Finding a Warriors game where to watch shouldn't feel like you’re trying to decode a military transmission. But honestly, it kinda does. Between the regional blackouts, the confusing split between cable networks, and the sudden rise of streaming-only exclusives, being a Dubs fan in 2026 requires a bit of a roadmap. You just want to see Steph Curry cook. You shouldn't need a PhD in broadcast rights to do it.
The reality is that NBA broadcasting is in a weird transition phase. Most fans are still caught between the old world of Bally Sports (now FanDuel Sports Network) or NBC Sports Bay Area and the new world of Amazon Prime and Peacock. If you live in San Francisco, your options look totally different than if you're a fan living in New York or London.
The Local Loophole: NBC Sports Bay Area
If you’re lucky enough—or maybe unlucky, depending on your rent—to live within the local Golden State market, your primary destination is NBC Sports Bay Area. This is the "Regional Sports Network" (RSN) that carries the vast majority of regular-season games.
It’s the home of Bob Fitzgerald and Kelenna Azubuike.
For the cord-cutters, this is where things get annoying. You can't just buy a standalone subscription to NBC Sports Bay Area in most cases. You generally need a "skinny bundle" like Hulu + Live TV or FuboTV. YouTube TV is another heavy hitter here. These services carry the local channel, but they’ll run you roughly $75 to $80 a month. It’s basically cable with a different name.
If you try to use NBA League Pass while living in Oakland or San Jose, you’re going to see that dreaded "This content is blacked out in your area" message. It’s frustrating. It feels outdated. But it’s the way the contracts are currently written.
National TV and the Warriors Game Where to Watch
The Warriors are still the NBA’s golden goose for ratings. Because of that, they get a massive slate of national TV games every single year. When the schedule drops, you’ll see a huge chunk of games assigned to ABC, ESPN, and TNT.
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TNT is a big one.
Watching the "Inside the NBA" crew talk about Draymond Green’s latest technical foul is part of the experience. To catch these, you need a service that carries these networks. Sling TV is often the cheapest "legal" way to get ESPN and TNT, though their Orange and Blue packages are split up in a way that feels designed to make you buy both.
What About the New Tech Giants?
We are seeing more games move to Amazon Prime Video. The NBA's recent broadcast deals have carved out specific nights for streaming platforms. This isn't just a trend; it's the future. If the Warriors are playing on a Thursday night and it's an Amazon exclusive, your cable login won't save you. You need that Prime membership.
The League Pass Life for Out-of-Market Fans
Now, if you live outside of the Warriors' "home territory," you actually have it the easiest. NBA League Pass is honestly a great deal for someone living in, say, Chicago, who wants to watch every Golden State game.
You can get the "Team Pass" option if you literally only care about the Warriors.
The catch? National games are still blacked out. If the game is on ESPN, it won't be live on League Pass. You’ll have to wait until the archive version uploads a few hours later. It’s a trade-off. You get 90% of the games in one spot, but those big-ticket matchups against the Lakers or Celtics usually require a separate tuner.
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International Viewers Have the Best Deal
It’s a bit of an open secret that NBA League Pass International is superior to the US version. There are no blackouts. If you’re in the UK, Australia, or Germany, you can watch every single Warriors game where to watch without worrying about local vs. national rights. Some US fans try to use a VPN to mimic this, but the NBA has become much more aggressive at blocking those IP addresses lately. It's a cat-and-mouse game that usually ends with a "Loading Error."
Watching the Warriors for Free?
"Free" is a strong word in the world of sports rights.
Technically, games broadcast on ABC are free if you have an over-the-air (OTA) antenna. A $20 digital antenna from any big-box store can pick up those high-definition signals for nothing. The Warriors usually have several Saturday or Sunday showcase games on ABC throughout the spring.
Beyond that, you’re looking at free trials. FuboTV and YouTube TV almost always offer a 7-day trial. If there’s a massive playoff-implication game and you’re strapped for cash, you can rotate through these trials. Just remember to cancel them before the $80 charge hits your card. We’ve all been there.
Why the "Where to Watch" Changes Mid-Season
Sometimes you’ll look at the schedule and see a game listed for NBA TV.
NBA TV is like the "in-between" tier. It’s not quite local, not quite national. Many mid-tier cable packages don't include it. If a game is on NBA TV, it's usually also available on your local RSN. If you’re out of market, it’ll be on League Pass. It’s a confusing overlap that usually results in fans clicking through five different apps at 7:05 PM while the opening tip is happening.
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Troubleshooting the Stream
Nothing ruins a game like a spinning circle of death. If you're streaming on a phone or a smart TV, the bottleneck is rarely the NBA's servers—it's usually your local network.
- Hardwire if possible: If your TV has an ethernet port, use it. WiFi is prone to interference, especially in apartment buildings.
- Check the "Stats" feature: Apps like YouTube TV allow you to check "Stats for Nerds." If you see a high "Dropped Frames" count, your router might need a reboot.
- The 30-second delay: Every stream has a delay. If you're on Twitter (X) while watching, you will see the "Steph for Three!" tweet before you see him actually shoot it on your screen. Turn off notifications if you want the drama to stay fresh.
Direct Links and Official Apps
The safest way to avoid malware-ridden "free" streaming sites is to stay within the official ecosystem.
- The NBA App: This is the hub for League Pass.
- The NBC Sports App: Use this if you have a cable login and want to watch on your tablet.
- WatchESPN: For those Wednesday and Friday night double-headers.
Actionable Steps for the Next Tip-Off
To make sure you don't miss the next tip-off, take these specific steps right now. First, check the official Warriors schedule on NBA.com to see if the game is labeled "National" or "Local." If it's local and you're in the Bay Area, verify your login for NBC Sports Bay Area through your provider. If you are a cord-cutter, ensure your YouTube TV or Fubo subscription is active before the 7:00 PM rush.
For those out of market, download the NBA App and check your League Pass status. If you find yourself frequently traveling, consider the League Pass Premium option, which allows for two simultaneous streams on different devices. This is perfect if you’re sharing an account with a family member or if you want the game on your TV while the "Above the Rim" cam plays on your laptop. Finally, if you're relying on an antenna for an ABC game, do a channel scan at least an hour before the game starts to ensure your signal strength is peaking.
The landscape is shifting, but with a few clicks and the right subscription, you can ensure you’re there for every "night-night" celebration and every Klay Thompson heater.