NBA Playoffs 2026 Schedule Shows Deep Streaming, Linear Fragmentation
This article outlines the broadcast and streaming schedule for the 2026 NBA Playoffs, illustrating how games are distributed across multiple platforms in the U.S. Linear channels ABC, ESPN, and NBC will carry games, while Amazon's Prime Video and NBC's Peacock will have exclusive streaming rights for specific matchups. The schedule details which games are assigned to each service, with Prime Video carrying several exclusive weekday first-round games and Peacock streaming select games on weekends and weekdays.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon’s Prime Video has exclusive streaming rights for several weekday first-round games, including all matchups listed for April 23 and 24.
- NBC's Peacock will stream some games exclusively (e.g., Magic vs. Pistons Game 3) and will also simulcast games airing on the NBC broadcast network.
- Disney's ESPN and ABC will carry several games, primarily on weekends, with the NBA Finals remaining an exclusive broadcast on ABC.
- The linear broadcast rights are split between ABC, ESPN, and NBC. All games on these channels are also available via DIRECTV Stream.
Why It Matters
This schedule formalizes the splintering of a major sports property. To follow the entire playoffs, fans must now subscribe to Prime Video, Peacock, and a service carrying the Disney and NBC channels, a departure from a more centralized broadcast model. The league is allocating distinct windows to its partners, with Prime Video securing exclusive weekday games while Peacock gets a mix of exclusives and simulcasts. This structure pits the reach of new digital platforms against established linear broadcasters. The critical data to watch will be viewership for streaming-exclusive games versus comparable games from past seasons on linear channels, a key indicator for future rights negotiations.
Read full article at sportingnews.com
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