NBA Launches ‘Tap to Watch’ Initiative for Fans

New York City – The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a new initiative called ‘Tap to Watch’, set to launch with the start of the 2025-26 season. This program aims to streamline how fans access live game telecasts across various platforms, making it easier for viewers to keep up with their favorite teams and players.

The Tap to Watch initiative will guide fans to live NBA game telecasts on multiple platforms, including national broadcasts on ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video, alongside local game options. Utilizing the NBA’s comprehensive digital ecosystem, fans will be able to access game broadcasts through a variety of sources, including the NBA App, NBA.com, team-specific applications, as well as third-party platforms like Google, Meta, X, Snap, Reddit, and Roku. Additional collaborations with companies such as FanDuel, Fanatics, and Yahoo Sports will be integrated throughout the season to further enhance viewing options.

According to the NBA’s Head of Direct-to-Consumer Products, Technology & Operations, the primary objective of the initiative is to make live games more accessible for fans. The NBA App will also introduce a feature for Real-Time Scores, providing users with a live clock and synchronized scoring that matches the action in NBA arenas to minimize latency issues.

The 2025-26 NBA Schedule Release, presented by Ticketmaster, will kick off with exciting themes including the fourth annual Rivals Week and three scheduled Global Games. Fans can look forward to eight pivotal matchups and rivalries highlighted in the upcoming season’s schedule, providing them with ample opportunity to engage with their favorite teams during these key games. To support fan engagement, the NBA’s new flagship show, The Association, will also offer additional information to help fans tune into games.

The Tap to Watch feature is intended to mitigate the confusion often faced by viewers navigating the fragmented landscape of streaming services. Game and schedule pages on the NBA’s digital platforms will provide customized viewing options tailored to the user’s location and preferences. A designated “watch” button will further simplify access, allowing fans to directly launch games on the appropriate streaming platform.

The NBA is keenly aware of the evolving media landscape and is committed to improving the viewing experience for fans. As the new season approaches, users will also have the chance to subscribe to relevant viewing platforms directly through the Tap to Watch links in case they are not existing subscribers.

The NBA season is set to commence on Tuesday, October 21, featuring a doubleheader showcasing star players, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Kevin Durant. This initiative highlights the league’s ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to changing consumer behaviors while providing an engaging viewing experience.