Finding out what channel is the warriors game on used to be simple. You’d just flip to the local sports station and call it a day. But things have gotten complicated lately. Between the massive new NBA media rights deal and the rise of platform-exclusive streams, hunting for Steph Curry's latest masterclass feels a bit like a scavenger hunt.
Honestly, it's a mess. If you're staring at your TV right now wondering why there’s a random sitcom where Draymond Green should be, you aren't alone. Today is Friday, January 16, 2026. The Warriors actually just finished a gritty battle against the New York Knicks last night. Jimmy Butler—yeah, he’s a Warrior now—and Curry combined for 59 points in a 126-113 win.
If you are looking for the next one, the Dubs are back at it tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, against the Charlotte Hornets. Here is the lowdown on how to actually watch them.
The Local Fix: NBC Sports Bay Area
For those of you living in the Bay Area, Northern California, or even up into parts of Oregon and Nevada, NBC Sports Bay Area remains your best friend. They carry the vast majority of games. This is where you get the familiar voices and the post-game breakdowns that actually care about the team’s defensive rotations.
If you have traditional cable like Xfinity or a satellite dish via DIRECTV, you’re usually set. But the "cord-cutters" have it harder. You can't just find this on every cheap streaming app.
- DIRECTV STREAM: Still the most reliable for locals because they carry the RSN (Regional Sports Network) in their Choice package.
- Fubo: A solid sports-heavy option that includes NBC Sports Bay Area.
- Hulu + Live TV: Usually has it, but always double-check your zip code because regional blackouts are the absolute worst.
- YouTube TV: Generally reliable for local fans, but they’ve had their share of carriage disputes in the past.
National TV and the New Players
This is where it gets interesting—and annoying. The 2025-26 season is the first under the league's revamped broadcasting landscape. TNT is gone. NBC is back in the mix, and Amazon Prime Video has planted its flag firmly in the NBA world.
When you're asking what channel is the warriors game on, you have to look at the day of the week. Saturday games, like the one coming up against the Hornets, often land on ABC or Prime Video.
In fact, the Warriors are one of the most televised teams in the league. You’ll find them rotating between:
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- NBC: The "old friend" is back with Sunday, Tuesday, and some Friday night slots.
- ABC: Usually the home for those high-profile weekend afternoon or prime-time matchups.
- Amazon Prime Video: They’ve taken over the Thursday night slot (like the Knicks game last night) and a big chunk of the Friday/Saturday inventory.
- ESPN: Still around, mostly handling Wednesday nights and select Friday doubleheaders.
Why You Keep Getting Blacked Out
Nothing ruins a Friday night like a "This content is not available in your area" message. Basically, if a game is being broadcast on your local RSN (NBC Sports Bay Area), the national stream on NBA League Pass or certain national channels might be "blacked out" to protect the local broadcaster's ratings.
It feels outdated. We know. But it's the reality of sports contracts in 2026. If the game is on NBC Sports Bay Area and also on a national cable feed, the local channel is usually your only legal path.
The Peacock Factor
If you're a Peacock subscriber, you've actually got a sneaky advantage now. NBC has integrated a lot of their regional sports coverage into the Peacock app. If you've established your "home zip code" in the Bay Area, you can often stream the games directly through Peacock without needing a full $90-a-month cable replacement. It’s a bit of a loophole that saves a lot of cash for people who only care about the Dubs and don't need 200 other channels.
How to Prepare for the Next Tip-Off
To make sure you don't miss the Hornets game tomorrow or the matchup against the Heat on Monday, follow these steps:
- Check the official Warriors app: It usually updates the specific broadcast station about 24 hours before tip-off.
- Sync your calendar: Use a service like Calendar Labs to pull the schedule directly into your phone. It usually lists whether the game is NBCSBA, ABC, or Prime.
- Verify your Prime login: Since Amazon is a major player now, make sure your subscription is active before the game starts. There’s nothing worse than trying to reset a password while the first quarter is winding down.
- Antenna check: If the game is on ABC or the main NBC channel, a cheap digital antenna can get you the game in HD for free. No subscription required.
The Golden State Warriors are currently sitting at 23-19 after that Knicks win. They’re fighting for playoff positioning in a brutal Western Conference, so every game matters. Whether you're watching on a big screen or huddling over a phone, knowing which app to open is half the battle.