How to Watch the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament: Schedule, Channels, and Prime Video Guide – Sports Brackets
If you are looking for how to watch the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament this year, things have changed. All six games of the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament will stream exclusively on Prime Video. Under the NBA’s new 11-year media rights agreement, the Play-In tournament has moved away from traditional cable networks like TNT and ESPN. The action begins Tuesday, April 14, and runs through Friday, April 17. Fans will need an active Amazon Prime membership or a standalone Prime Video subscription to watch.
2026 NBA Play-In Streaming Schedule
A big change for the 2026 NBA Play-in broadcast schedule this year is that every game is exclusive to Prime Video. We have all of the details and how to watch information for you below.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) |
| Tue, April 14 | (8) Orlando Magic @ (7) Philadelphia 76ers | 7:30 PM |
| Tue, April 14 | (8) Portland Trail Blazers @ (7) Phoenix Suns | 10:00 PM |
| Wed, April 15 | (10) Miami Heat @ (9) Charlotte Hornets | 7:30 PM |
| Wed, April 15 | (10) Golden State Warriors @ (9) LA Clippers | 10:00 PM |
| Fri, April 17 | East 8-Seed Game (TBD) | 7:30 PM |
| Fri, April 17 | West 8-Seed Game (TBD) | 10:00 PM |
How to Access the NBA on Prime Video
If you’re wondering where the games went after the TNT era ended, follow these steps to get set up:
- Subscription: You need an Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/mo) or a standalone Prime Video subscription ($8.99/mo).
- Compatible Devices: The Prime Video app is available on Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, game consoles (PS5/Xbox), and mobile devices.
- Finding the Game: Open the app and search “NBA” or look for the “Live & Upcoming” row on the homepage.
- No Cable Required: Unlike previous years, you do not need a cable login (like Comcast or Spectrum) to watch the Play-In Tournament.
What About the Rest of the Playoffs?
While the Play-In is exclusive to Prime, the first round and beyond will be split across three main “hubs”:
- Prime Video: Will continue to air approximately one-third of the first two rounds.
- NBC/Peacock: Returns as a major broadcaster for weekend and primetime games.
- ESPN/ABC: Remains the home of the NBA Finals and marquee playoff matchups.
🏀 2026 NBA Postseason Resources
Stay ahead of the action with our updated 2026 playoff hubs and printable tools:
FAQ: NBA Play-In Streaming
Question: Can I watch the NBA Play-In Tournament on TNT or ESPN? Answer: No. As of the 2026 season, TNT no longer broadcasts NBA games. The 2026 Play-In Tournament is exclusive to Prime Video and will not air on ESPN.
Question: Do I need a VPN to watch the Play-In games? Answer: No VPN is needed for U.S. residents. However, if you are traveling abroad, you may need a VPN to access your U.S. Prime Video library, as sports rights vary by country.
Question: Is there a free trial for Prime Video? Answer: Yes, new subscribers can typically access a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime, which will cover the entire duration of the Play-In Tournament and the start of the first round.
