NBA TV is an essential channel for any basketball fan. It offers extensive coverage of the NBA, including live games, highlights, analysis shows, classic games, behind-the-scenes access and more. For DirecTV subscribers wondering how they can access this great content, NBA TV can be found on channel 216 in HD.
Knowing the channel number for NBA TV is key to unlocking a courtside view of hoops action. This article will cover all the basics about the channel, the programming it provides, which DirecTV packages include it, and how to start watching. Any basketball devotee will find value in having NBA TV readily available.
NBA TV on DirecTV: Basic Information
NBA TV is the NBA’s 24-hour network, bringing fans up close with their favorite teams and players. The channel shows live games (subject to local blackout restrictions), offers original programs and studio shows, displays on-demand game replays, and delivers constant breaking news from across the league.
Throughout the season, NBA TV provides primetime matchups, pre-game shows, post-game analysis, real-time stats and scores, and constantly updated programming about all 30 NBA teams. During the offseason, the network focuses on hot stove coverage, the NBA Draft, free agency moves, Summer League games, and more.
For DirecTV customers searching for NBA TV, it can always be found on channel 216 in HD. This channel number provides access to all of the channel’s content.
DirecTV Packages Including NBA TV
The good news for basketball fans is that NBA TV is included in all of DirecTV’s main packages beyond the basic Entertainment plan. This means most customers already have access just by subscribing.
The DirecTV channel packages that include NBA TV HD on channel 216 are:
- CHOICE – $84.99/month
- Ultimate – $114.99/month
- Premier – $159.99/month
Having NBA TV in these packages allows fans to watch live out-of-market NBA games, highlights, analysis shows, classic games, and more at no extra cost. It’s a great value-add for subscribers interested in basketball.
For the most complete NBA coverage, customers can complement NBA TV by adding NBA League Pass ($199/year). This package unlocks access to every live out-of-market NBA game in HD quality. Games can be streamed on mobile devices or viewed through DirecTV set-top boxes.
Special Features and Programming
Beyond just live basketball, NBA TV provides fans with an array of special features, exclusive programming and specialty content. This includes:
- Live marquee matchups not available on national networks
- Original studio shows like NBA GameTime and NBA Today with expert analysis
- Behind-the-scenes access to players, coaches and league executives
- Classic NBA games featuring legendary performances
- Documentaries covering iconic teams, players and moments
- Extensive highlight packages with the best dunks, blocks and buzzer-beaters
- Interviews with the league’s top superstars
- Up-to-the-minute reporting on injuries, trades and free agency moves
- Constant basketball talk through shows like The Starters
- Replays of the NBA Finals, Conference Finals and other playoff series
- An up-close view of All-Star Weekend events
- Enhanced coverage of the NBA Draft Lottery and Draft
- Live Summer League action
- Real-time stats, scores and analytics
During the season, NBA TV shows over 100 live NBA games, while also providing the news, analysis and storytelling basketball fans crave. For any NBA lover, it’s a must-have channel.
Accessing NBA TV on DirecTV
Accessing NBA TV on DirecTV is easy for most package subscribers, since it’s readily available on channel 216 in HD. Just turn your television to that channel number using your DirecTV remote.
If you notice the channel isn’t available in your DirecTV lineup, you likely need to upgrade from the basic Entertainment package to Choice or above. You can do this by:
- Visiting www.directv.com and signing into your account
- Calling 1-800-531-5000 to speak with a customer service representative
- Messaging @DIRECTV on Twitter for assistance
Additionally, you can check channel 216 in your DirecTV guide to view any relevant information about NBA TV’s availability. This will clarify which package it can be found in.
Once you verify NBA TV is included in your subscribed package, simply watch it on channel 216 in crystal-clear HD quality. Enjoy all the live games, highlights, analysis programming and more on the NBA’s own network.
Additional Ways to Enjoy NBA on DirecTV
While NBA TV provides a fantastic hub to enjoy NBA action, there are additional ways basketball fans can get their hoops fix with a DirecTV subscription:
NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass serves as the NBA’s out-of-market live games package for superfans. It broadcasts up to 40 live games each week in HD quality through DirecTV set-top boxes and mobile devices. League Pass is the perfect companion to NBA TV, unlocking access to live online streams for those not in the local TV territory of their favorite team.
League Pass can be added to any DirecTV package by:
- Visiting www.directv.com and signing into your account
- Calling 1-800-531-5000 to speak with a customer service representative
- Messaging @DIRECTV on Twitter for assistance
With a League Pass subscription ($199/year), virtually every NBA game is at your fingertips through DirecTV and the NBA app.
Regional Sports Networks (RSNs)
Regional sports networks (RSNs) carry local NBA team broadcasts for fans in their territory. DirecTV provides broad access to RSNs based on zip code, ensuring subscribers can watch hometown professional teams.
To find your local RSN and its channel position in DirecTV’s lineup, plug your zip code into the RSN finder tool at www.directv.com/rsn. Add the channel number to your DirecTV favorites so it’s easy to access when your home team is playing.
With NBA TV (channel 216 national coverage) plus your RSN (local team coverage) and NBA League Pass (out-of-market live games), basketball fans have all possible bases covered with DirecTV. It’s the premier TV provider for NBA action.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While accessing NBA TV on DirecTV should be straightforward for eligible packages, there are times when issues arise. Here are some troubleshooting tips for common problems:
Can’t find channel 216? As mentioned above, NBA TV HD requires a package level of Choice or above. If channel 216 is missing from your lineup, you likely need to upgrade your base package.
Channel says “not authorized”? This occurs when your account isn’t properly synced with your DirecTV subscription level. Contact customer support to verify your package includes NBA TV.
Blackout restrictions in place? Local NBA games are subject to blackout based on your zip code. Use NBA League Pass or your RSN for live local action.
Experiencing technical difficulties? Try rebooting your DirecTV box and re-adding channel 216 to your favorites. If issues persist, contact customer support for troubleshooting.
DirecTV provides reliable access to NBA TV in applicable channel packages. But if problems arise, use these tips or contact customer service for a quick resolution.
Conclusion
For any basketball diehard, having access to NBA TV is a must. With DirecTV, fans can tune into channel 216 to find a prime courtside view of hoops happenings. NBA TV satiates fans with live games, highlights, original shows, classic content and up-to-the-minute coverage of all the league’s top storylines.
Complement NBA TV by adding NBA League Pass for out-of-market live game streams, and by watching your local RSN for hometown team broadcasts. With these offerings – all available through DirecTV – basketball junkies will stay well-informed and entertained all season long.
So memorize channel 216 for NBA TV on DirecTV, upgrade your package if necessary, and enjoy the front-row seat to hardwood action. It’s the best way to catch every pick-and-roll, alley-oop and buzzer-beater over the course of the NBA schedule.
