or a weekend showcase, check here first.
- NBC and Peacock: This is the new (old) kid on the block. NBC is back in the NBA business. They usually take the Sunday night slot. Some games are exclusive to Peacock, so you might need that $7.99 subscription to see those specific matchups.
- Amazon Prime Video: Amazon now has exclusive rights to several regular-season games. These won't be on local TV at all. If the schedule says "Prime Video," that's the only place to find it.
Cleveand Cavaliers What Channel: A Quick Reference
If you’re looking for a specific game, the channel depends entirely on the day of the week and who they are playing.
For example, the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 16, 2026, is a "double-dip." It’s airing locally on FDSN Ohio but also nationally on ESPN. In these cases, the local broadcast usually has John Michael and Brad Daugherty, which most Cavs fans prefer over the national announcers anyway. Brad brings that specific energy that just feels like Cleveland.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for the MLK Day game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 19, that’s a big NBC and Peacock production. You won't find that one on your local regional sports network.
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Out of Market? Use League Pass
If you live in Columbus or Cincinnati, you’re usually still in the "local" zone for FDSN Ohio. But if you’ve moved away—say, you’re a Cleveland transplant living in Chicago—you basically have to use NBA League Pass.
League Pass is great because it gives you every game, but it has one massive catch: blackouts. If you are physically located in Cleveland, you cannot use League Pass to watch the Cavs. The app will literally block the stream. It’s annoying, but it’s how the TV contracts protect the local cable companies.
Actionable Steps for Fans
Stop guessing every Tuesday night. To make sure you never miss a tip-off, do these three things right now:
- Sync the Schedule: Go to the official Cavs website and sync the schedule to your Google or Apple Calendar. It automatically updates with the correct channel for every single game.
- Check Your Antenna: If you’re a cord-cutter, scan your channels on your TV. Make sure you can pick up WUAB 43. It’s free HD basketball for select games throughout the season.
- The Prime/Peacock Check: Since these are the newest "exclusive" homes for the NBA, check if your cell phone plan or internet provider gives you a free subscription. Many Xfinity or Spectrum customers get Peacock for free or at a deep discount, which covers those random Monday or Sunday night Cavs games.
The 2026 season is a weird mix of old-school broadcast and futuristic streaming. It takes a second to get used to, but once you know where to look, you won't miss a single bucket from the Wine and Gold.