So, the NBA Draft is coming up and you're staring at your remote like it’s a Rubik’s cube. It’s the same ritual every year. You know the names—guys like AJ Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer are basically the talk of every scout's office—but finding where to actually watch them walk across that stage? That’s always the tricky part. Honestly, the media rights landscape has changed so much lately that even die-hard fans get confused about the nba draft on what channel.
Gone are the days when you just flicked to one station and called it a night. Now, it’s a multi-platform beast.
The Big Two: ESPN and ABC
If you want the short answer, you're looking at ESPN and ABC. They’ve been the "home" of the draft for years, and that hasn't changed for 2026. But there is a catch. Usually, the first round is the one that gets the "glamour" treatment on ABC. If you want to see the lottery picks and the big-name stars, ABC is your best bet because it's over-the-air. You don't even need cable—just a decent digital antenna and you're in business.
Then there’s ESPN. They typically carry both rounds. If you’re a draft nerd who stays up to see who gets picked at No. 54 (the "steal of the draft" that will probably play in Europe for three years), you need ESPN. They provide the deep-dive analysis, the "big board" rankings, and the salary cap experts who break down exactly why your team just traded three second-rounders for a guy nobody’s ever heard of.
Interestingly, the two channels often run slightly different broadcasts. ABC usually leans into the human-interest stories—the "how he got here" packages—while ESPN stays focused on the X's and O's.
Streaming Is the New Frontier
Not everyone has a cable box anymore. Kinda crazy, right? If you’re a cord-cutter, you’ve got options, but you have to be deliberate.
- YouTube TV & Hulu + Live TV: These are the heavy hitters. They both carry ABC and ESPN. If you have a subscription to either, you’re basically set. Just search for "NBA Draft" in the search bar about ten minutes before it starts.
- Sling TV: A bit cheaper, but you have to be careful. You need the "Sling Orange" package to get ESPN. ABC is only available in very specific local markets on Sling, so don't bank on it unless you’ve checked your zip code first.
- Fubo: Great for sports fans, and yes, it includes the channels you need.
- ESPN+: Here is where people get tripped up. Do not—I repeat, do not—assume that an ESPN+ subscription alone lets you watch the main draft broadcast. Usually, it requires a "TV provider" login. Sometimes they offer a supplemental "stat-heavy" feed, but the main show is typically locked behind that cable/satellite wall.
Why the Channel Matters This Year
The 2026 draft feels a bit different because of the sheer talent at the top. When you have prospects like Cameron Boozer—son of NBA legend Carlos Boozer—the hype reaches a fever pitch. Networks know this. They aren't just broadcasting a list of names; they’re producing a primetime entertainment event.
Wait, what about the second round?
In recent years, the NBA moved the second round to its own day. If that schedule holds, you'll likely find Day 1 on ABC/ESPN and Day 2 exclusively on ESPN or even NBA TV. It’s a bit of a marathon. You’ve basically got to plan for two nights of coverage if you want the full picture.
The Local Blackout Myth
People often ask if the draft is blacked out locally. Good news: No. Unlike regular-season games where your local Bally Sports or MSG network might hog the rights, the draft is a national event. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or a tiny town in Maine, the nba draft on what channel question has the same answer: ESPN/ABC.
Watching from Outside the US
If you’re reading this from Canada, TSN is usually your go-to. For the UK, it’s traditionally Sky Sports. The NBA App also offers a "League Pass" option for international viewers that usually includes the draft, but check your local listings because rights can be finicky depending on which country you're in.
How to Prepare for Draft Night
If you want to actually enjoy the night without scrambling for a login at 7:59 PM, do these three things:
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- Check your ABC signal: If you use an antenna, do a channel scan the day before. Atmospheric interference is real, and you don't want to be adjusting "rabbit ears" while the Commissioner is at the podium.
- Update your apps: If you're streaming on a Roku or Fire Stick, make sure the ESPN or YouTube TV app is updated. Nothing kills the mood like a "Mandatory Update" screen.
- Follow the "Insiders": Keep your phone handy. Guys like Adrian Wojnarowski (if he's still in the game) or Shams Charania often post the picks on social media seconds before they're announced on TV. It’s a bit of a spoiler, but if you want to be the first in your group chat to know, that's the secret.
The draft is the one night where every team is undefeated and every fan has hope. Knowing which channel to tune into is just the first step in seeing that hope turn into a jersey-wearing reality.
Next Steps for Your Viewing Party:
To ensure you don't miss a single pick, verify your access to ESPN through your service provider's "TV Everywhere" login at least 24 hours in advance. If you're using a digital antenna for ABC, perform a channel rescan during the afternoon of the draft to account for any local signal shifts. Finally, download the official NBA app and enable "Draft Alerts" to get pick-by-pick notifications in case you have to step away from the screen.