You’re sitting on the couch, the pizza just arrived, and you realize the channel you thought had the Sacramento Kings game is showing a rerun of a cooking competition. It’s the worst feeling. Honestly, finding exactly where to watch Kings game in 2026 has become a bit of a scavenger hunt because of how the broadcast rights have shifted recently. It isn't just about turning on channel 10 anymore.
Between the regional blackouts, the new streaming-only exclusives, and the traditional cable giants, you've basically got to be a part-time detective to keep up with De'Aaron Fox and the crew.
The Local Secret: NBC Sports California
If you live in or around Sacramento—think anywhere from Modesto up to Redding—NBC Sports California is still your primary home base. They carry the vast majority of the 82-game schedule. But here is where it gets kinda tricky.
Most people think you need a massive cable bill to get this channel. You don't. While Xfinity and DirecTV carry it, streaming services like Fubo and YouTube TV have it in their base packages for local residents. If you're using Fubo, just keep in mind they still don't carry TNT, which is a major bummer when the Kings get those big Tuesday night national slots.
What about Peacock?
In a weird twist for 2026, Peacock has become a massive player. NBC has started moving select games exclusively to their streaming platform. You might find a random Monday night game that literally isn't on regular TV at all. If you see the game listed as "NBC/Peacock," and you're in the Sacramento market, you can actually add NBC Sports California as a standalone RSN add-on to your Peacock subscription for about $15 a month.
It’s a lifesaver for cord-cutters who don't want to pay $80 for a full live TV bundle.
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The National Stage: ESPN, TNT, and ABC
When the Kings are actually good—which, let's be real, is more frequent these days—the national networks start hovering.
- ESPN and ABC: These are the staples. Most streaming bundles (Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV) carry these.
- TNT: This is where the "Inside the NBA" crew breaks down the game. If you’re a Sling TV user, make sure you have the "Sling Blue" package, or you’ll be staring at a blank screen while everyone else is watching the halftime highlights.
- NBA TV: The Kings usually end up here about five or six times a season. It’s often a simulcast of the local NBC Sports California feed, but if you're out of town, this is your primary way to see the game without a specialized subscription.
The League Pass Headache (and How to Fix It)
NBA League Pass is amazing if you live in New York and want to watch the Kings. It is a nightmare if you live in Roseville.
The "blackout" is the bane of every fan's existence. Basically, if a local station (NBC Sports California) or a national station (ESPN/TNT) has the rights to the game in your area, League Pass will lock you out. You’ll get a message saying the game is unavailable until three days later.
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Pro tip: Many fans have started using a VPN (like ExpressVPN or NordVPN) to make it look like they are browsing from a different country or state. If your computer thinks you’re in Miami, League Pass will let you watch the Kings game because you aren't in the "local" blackout zone. Just be aware that mobile apps are harder to fool because they use your phone's GPS, not just your IP address.
The New Players: Amazon and Beyond
We can't ignore the tech giants anymore. Amazon Prime Video has snagged a handful of exclusive games for the 2025-2026 season, including some high-stakes matchups in the NBA Cup. If the schedule says the game is on Prime, it’s only on Prime. No local channel. No League Pass.
It’s annoying to have one more app, but that’s the reality of sports in 2026.
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A Quick Cheat Sheet for Tonight
If you're scrambling right now, check this order:
- Check the local RSN: Is it on NBC Sports California? (Use Fubo, YouTube TV, or Cable).
- Check the National Guide: Is it an "Exclusive" night on TNT or ESPN?
- Check Peacock/Amazon: Are they doing one of those "digital only" broadcasts?
- The Radio Backup: If all else fails, Sactown Sports 1140 AM is still the gold standard. There is something nostalgic and perfect about listening to the local call while you're stuck in traffic on I-80.
Actionable Next Steps
- Verify your Zip Code: Go to the NBA League Pass website and enter your zip code before buying. It will tell you exactly which teams are blacked out for you.
- Check the Peacock Add-on: If you already pay for Peacock, see if the NBC Sports California add-on is available in your area—it’s often the cheapest way to get 70+ games.
- Download the Kings App: They usually push a notification 30 minutes before tip-off telling you exactly which channel the game is on. It saves a lot of mindless scrolling through the guide.