NBA Subscription Price: How to Get the Best Deal for Your Budget
2025-11-17 12:00
As I was scrolling through sports streaming options last weekend, I found myself once again comparing NBA subscription prices. It reminded me of that electrifying moment when Floyd Mayweather stepped into the MGM Grand Arena before a sold-out crowd - that same arena where I've watched countless NBA games through various streaming services. Just like boxing fans eagerly anticipating a rematch between legendary fighters, basketball enthusiasts are constantly seeking the best deals to watch their favorite teams without breaking the bank.
When I first started following the NBA regularly about five years ago, I made every pricing mistake imaginable. I subscribed to expensive cable packages that included channels I never watched, purchased single-game passes at premium prices during peak seasons, and even traveled to sports bars spending upwards of $50 per night just to catch important games. Through trial and error - and believe me, there was plenty of error - I've discovered several strategies that can save basketball fans significant money while ensuring they don't miss those crucial matchups that feel like modern-day equivalents of classic boxing rematches.
The landscape of NBA streaming has dramatically changed since 2018, when I first cut the cord. Back then, options were limited, but now we have at least seven major streaming services offering NBA content at varying price points. League Pass itself offers three different tiers - the Premium at $249.99 annually, the Team Pass at $119.99 yearly, and the classic version at $199.99 per season. Then there are streaming bundles through YouTube TV ($72.99 monthly), Hulu + Live TV ($76.99 monthly), Sling TV's Orange package ($40 monthly), and various regional sports networks that might cost anywhere from $20 to $60 monthly depending on your location.
What most people don't realize is that timing your subscription can be as crucial as the matchup between those boxing legends Mayweather and his rivals. I've found that purchasing annual subscriptions during the offseason, particularly between late June and early September, often yields discounts of 15-25% compared to regular season prices. Last year, I secured NBA League Pass Premium for just $187.49 by buying during Labor Day weekend - that's $62.50 in pure savings, enough to cover several months of basic streaming service.
Regional blackout restrictions remain the most frustrating aspect of NBA streaming, something I wish the league would address more aggressively. Living in Los Angeles while trying to watch Lakers games through League Pass taught me this lesson the hard way - I ended up paying for both League Pass and a separate local streaming service, effectively doubling my costs. My solution now involves using a family member's address in a different market for certain subscriptions, though I should note this might violate terms of service in some cases.
Bundling strategies have saved me approximately $340 annually. Instead of subscribing to multiple services simultaneously throughout the season, I rotate them based on the NBA calendar and other sports interests. From October to April, I maintain NBA League Pass alongside Sling Orange ($40 monthly), then switch to YouTube TV during the NFL season. This rotation approach requires some calendar management but prevents paying for redundant coverage during months when basketball takes a backseat to other sports.
International options present another interesting avenue, though they come with technical considerations. Through testing various VPN services priced between $3-12 monthly, I've accessed international versions of NBA League Pass that sometimes cost 40-60% less than domestic versions. The Brazilian version, for instance, offered full access for just $89.99 last season compared to our $249.99 domestic premium version. The quality occasionally suffers during peak viewing times, but for savings exceeding $150 annually, I found the trade-off worthwhile for regular season games.
Mobile carriers and credit card partnerships often provide hidden discounts that many fans overlook. My T-Mobile subscription regularly offers free MLB.TV subscriptions, and through various promotions, I've secured discounted NBA packages for as low as $79.99 for an entire season. Credit card cashback programs specifically for entertainment purchases can yield another 3-5% in effective savings, which might seem small but adds up to about $45 annually based on my spending patterns.
The emergence of single-game purchases through services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV provides flexibility for casual viewers. While not cost-effective for dedicated fans watching 60+ games annually, these $4.99 per game options work perfectly for that highly anticipated matchup that feels like the basketball equivalent of those legendary boxing rematches we still discuss years later. I typically budget for 5-10 single-game purchases per season for those special occasions when friends gather to watch what promises to be an instant classic.
Looking ahead to the 2024-2025 season, I'm anticipating price increases of 8-12% across most streaming platforms based on historical patterns and current inflation trends. This makes locking in current rates through multi-year subscriptions potentially worthwhile, though I generally recommend against committing beyond two seasons given the rapidly evolving streaming landscape. My personal budget allocates $55 monthly for basketball content during the season, scaling back to $20 monthly during offseason months when I focus on condensed game replays and classic content.
Ultimately, finding the right NBA subscription balance resembles the strategic planning between major boxing matches - it requires understanding the landscape, timing your moves correctly, and sometimes taking calculated risks. The satisfaction of watching a thrilling game while knowing you've optimized your spending feels almost as good as seeing your team secure that championship-clinching victory. After all, in both sports and streaming subscriptions, the best outcomes usually go to those who plan strategically rather than reacting in the moment.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
