Finding the OKC Thunder game on TV used to be simple. You’d flip to a certain channel, see Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit a step-back, and go about your night. But things have changed. A lot. Between the rebranding of regional networks and the NBA’s massive new national TV deal, watching the defending champs in 2026 feels like solving a riddle.
If you’re sitting on your couch wondering why the game isn't on the "usual" channel, you aren't alone. Honestly, even die-hard fans are getting tripped up by the transition from Bally Sports to FanDuel Sports Network. Plus, with the Thunder being the "it" team of the league, they’re getting flexed onto national networks like NBC and Amazon Prime more than ever. It's great for the team’s exposure, but kinda annoying for your Saturday night plans if you don't know where to click.
The Local Situation: FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma
Let’s start with the basics for those living in Oklahoma, Kansas, or parts of Arkansas. The regional sports network (RSN) formerly known as Bally Sports is now FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma (FDSN OK).
This is where the vast majority of games live. To be specific, 67 of the Thunder’s regular-season games for the 2025-26 season are anchored here. If you have traditional cable like Cox or a satellite provider like DIRECTV (Channel 675), you’re probably set.
But what if you cut the cord?
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You basically have three main paths to get FDSN OK without a cable box:
- Fubo: This remains one of the few "skinny bundle" streaming services that actually carries the local RSN.
- The FanDuel Sports Network App: You can subscribe directly for about $108.99 for a full season pass. It’s a bit of a sting to the wallet, but it’s the most direct way to get every local broadcast.
- Amazon Prime Video Add-on: This is new. You can now subscribe to FanDuel Sports Network as an add-on directly within the Prime Video interface. It’s convenient because it keeps all your basketball viewing in one app.
The National TV Surge: NBC, Amazon, and Peacock
Because the Thunder won the 2025 NBA Finals, they are now national TV darlings. The league has shifted its broadcast partners significantly this year. TNT is out. NBC and Amazon Prime are in.
The Thunder have 34 national broadcasts this year. That is a massive number. It means a huge chunk of the season won't be on your local sports channel.
Why you might need Peacock
NBC is back in the NBA business for the first time in over 20 years. They’ve launched "Sunday Night Basketball" and "Coast 2 Coast Tuesdays." The Thunder are featured heavily here. For example, their MLK Day game against the Cleveland Cavaliers aired on NBC and Peacock.
Some of these games are Peacock exclusives. You cannot find them on local TV. You cannot find them on cable. You need the app.
The Amazon Prime Takeover
Amazon Prime Video is now the home for Thursday and Friday night games, especially after the NFL season ends. They also have the rights to the NBA Cup (the in-season tournament) knockout rounds. If the Thunder are playing a high-profile Friday night game, chances are you’ll need your Prime login.
Free Over-the-Air Games: Griffin Media
There is some good news for those who don't want to pay for five different apps. The Thunder have continued their partnership with Griffin Media to simulcast a handful of games for free.
These games air on KWTV-9 in OKC and KOTV-6 in Tulsa. This season, the schedule for these "free" games includes specific dates like the January 17th matchup at Miami and the February 20th game against Brooklyn. It’s only four games, which honestly feels a bit low for a championship-caliber team, but it’s better than nothing for fans using a digital antenna.
Watching the Thunder Out-of-Market
If you live in Seattle, New York, or anywhere outside the Thunder's local broadcast territory, your best friend is NBA League Pass.
But wait. There’s a catch.
League Pass only shows "out-of-market" games. If the Thunder are playing on ESPN, ABC, NBC, or Amazon Prime, League Pass will be blacked out. You’ll have to switch to the national broadcaster.
Pro Tip: This year, you can link your League Pass account directly to Amazon Prime Video. It makes the "app switching" much less of a headache.
The 2026 TV Schedule Highlights
To help you plan, here is a look at where the big upcoming games are landing.
- Sunday Games: Often on NBC or ABC. The "Sunday Night Basketball" window on NBC starts in February.
- Wednesday Games: Still the classic home of ESPN.
- Thursday/Friday: Look toward Amazon Prime Video.
- Local Nights: Mondays and Tuesdays that aren't national "doubleheaders" usually default back to FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma.
Addressing the Blackout Frustration
We have all been there. You sit down, open your app, and see that dreaded "This content is not available in your area" message.
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Blackouts happen for two reasons:
- Local Blackout: You’re trying to use League Pass while living in Oklahoma. The local RSN (FanDuel) has the exclusive rights.
- National Blackout: The game is on ESPN or NBC. Even if you pay for the FanDuel app, they might not be allowed to show it because a national network bought the exclusive rights for that night.
It’s a mess. Truly. The best way to combat this is to have a "backup" service like Peacock or a digital antenna for those Griffin Media broadcasts.
Actionable Steps for Thunder Fans
Don't wait until tip-off to realize you're missing a channel. Check your zip code on GetMyHomeTeams.com to see exactly which providers in your neighborhood carry FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma. If you're a cord-cutter, compare the cost of the FDSN direct-to-consumer app versus a Fubo subscription. For those who prioritize the big marquee matchups, ensure your Peacock and Amazon Prime subscriptions are active before the post-All-Star break push, as that’s when the national schedule really ramps up. Lastly, if you're using an antenna, do a channel scan now to make sure KWTV-9 or KOTV-6 is coming in clear for those select local simulcasts.