How to Watch New York Knicks Games? (Live & On-Demand, 2025 Guide)

If you’re asking how to watch Knicks game this season, this clear, up-to-date guide has you covered. With numerous options, ranging from local cable to national broadcasts and a variety of streaming services, it’s easy to get lost. This comprehensive guide breaks down every live and on-demand option available for the 2025 season, ensuring you’ll never miss a moment of the action.

How to Watch Knicks Games With Cable (U.S. context)?

For fans in New York, the most direct answer to how to watch Knicks game is still through a traditional cable package. Cable ensures reliable access to every New York Knicks game live, including those broadcast on the regional sports network MSG, as well as nationally televised matchups.

Cable remains the most direct way for how to watch Knicks game

Subscribe to a Cable Package Including MSG Network

MSG Network is the primary home for most Knicks regular-season games. If you want to catch the majority of matchups, whether it’s a weekend clash or New York Knicks game tonight on TV, you’ll need a cable provider that carries MSG. Providers like Optimum, Spectrum, and Verizon Fios often include it in their sports bundles. 

National Broadcasts on ESPN, ABC, and TNT

In addition to the MSG Network, the Knicks have a number of games featured on national TV. These are often marquee matchups that are broadcast on channels like ESPN, ABC, and TNT. During these games, the MSG Network broadcast may be subject to a local blackout, meaning you will need to tune into the national channel. Keep an eye on the schedule for these dates, as they often feature rivals or a fascinating matchup, such as the where to watch chicago bulls vs knicks game.

Check Your Local Channel Listings

Before streaming, it’s important to confirm where the Knicks game will air in your area. Broadcast rights often change depending on your location. If you’re in New York, most local games are on MSG Network. But if you’re outside the region, the matchup might appear on a national channel like ESPN, ABC, or TNT, or it could be subject to a blackout. Check your local TV guide or streaming service schedule so you know exactly where to tune in.

Use Cable Provider’s Streaming Apps

Most cable providers now include streaming apps, letting you watch Knicks games on mobile, tablet, or smart TV without being tied to your living room. For example, Verizon Fios subscribers can stream Fios Knicks game coverage through the Fios TV app, while Spectrum and Optimum have their own mobile streaming solutions. It’s a convenient way to enjoy an Knicks stream while on the move.

Contact Your Cable Provider if MSG is Unavailable

Some cable providers don’t carry MSG Network in all regions. If that’s the case, reach out to your provider to explore add-on sports packages or alternative viewing options. If MSG isn’t available at all, you may need to consider streaming platforms, which we’ll cover in the next section on how to watch Knicks game without cable.

How to Watch Knicks Games Without Cable?

If you’ve cut the cord, you still have plenty of ways to follow every New York Knicks game live. In fact, streaming platforms now make it easier than ever to catch games at home or on the go. Here’s a breakdown of how to watch Knicks game without cable.

League Pass (International)

For fans outside the U.S., League Pass is often the most straightforward answer to how to watch Knicks game. The platform offers every regular-season matchup, including replays and condensed versions for quick viewing. It’s the ultimate solution for an Knicks stream for fans living internationally, but be aware of the key limitation: all local and national broadcasts are subject to blackouts. This means you won’t be able to use League Pass to watch a Knicks game if you are in the New York market, or if the game is being shown on a national channel like ESPN.

Streaming Services with MSG Network 

Several streaming providers now include MSG Network (regional availability applies) along with ESPN, ABC, and TNT. These services are the best solution for cord-cutters who still want access to both local and national broadcasts of New York Knicks games live.

FuboTV

FuboTV is a popular choice because it carries MSG in select regions, plus national channels like ESPN and ABC. It’s a reliable way to get a Knicks game stream of both local and nationally televised matchups. Keep in mind that FuboTV does not carry TNT due to a contract dispute, which may affect your ability to watch some national games.

Sling TV

Known for its budget-friendly packages, Sling TV offers ESPN and TNT, but it does not carry the MSG Network. This makes it a great choice for catching the national games but a poor one for local fans who need access to the vast majority of the Knicks’ schedule.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV includes ESPN, ABC, and TNT, making it a solid choice for fans who want a reliable Knicks game stream on multiple devices. However, as of late 2025, YouTube TV does not have a carriage agreement with MSG Network. It is a good option for watching nationally broadcast games, but not for the local broadcasts.

Hulu + Live TV

Similar to YouTube TV, Hulu’s live TV plan includes national channels like ESPN, ABC, and TNT. It also does not carry MSG Network, making it a good fit for national games but not for local in-market broadcasts.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream is one of the few streaming providers that consistently offers MSG Network in its packages. If your top priority is getting every New York Knicks game tonight on TV in the local market, this service is worth considering despite its higher price point.

MSG GO App

If your streaming or cable package includes MSG, you can use the MSG GO app to watch Knicks games live on mobile, tablet, or smart TV. It’s especially useful when you’re away from home and still want access to the Knicks stream for every matchup.

Free Ways to Watch Knicks Games

If you’re on a budget and still want to know how to watch Knicks game without paying for a full subscription, there are a couple of free options. While these won’t always give you every New York Knicks game live, they can help you catch the action without long-term costs.

Free Trials and Promotions

If you’re looking for how to watch Knicks game without committing to a full subscription, free trials are your best bet. Several platforms provide temporary access so you can catch New York Knicks games live at no cost, at least for a week.

For In-Market Viewers (New York Area)

• FuboTV: Offers a 7-day free trial and includes MSG Network in select regions. This makes it one of the best short-term solutions for local Knicks fans who want access to every game airing on MSG.
• DirecTV Stream: Also provides a free trial and carries MSG Network in its packages. It’s ideal if you want a more traditional cable-like experience, complete with regional sports coverage.

For Out-of-Market Viewers

• League Pass: Perfect for fans outside the New York market who want to stream all Knicks games without regional blackouts. While it doesn’t always include nationally televised matchups, it gives full coverage of out-of-market games. You can also subscribe via services like YouTube TV, which itself sometimes offers free trials for new users.

For National Broadcasts

• Sling TV: While it doesn’t carry MSG, Sling Orange and Sports Extra packages include ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. They frequently run promotions like discounted first-month offers, making it a cheaper way to follow big national games.
• YouTube TV: Carries ABC, ESPN, and TNT, ensuring access to nationally televised Knicks matchups. Free trials are often available for new users, giving you a week of full access.

For tips on how to get official trials and discounts, check out our guide on How To Get NBA League Pass Free In 2025?. If you’re also a fan of other sports, our guide on How to Watch UFC Pay-Per-View for Free: Trials & Replays might be helpful.

YouTube highlights (10-min recaps)

If you don’t mind skipping live broadcasts, the official YouTube channel uploads condensed Knicks game stream highlights shortly after each game. These 10-minute recaps cover all the key plays, making them a free and convenient way to stay up-to-date on the team. While it’s not the same as knowing what channel is the Knicks game tonight and watching it live, it’s perfect if you want to catch up quickly without committing to a paid service.

For a wider range of sports streaming content, you might also be interested in our guide on How To Watch EPL in Singapore?.

How TurisVPN Helps Unlock Knicks Games Anywhere?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works by masking your IP address and making it appear as if you are located in a different city or country. If you’re trying to figure out how to watch Knicks game when you’re traveling or outside the Knicks’ TV market, a VPN like TurisVPN can be a useful tool. It helps with geo-blocks and blackout rules (common on League Pass and regional apps), secures your connection on public Wi-Fi, and often improves access to a Knicks stream when your normal service won’t load.

For another example of how a VPN can help, check out our guide on How to Watch Cricket World Cup in Singapore: A VPN User’s Guide (2025).

Follow these steps to try Free VPN for catching a Knicks game stream:

• Install the TurisVPN app: Download and install the VPN application on the device you plan to use for streaming, whether it’s a computer or smartphone.
• Connect to a Server: Open the TurisVPN and connect to a server in a location where the game is not blacked out. For example, if you live in the New York area and the game is blacked out on League Pass, you would connect to a server in a different U.S. state.
• Clear Cache and Cookies: This is a crucial step. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to ensure your real location isn’t detected. Alternatively, you can use your browser’s incognito or private mode.
• Start Streaming: Log in to your streaming service (such as League Pass or a live TV service) and find the game you want to watch. Since your device now appears to be in a different location, the New York Knicks game should be available to stream.

Troubleshooting Knicks Streaming Issues

Even with the right subscriptions and a reliable VPN, you might still encounter technical hiccups when you want to watch a Knicks game. Here are some common problems and straightforward solutions to get you back to the action.

Blackouts & Location Blocks

When you’re trying to figure out how to watch a Knicks game, the most common issue is a blackout message. Even if you’re using a VPN, a streaming service might still be able to detect your true location, often by cross-referencing your IP address with your device’s GPS or your browser’s location services.

• Switch Servers: If you encounter a blackout, the first and easiest solution is to switch to a different VPN server in another city or state where the game isn’t blacked out.
• Clear Your Cache: Your browser’s cookies and cache can store location data from before you activated your VPN. Clear your browser’s cookies and cache, then restart it and try again.
• Disable Location Services: On your device or within your browser, ensure that all location services are turned off for the streaming app or website you are using. This prevents the service from getting a location from a source other than your VPN.

We have a detailed guide on how this works for other sports, like in our article on How to Watch Blacked-Out NHL Games on ESPN+: VPN Solutions Explained.

Buffering or Slow Speeds

Buffering is a major annoyance that can interrupt the flow of a live game. While a VPN can sometimes cause a slight speed reduction due to the encryption process, there are ways to minimize the impact.

• Check Your Internet Speed: Before blaming the VPN, run a speed test on your connection. If your base internet speed is slow, a VPN will only make it slower.
• Use a Wired Connection: To ensure a stable connection and avoid Wi-Fi interference, connect your streaming device directly to your router with an Ethernet cable. This is a simple but highly effective way to improve performance.
• Close Other Applications: Bandwidth is a finite resource. Close any other applications or devices on your network that might be consuming significant data, such as a large download or another streaming service.

Spoiler Delay

One of the most frustrating things about trying to watch a Knicks game is seeing a score notification before the play happens on your screen. This “spoiler delay” is often caused by the time it takes for the live signal to travel from the stadium to your device.

• Mute Notifications: Turn off notifications from sports apps, fantasy leagues, and news services for the duration of the game.
• Pause and Catch Up: If you are watching on a significant delay, pause the stream for a few minutes at the beginning. This allows the stream to build a larger buffer, which can reduce lag and help you catch up to a closer-to-live time.

2025–2026 New York Knicks TV Schedule

Below is a more comprehensive look at the schedule for the 2025–2026 season:

Bottom Line

If you’re wondering how to watch Knicks game this season, you have plenty of reliable options. From traditional cable channels like MSG Network and ESPN to modern streaming platforms such as Sling TV, YouTube TV, and League Pass, fans can follow the action no matter where they are. Whether you prefer streaming on the go with a VPN or watching on your big-screen TV, the key is knowing which service carries your desired matchups. By planning with the 2025–2026 Knicks TV schedule, you’ll never have to miss a moment of the action.

FAQs

Q1. Where can I watch the Knicks games?

You can watch Knicks games on MSG Network for local coverage, and nationally televised games on ABC, ESPN, and TNT. For cord-cutters, streaming platforms like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and League Pass provide flexible options. If you’re outside the U.S., a VPN can help you access these streams.

Q2. Can I stream sport games for free?

Some platforms may offer free trial periods, such as YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV, which can be used to watch Knicks games temporarily. However, consistently streaming sports games for free isn’t legal or reliable. For long-term access, it’s best to subscribe to a trusted streaming service or League Pass.