✨ Key Takeaways
- Don't Miss a Single Game: Discover the Major NBA Networks in Canada
- Find Out the League's Official Streaming Platforms
- Get the Full NBA Experience 100% Live
- Discover Free Ways to Watch the NBA in Canada
- Here's the Full NBA Broadcast Schedule for Canada
The NBA has experienced explosive popularity in the country over the past two decades. From the creation of the Toronto Raptors in 1995 to the historic championship in 2019, basketball has evolved from a niche sport to part of Canadian DNA. Today, millions of Canadians follow every play, every trade, and every story behind the court. Are you aware of how to watch NBA games in Canada?
How to Watch NBA Games on TV in Canada
📺 TV in Canada
Access to NBA games primarily depends on two main channels: TSN (or The Sports Network) and Sportsnet. These networks have exclusive agreements with the NBA to broadcast the Raptors and other teams in the league. Broadcasts are available through cable and satellite providers such as Rogers, Bell, Shaw & Telus, and are sometimes distributed regionally, depending on your location.
🏀 Major Sports Networks
Unlike in the United States, where ESPN, TNT & ABC dominate NBA television coverage, in Canada, broadcasting is centered on three main channels: TSN, Sportsnet, and NBA TV Canada. These platforms share game rights and have built their own way of experiencing basketball, with local commentators, special programming, and analysis tailored to Canadian audiences.
🟢 TSN (The Sports Network)
It is one of the country's leading channels, owned by Bell Media. It has an exclusive agreement to broadcast the Toronto Raptors and other featured matchups during the regular season and playoffs.
Key features
- Broadcasts between 40 and 50 Raptors games per season.
- Provides complete coverage of the Draft, All-Star Weekend, and Finals.
- Includes pre-game shows, in-depth analysis, and interview segments with players and coaches.
🔵 Sportsnet
Owned by Rogers Sports & Media, Sportsnet shares the Raptors' broadcast rights with TSN and is often responsible for broadcasting Western Conference games, some playoffs, and featured games on the NBA Canada schedule.
Key features
- Covers approximately half of the Raptors' games not on TSN.
- Offers specialized content, such as Sportsnet Central, with daily analysis.
- High-definition, multi-camera production, similar to NHL coverage.
- Sportsnet also has regional channels, which allow coverage to be tailored to the viewer's region.
Both networks have created comprehensive coverage ecosystems with in-depth pre- and post-game analysis, special programs such as the NBA Draft, All-Star Weekend, & the Trade Deadline, as well as media personalities. If you're a Raptors fan, these channels are essential for experiencing the game the Canadian way. Check the Canada Basketball TV schedule so you don't miss a single game.
📺 NBA TV Canada
This channel, operated in partnership with the NBA itself, is the only channel in the country dedicated exclusively to basketball. It is available from most cable providers nationwide.
Key features
- Broadcasts live games and replays that are not subject to exclusivity with TSN/Sportsnet.
- Broadcasts analysis programs such as NBA GameTime, Open Court, and documentaries on league history.
- Covers the development of basketball in the country.
📢 Broadcasting NBA Games
Television broadcasts vary depending on the day of the week and the team:
- Raptors games: Alternate between both channels, with commentary in English and occasionally in French in regions such as Quebec.
- National games (NBA Wednesdays, NBA Fridays): Some are broadcast nationally on TSN and NBA TV Canada.
- Special events: The All-Star Game, conference finals, and Finals are also broadcast on these networks, usually with special coverage.
Discover more about NBA teams in Canada and all possibilities!
Best Streaming Services for NBA
🏀 NBA League Pass
It is the league's official streaming platform, designed for true fans who want total access. It lets you enjoy all games live or on demand, choose from different camera angles, activate commentary in multiple languages and check real-time stats. You can also replay entire games, making it ideal for viewers who can't follow the live schedule. Games for the Toronto Raptors may be blacked out in the local market on TSN and Sportsnet, which can be frustrating for many fans.
💰 Price
- Full League Pass: $149.99 CAD per season
- League Pass Team (1 team): $89.99 CAD
- Monthly Pass: $20.99 CAD
📲 TSN Direct & Sportsnet NOW
For those without cable TV, both are convenient and flexible options that let you follow games from any device. Both platforms offer access to games broadcast on their respective channels, with HD quality and compatibility with mobile devices, tablets, and Smart TVs. They also cover hockey and soccer. However, they do not guarantee access to all games and some advanced features, such as interactive statistics and multiplayer options.
💰 Price
- TSN Direct: $19.99 CAD per month
- Sportsnet NOW: $19.99 - $34.99 CAD per month
🔄 Other Streaming Options
Although not focused on the NBA, platforms like FuboTV and DAZN can be interesting additions for fans. FuboTV is more focused on soccer and the NFL, but it offers access to TSN & Sportsnet in certain packages. This means you can follow some games indirectly if these channels are included. On the other hand, DAZN does not broadcast live games, but it offers documentaries, analysis, and special related content.
🌍 How VPNs affect NBA stream Canada
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) has become popular among fans who want to bypass geographic restrictions or local blackouts. By changing your virtual location, you can access streams usually restricted in your region and even enjoy exclusive content available only in the US & other countries.
Using a VPN is legal. However, it may violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms.
Watching Games Live
📆 Timeline of Toronto Raptors Games
October
Start of the regular season
The Raptors play at Scotiabank Arena. Extensive media coverage.
November to December
Competitive pace
Key games vs. rivals such as the Celtics, Heat, and Nets. Canadian and US holiday games (Black Friday and Thanksgiving).
December
Holiday season
Raptors might play on Christmas Day.
January
NBA playoffs Canada Midseason
The pressure to make the playoffs begins. Games become more intense, and national broadcasts increase.
February
All-Star Weekend
Season break for All-Star Weekend (lasts three days).
March
Home stretch
Head-to-head matchups with potential playoff rivals. Decisive home games are played, often with a playoff atmosphere.
April
End of the regular season
Final games to determine playoff or Play-In Tournament qualification.
April to June
Playoffs
If the Raptors qualify, the postseason begins. Tickets sell out quickly and games are broadcast internationally.
🌐 Other NBA Games hosted in Canada
Canada has hosted other sporting events, such as the NBA Canada Series since 2012, allowing fans to enjoy professional basketball in various cities across the country. In October 2024, the Raptors faced the Washington Wizards at the Bell Centre in Montreal, marking the 8th time a game of this kind had been held in the city. Vancouver has also hosted preseason matchups, such as the Raptors' game against the Sacramento Kings at Rogers Arena in 2023.
🏙️ Preseason matchups
The Bell Centre in Montreal and Rogers Arena in Vancouver have been frequent venues for preseason matchups. Watch out because tickets sell out fast. If you can't travel to Toronto, this is a unique opportunity to experience the NBA.
Arrive early to follow the warm-up and get souvenirs.🎽
The stadium doors open between 60 and 90 minutes before tip-off.
Try the local stadium food 🍔
Participate in crowd activations during timeouts 🥳
Download the official Toronto Raptors app (iOS and Android).
How to watch NBA in Canada for Free
Today, there are several ways to follow the NBA for free or with affordable resources, both in real-time and through highlights, analysis, and specialized coverage. From radio broadcasts to YouTube and social media, Canadian fans have multiple options for keeping up with their favorite teams and top Canadian NBA players.
📻 Radio & Free Broadcast Options
TSN Radio: Broadcasts Raptors in English
RDS Radio (Quebec): Some broadcasts in French
Local radio stations: Some stations analyze the NBA day
📲 Social Media & YouTube
Official NBA and Raptors accounts post summaries and highlights
NBA on YouTube: 10-minute game summaries
Channels like House of Highlights, Bleacher Report, and Hoop Central offer daily content.
🏀 Highlights
@NBACanada 🇨🇦
@TorontoRaptors
@ShamsCharania / @wojespn (for news and trades)
@ESPNNBA
@NBAStats (for data and analysis)
🍻 Sports Bars
Toronto: Real Sports Bar, The Rec Room, Hoops Sports Bar
Vancouver: The Sportsbar LIVE!, Shark Club
Montreal: La Cage, MVP Bar Sportif
NBA Canada Broadcast Schedule
The NBA Canada schedule for 2024 and 2025 offers Canadian fans a wide range of exciting highlights. From Toronto Raptors matchups to preseason games in cities like Montreal & Vancouver, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy top-level basketball all across the country.
🕒 Table: typical start times by time zone
| Time zone | Usual game time |
| ATL (Halifax) | 8:30–9:30 p.m. |
| EST (Toronto, Montreal) | 7:00–10:00 p.m. |
| CST (Winnipeg) | 6:00–9:00 p.m. |
| MST (Calgary, Edmonton) | 5:00–8:00 p.m. |
| PST (Vancouver) | 4:00–7:00 p.m. |
If you are on the West Coast, East Coast games start early (4–5 p.m.).
If you're in the East, games in the West may end after midnight
Use apps like the NBA App or TSN App for extra info
📅 Where to find updated schedules?
NBA.com/schedule
TSN and Sportsnet apps
Raptors official website
@NBACanada Twitter
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