If you are wondering how many NBA games will be on Sky Sports, the current answer is more than 100 NBA games per season in the UK and Ireland.
Sky Sports has an agreement to show over 100 NBA games each season through at least 2036. The coverage includes regular-season games as well as other major NBA action, giving UK and Irish basketball fans substantial live coverage throughout the season.
That is considerably fewer than the total number of NBA games played during a season, so Sky Sports does not show every game. Fans looking for the widest possible selection of live games may also need NBA League Pass or other available broadcasters.
How Many NBA Games Will Be on Sky Sports?
Sky Sports will show more than 100 NBA games per season under its current long-term agreement.
Sky Sports confirmed in 2026 that it had agreed to show over 100 NBA games each season until 2036.
The exact number shown can vary from season to season because the NBA schedule and television selections are determined separately for each campaign.
This means it is safer to say at least more than 100 games are expected each season, rather than claim that Sky Sports will always broadcast an identical number.
Does Sky Sports Show Every NBA Game?
No. Sky Sports does not show every NBA game.
The NBA plays a huge number of regular-season games. In the 2026-27 season, for example, the league scheduled 1,230 regular-season games.
With more than 100 games scheduled for Sky Sports, the channel carries only a portion of the overall NBA schedule.
This is normal for sports broadcasting. Television networks select particular games based on factors such as popular teams, star players, rivalries, scheduling, audience interest and availability.
Fans who want to watch virtually every available NBA game generally need a dedicated league package rather than relying solely on a traditional sports channel.
Where Can UK Fans Watch NBA Games?
For viewers in the UK and Ireland, Sky Sports is one of the major destinations for live NBA coverage.
The NBA also offers League Pass, which provides access to live out-of-market games through NBA platforms and participating providers. The NBA’s 2026-27 viewing information confirms that League Pass continues to offer live games through NBA.com, the NBA App and other participating platforms.
Therefore, the best option depends on how much NBA basketball a fan wants to watch.
Someone who wants selected major games may find Sky Sports sufficient. A dedicated fan who wants a much larger selection may prefer League Pass.
How Many NBA Games Does a Team Play?
Each NBA team plays 82 regular-season games.
With 30 teams in the league, that produces 1,230 regular-season games because every game involves two teams.
The 2026-27 NBA schedule contains exactly 1,230 regular-season games.
That puts the Sky Sports agreement into perspective. Even more than 100 games is only a fraction of the league’s total regular-season schedule.
For viewers, this means Sky Sports has to select a relatively small portion of the available games.
What NBA Games Does Sky Sports Show?
Sky Sports typically focuses on games that are particularly attractive to its audience.
These can include matchups involving major NBA teams and star players, important regular-season contests, Christmas-period games, playoff action and other major events.
The exact Sky Sports schedule changes throughout the season.
This is why checking the current Sky Sports NBA schedule is the best way to find out which specific games will be broadcast.
A game being part of the NBA regular-season schedule does not automatically mean it will be shown live on Sky Sports.
Does Sky Sports Show the NBA Playoffs?
Sky Sports provides NBA coverage beyond ordinary regular-season games, but the exact selection of playoff and postseason games can vary.
The NBA postseason is especially attractive to broadcasters because the stakes are much higher than during the regular season.
As teams advance through the playoffs, the number of remaining games decreases while the importance of each game increases.
For NBA fans in the UK, this means Sky Sports can provide access to major postseason action without requiring viewers to follow the entire 1,230-game regular season.
Will Sky Sports Show NBA Finals Games?
NBA Finals coverage is an especially important part of the basketball broadcasting calendar.
The Finals determine the NBA champion and attract international audiences. Sky Sports’ long-term NBA rights agreement means UK and Irish fans have access to NBA coverage over the course of the agreement, although the exact annual schedule of games and coverage can change.
When the NBA Finals approach, fans should check the current Sky Sports schedule for the specific games being shown.
How Long Will Sky Sports Have NBA Rights?
Sky Sports has agreed to show over 100 NBA games each season until at least 2036.
That represents a long-term commitment to NBA basketball in the UK and Ireland.
For fans, the significance is straightforward: NBA coverage is not simply a short-term addition to Sky Sports. The agreement provides a long period of access to live NBA games.
It also means basketball fans can expect the NBA to remain an important part of Sky Sports’ sports programming.
Is Sky Sports the Only Way to Watch NBA Games?
No.
Sky Sports is an important broadcaster for UK and Irish NBA fans, but it is not the only option.
NBA League Pass is designed for fans who want access to a much broader selection of NBA games. The NBA describes League Pass as providing live, out-of-market games through NBA platforms and participating providers.
The difference can be summarized simply:
| Option | Main purpose |
|---|---|
| Sky Sports | Selected live NBA games and major coverage |
| NBA League Pass | Much broader access to NBA games |
| Free highlights | Short-form game coverage and highlights |
The right choice depends on how frequently you watch basketball.
If you only follow the biggest matchups, Sky Sports may provide enough coverage. If you want to follow one team throughout the season or watch games involving teams across the league, League Pass can provide much broader access.
What About NBA Games in the UK?
The NBA has continued to increase its presence in the United Kingdom.
London has hosted multiple NBA regular-season games, and Manchester is scheduled to host its first regular-season NBA game in 2027. Sky Sports reported that the Manchester game will take place at Co-op Live.
The NBA has also announced additional European regular-season games through 2028.
This expansion is significant for British basketball fans because it gives them opportunities to watch NBA teams play in person rather than exclusively through television.
The growth of the NBA’s European presence also increases interest in NBA coverage on British broadcasters.
Will Sky Sports Show More Than 100 Games?
The confirmed description is over 100 NBA games per season.
That does not necessarily mean exactly 101 games. The actual number can be higher depending on the final broadcasting schedule.
It is therefore best not to treat “over 100” as a precise fixed annual total.
Broadcasters can also announce individual games and coverage details throughout the season, meaning the complete picture may become clearer as the season progresses.
Why Doesn’t Sky Sports Show All 1,230 Games?
There are several practical reasons.
First, there are simply too many games. A full NBA regular season contains 1,230 games, while the NBA season runs for only about six months.
Second, many games take place simultaneously or during inconvenient hours for UK viewers.
Third, television broadcasters have limited schedules and must select games that are likely to attract the largest audiences.
Finally, the NBA distributes its media rights across multiple broadcasters and platforms. In the United States, for example, the 2026-27 national schedule is divided among ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock and Prime Video, with NBA TV also carrying games.
International broadcasting rights operate separately, which is why the availability of an NBA game can differ depending on the country.
What Time Are NBA Games on in the UK?
NBA games are played in North America, so many games take place during the evening or late night in the UK.
This means British fans can often find NBA games scheduled overnight or in the early hours of the morning.
However, some games are scheduled at more convenient European times, particularly weekend games and international NBA events.
The NBA’s European expansion has also created opportunities for games to be played closer to UK audiences. For example, the 2027 Manchester game is scheduled as part of the league’s European regular-season program.
What Does “Over 100 Games” Mean for NBA Fans?
For a casual NBA fan, more than 100 live games represents substantial coverage.
There are enough games for viewers to regularly watch the biggest teams and players without needing to watch every night.
For a dedicated fan, however, more than 100 games is not enough to follow the entire league.
Consider the numbers:
- NBA regular season: 1,230 games
- Sky Sports: more than 100 games per season
- Each team: 82 regular-season games
This shows why different viewing options exist.
Sky Sports provides curated coverage, while League Pass is intended for viewers who want much broader access.
FAQ
How many NBA games will be on Sky Sports?
Sky Sports has agreed to show over 100 NBA games per season in the UK and Ireland through at least 2036.
Will Sky Sports show every NBA game?
No. The NBA plays 1,230 regular-season games in a 30-team, 82-game-per-team schedule, so Sky Sports broadcasts only a selection.
Can I watch the NBA on Sky Sports in the UK?
Yes. Sky Sports provides live NBA coverage for viewers in the UK and Ireland under its long-term NBA agreement.
Does Sky Sports show NBA playoff games?
Sky Sports provides NBA coverage beyond the regular season, although the specific playoff games available can vary. Fans should check the current Sky Sports schedule for the latest listings.
Is NBA League Pass better than Sky Sports?
It depends on what you want to watch. Sky Sports is suitable for selected live NBA coverage, while League Pass is designed to provide access to a much broader selection of NBA games.
How many NBA games are played in a season?
The NBA’s regular season consists of 1,230 games, with each of the 30 teams playing 82 games.
Will Sky Sports still show NBA games in the future?
Yes. Sky Sports has an agreement to show over 100 NBA games each season until at least 2036.
Will the NBA continue playing games in the UK?
Yes. The NBA has announced a regular-season game in Manchester for 2027, which will be the city’s first regular-season NBA game.
Conclusion
So, how many NBA games will be on Sky Sports? Sky Sports will show more than 100 NBA games each season in the UK and Ireland under its current agreement, which runs until at least 2036.
That is a substantial amount of live basketball, but it represents only a fraction of the NBA’s full schedule. The 2026-27 regular season alone contains 1,230 games, with each team playing 82.
For fans who want selected major games, Sky Sports offers extensive coverage. Those who want to watch a much larger proportion of the NBA schedule can consider NBA League Pass.
The NBA’s growing presence in the UK, including the upcoming Manchester regular-season game, also shows how important the British market has become for the league.