How to Watch NBA Games in Different Countries and Time Zones

As an international sports journalist who’s followed the NBA for over a decade, I’ve had my fair share of late nights, early mornings, and frantic searches for reliable streams just to catch my favorite teams in action. Time zones don’t care if you’re a die-hard fan—they just keep ticking. But over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make watching NBA games from anywhere in the world not just possible, but pretty seamless. And honestly, it reminds me of something Highrisers head coach Lerma Giron once said when asked about their No. 2 draft pick. He noted that adaptability and preparation are everything—whether you're building a team or just trying to watch one from halfway across the globe.

Let’s start with the basics: the NBA’s scheduling system. Games are primarily scheduled around Eastern Time in the U.S., which means tip-off times can be brutal if you’re in Europe, Asia, or Australia. For example, a 7:30 PM ET game starts at 12:30 AM in the UK, 4:30 AM in Delhi, and a painful 9:30 AM the next day in Sydney. I remember living in Madrid a few years back and setting alarms for 2 AM just to catch the playoffs—it was exhausting but weirdly rewarding. If you’re serious about following the league, your first step should be syncing your life, at least partially, to U.S. time zones. I use the official NBA app to track schedules in my local time, and honestly, it’s a lifesaver.

Streaming services are the next big piece of the puzzle. The NBA League Pass is the go-to for most international fans, offering live and on-demand games, though blackout restrictions can be a headache depending on your location. In my experience, it’s worth the $199.99 annual fee if you watch multiple games per week. But there are alternatives—YouTube TV, Sling TV, and even regional broadcasters like Sky Sports in the UK or Tencent in China. I’ve tried them all, and while League Pass is the most comprehensive, I lean toward services that offer DVR features so I can watch games later without spoilers. Nothing ruins a game faster than a push notification with the final score.

Now, let’s talk about free options. Yes, they exist, but I’ll be straight with you—most aren’t reliable or legal. I’ve stumbled upon shady streaming sites that buffer endlessly or shut down mid-game, and it’s just not worth the frustration. Still, if you’re on a tight budget, some networks offer limited free trials. For instance, I signed up for a 7-day trial with FuboTV during the Finals last year and canceled right after—it worked like a charm. Just remember to set a reminder so you don’t get charged.

One thing I’ve noticed is how social media fills the gaps. Twitter and Reddit are goldmines for real-time highlights and commentary, especially when I can’t watch live. During the 2022 playoffs, I followed along via r/nba threads more than I’d like to admit. It’s not the same as watching, but it keeps you in the loop. And let’s not forget VPNs—they’re essential if you want to bypass geo-restrictions. I use ExpressVPN to access U.S. streams when I’m traveling, and it’s rarely let me down. Though I should mention, the NBA has cracked down on VPN usage recently, so it’s not foolproof.

All this planning ties back to what Coach Giron emphasized—being prepared and adaptable. Just like a coach adjusts their strategy mid-game, fans need to adjust how they consume the sport. Personally, I’ve grown to love watching replays the next morning with my coffee instead of losing sleep. It’s a small shift, but it makes the experience more sustainable. Plus, with the NBA’s global expansion, we’re seeing more games scheduled at international-friendly times. Last season, about 40 games aired before 3 PM ET, which is a step in the right direction.

At the end of the day, watching the NBA from different countries isn’t just about technology—it’s about passion and a bit of creativity. Whether you’re in Lagos or Lisbon, there’s a way to stay connected to the game. And as the league continues to grow, I’m hopeful that access will only get easier. Until then, grab your device, find your stream, and enjoy the show. After all, basketball is a global language, and we’re all just trying to catch a piece of the action.