NEW YORK – Last week the NBA and its digital partner Turner Sports announced NBA TV is now available directly to American consumers via the league web site and app, becoming the first linear sports league network to launch a direct-to-consumer subscription offering.
U.S. consumers can get the channel, which features over 100 games per season, for US$6.99/month or US$59.99 annually. It will continue to be available on an authenticated basis for fans who get NBA TV from a pay TV provider.
In Canada, however, NBA fans can still only get their NBA TV stream from a pay TV provider. Here, the channel is owned and operated by Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, the owner of the Toronto Raptors.
Because Canada has different distribution rights than in the U.S., the NBA TV stream is not available online in Canada, “but our broadcast team is exploring” the issue with Canadian service providers, according to a spokesperson from MLSE.
However, there was no timeline given for any potential change.
NBA fans in Canada can, however, stream the League Pass online, purchasing one of three packages, starting at $23.99/month for three games a month.
