Finding the right channel for a Warriors game used to be simple. You’d check the local sports network, maybe flip to TNT on a Thursday, and you were basically set. But honestly, the 2025-26 season has changed everything. The NBA’s massive new media deal kicked in this year, and it has scattered the golden state tv schedule across a confusing mix of legacy networks and brand-new streaming platforms.
If you're looking for the game tonight, you've got to know if it's a "Peacock Monday" or an "Amazon Friday." It's a lot.
The New Reality of the Golden State TV Schedule
The biggest shock for most fans is that TNT is officially out of the rotation. After decades of "Inside the NBA" being the Tuesday and Thursday staple, those nights have been split up. NBC is back in the basketball business for the first time in twenty years, and Amazon Prime Video has carved out a massive chunk of the schedule.
For the local crowd in the Bay Area, NBC Sports Bay Area remains the primary home for the vast majority of games. But even that isn't a guarantee anymore. Because the Warriors are still a massive ratings draw—even with the roster shifting around Steph Curry—they are constantly getting flexed into national exclusive windows.
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When a game is exclusive to a national partner like Amazon or ABC, it often won't air on the local regional sports network (RSN). This leads to that frustrating moment where you pull up your usual channel only to find a poker tournament or a college replay instead of Kuminga driving to the rim.
Breaking Down the Weekly Broadcast Rhythm
To keep your sanity, it helps to think of the week in specific blocks. The league has tried to create a "rhythm" with this new deal, even if it feels chaotic at first.
- Mondays: These are often exclusive to Peacock. If the Warriors are playing a marquee matchup on a Monday, don't expect to find it on cable.
- Tuesdays: This is the new "NBA on NBC" night. They usually run doubleheaders, with the Warriors often taking the late-night "Pacific Coast" slot.
- Wednesdays: This remains the home of ESPN. It’s one of the few things that hasn't changed.
- Thursdays and Fridays: This is Amazon Prime Video territory. Much like Thursday Night Football, the NBA has moved its "prestige" mid-week games to streaming.
- Weekends: ABC handles the Saturday night and Sunday afternoon showcases, while NBC/Peacock often takes the Sunday night window once the NFL season wraps up.
Key Dates on the 2026 Calendar
We are currently in the thick of the January grind. Looking at the upcoming stretch for the golden state tv schedule, there are a few massive games coming up that will require different apps or channels.
On January 22nd, the Warriors travel to Dallas to face the Mavericks. That game is a split broadcast, appearing on both NBC Sports Bay Area and Amazon Prime Video. However, just two days later on Saturday, January 24th, the game at Minnesota is an ABC exclusive. You’ll need the old-fashioned rabbit ears or a digital antenna for that one if you don't have cable.
Then comes the "Peacock" test. On Monday, January 26th, the second half of that Minnesota series is exclusive to the Peacock streaming service. You won't find it on NBC Sports Bay Area. You won't find it on ESPN. If you don't have the app, you're essentially locked out.
What About NBA League Pass?
If you live outside of the San Francisco/Oakland/San Jose market, NBA League Pass is still your best friend, but it has a catch. It won't show the games that are airing on national TV in your area. Since Golden State is scheduled for 34 national TV appearances this season—a franchise record—that means nearly half the season is "blacked out" on League Pass for everyone.
For local fans, League Pass is basically useless for live games due to those same blackout restrictions. You're better off with a service that carries the RSN, like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo.
How to Stream Without Getting a Headache
If you've cut the cord, the cheapest way to ensure you see every game is a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. You basically need a base live TV service (like YouTube TV) plus a subscription to Amazon Prime and Peacock.
- YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV: Gets you NBC Sports Bay Area, ESPN, ABC, and the occasional NBA TV game.
- Amazon Prime: Necessary for those Thursday and Friday night exclusive "streaming only" games.
- Peacock: Essential for Monday night games and the NBC simulcasts.
It’s not ideal. It’s expensive. But it’s the only way to make sure you don't miss a single "Steph-ortless" three-pointer. Some fans have turned to VPNs to use League Pass as if they were in a different country, which can work to bypass local blackouts, but the streaming services are getting better at blocking those workarounds every year.
Upcoming High-Profile Matchups
Later in February, the schedule gets even more intense. Mark your calendar for February 22nd against the Denver Nuggets. That's a Sunday afternoon showcase on ABC. Then, on February 28th, the Lakers come to the Chase Center for a primetime Saturday night battle on ABC.
March brings more variety. The game on March 5th against Houston is another Amazon Prime exclusive. Then on March 15th, a rare Sunday night game at the Knicks will air on NBC and Peacock.
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Actionable Tips for Dubs Fans
The days of "set it and forget it" for sports TV are over. To stay ahead of the golden state tv schedule, you should do three things right now. First, download the NBA App and favorite the Warriors; it will send you a push notification 30 minutes before tip-off telling you exactly which channel or app has the game.
Second, if you're a casual fan, don't buy a full year of Peacock or Amazon. Just get the monthly sub during the months when the Warriors have multiple exclusive games on those platforms.
Finally, check your local listings every Tuesday morning. The NBA is now using "flex scheduling" more aggressively than ever before to ensure big games get national eyeballs. A game that was originally on the local channel can be moved to NBC or ESPN with just a week's notice. Stay flexible, keep your apps updated, and you'll be ready for the playoff push.
To stay current on the latest broadcast shifts and local blackouts, frequently check the official Warriors team site or the NBC Sports Bay Area live "Warriors Central" updates, which often clarify last-minute streaming changes for the Northern California market.