How to Watch Sacramento Kings Game Cheap

The Sacramento Kings, one of the most storied franchises in the NBA, have a passionate fan base that spans across California and beyond. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter from the Bay Area or a new fan drawn in by the team’s rising young talent like Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray, catching every game is essential. But with rising cable and streaming subscription costs, watching every Kings game without overspending can feel impossible. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to watching Sacramento Kings games cheaply—without sacrificing quality, reliability, or access to live action. From free legal options to budget-friendly streaming services, local broadcast tricks, and smart use of free trials, you’ll learn exactly how to enjoy every buzzer-beater, dunk, and overtime thriller without breaking the bank.

Understanding how to watch Sacramento Kings games cheaply isn’t just about saving money—it’s about maximizing access, staying loyal to your team, and avoiding the pitfalls of illegal streams or unreliable platforms that compromise your viewing experience. In this guide, we’ll break down every legal, ethical, and effective method available in 2024 and beyond, so you never miss a moment of Kings basketball—no matter your budget.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Identify Where Kings Games Are Broadcast

Before you can watch a Sacramento Kings game cheaply, you need to know where it’s being shown. The majority of Kings games are televised locally on Bally Sports Sacramento, the regional sports network (RSN) that holds exclusive rights to broadcast most regular-season games. However, nationally televised games air on platforms like NBA TV, ESPN, ABC, or NBC during prime-time matchups.

Not all games are available everywhere. If you live outside the Kings’ broadcast territory (which includes Northern California, parts of Nevada, and Oregon), you won’t receive Bally Sports Sacramento through standard cable packages. This geographic restriction is why many fans outside the region turn to streaming alternatives. Understanding this distribution model is the first step toward finding the most affordable access point.

Step 2: Check for Free Over-the-Air Broadcasts

While most Kings games are on cable or streaming-only platforms, a select number of games are broadcast on local over-the-air (OTA) television stations. These are typically high-profile matchups, such as games against the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, or during holiday weekends. In Sacramento, these games may air on KXTV (ABC 10) or KCRA (NBC 3).

To catch these free broadcasts, you need a digital TV antenna. These cost as little as $20–$30 and can be mounted indoors or outdoors. Once connected to your TV, perform a channel scan to find local affiliates. You’ll receive full HD quality with no subscription required. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to watch Kings games—zero monthly fees, zero buffering, and zero geo-restrictions.

Pro Tip: Use the NBA Schedule on NBA.com and filter by “Broadcast Info” to identify which games are scheduled for local OTA. Mark those dates on your calendar.

Step 3: Use Free Trials of Streaming Services

Many live TV streaming platforms offer 7-day free trials, which can be strategically used to watch Kings games without paying a cent. Services like YouTube TV, FuboTV, DIRECTV STREAM, and Hulu + Live TV all carry Bally Sports Sacramento and NBA TV.

Here’s how to maximize free trials:

• Sign up for one service (e.g., YouTube TV) during the week before a Kings game.
• Watch the game live, record it using the cloud DVR feature, and binge any missed highlights.
• Cancel before the trial ends to avoid charges.
• Wait 30–60 days, then sign up again for another free trial on a different platform (e.g., FuboTV).

This method works best for fans who only need to watch a few games per month. By rotating platforms, you can cover nearly every Kings game for free over the course of the season. Be sure to use a unique email and payment method for each trial—most services track users by credit card and IP address.

Step 4: Subscribe to NBA League Pass (The Budget-Friendly Option)

If you’re a die-hard fan who wants to watch every game, NBA League Pass is the most cost-effective subscription service available. While it doesn’t include local games in your home market (due to blackout restrictions), it offers full access to all out-of-market games—including every Kings game not shown on Bally Sports Sacramento.

For example: If you live in Sacramento, you can’t watch Kings games on League Pass. But if you live in Texas, Florida, or New York, you can watch nearly every Kings game live and on-demand. Even better, League Pass offers:

• Multiple camera angles
• Commercial-free viewing (on select plans)
• On-demand replays with condensed 10-minute versions
• Access on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and gaming consoles

The standard plan costs $19.99/month or $129.99/year. But NBA often runs seasonal promotions—especially around the All-Star break or playoffs—offering discounts up to 50%. Look for deals in December, February, or April. You can also share the subscription with a friend or family member to split the cost.

Pro Tip: Use League Pass in combination with OTA antennas. Watch local games for free via antenna, and use League Pass for every other game. This hybrid approach costs less than $10 per month on average.

Step 5: Leverage Team and League Promotions

The Sacramento Kings organization frequently partners with local businesses, telecom providers, and streaming services to offer discounted or free viewing opportunities. These promotions are often under the radar but highly valuable.

Examples include:

• AT&T or Verizon customers receiving free NBA League Pass subscriptions as part of mobile plans.
• California State University or UC Davis student discounts on streaming services.
• Kings’ official website offering promo codes for discounted League Pass or ticket bundles that include streaming access.
• Local libraries in Sacramento offering free access to streaming platforms like Kanopy or Hoopla, which occasionally feature archived games or documentaries.

Sign up for the Kings’ email newsletter and follow their official social media accounts (Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook). Promotions are often announced 48–72 hours before a game. You might get a 24-hour free pass to Bally Sports+ or a discount code for a month of FuboTV.

Step 6: Use Public Viewing Spots and Community Events

Many bars, restaurants, and community centers in Sacramento host free or low-cost public viewings of Kings games. Popular spots include The Alibi, Wine & Beer Bar, and Old Ironsides—all of which offer special game-day menus and drink deals.

Even better, local libraries and recreation centers sometimes screen games in their community rooms. These events are free, family-friendly, and often include trivia contests or giveaways. Check the Sacramento Public Library calendar or the Sacramento Kings Community Foundation website for upcoming events.

For fans without reliable internet or a TV at home, this is a powerful way to enjoy live basketball without spending a dime. Bring a friend, enjoy the atmosphere, and support your team in person.

Step 7: Avoid Illegal Streams and Scams

While illegal streaming sites may seem tempting—offering free access to every game—they come with serious risks. These platforms often contain malware, phishing links, and intrusive ads that can compromise your device or steal personal data. Many also violate copyright laws and may be shut down mid-game, leaving you without access.

Additionally, illegal streams rarely offer reliable audio, consistent video quality, or live commentary. You’ll miss key moments due to buffering, and you won’t have access to replays or stats.

Stick to legal, trusted sources. Even if you have to pay $5–$10 for a single game via a rental option on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV, it’s safer, higher quality, and supports the league and team.

Best Practices

Plan Ahead: Know Your Game Schedule

The most effective way to watch Sacramento Kings games cheaply is to plan your viewing strategy in advance. The NBA releases the full season schedule in August. Download it, print it, or sync it to your digital calendar. Note which games are local (Bally Sports), national (ESPN/ABC), or on NBA TV.

Use this information to map out which free or low-cost method you’ll use for each game. For example:

• Weekday night game on Bally Sports? Use your OTA antenna.
• Friday night ESPN game? Use a free trial of YouTube TV.
• Game on NBA TV? Log in to the NBA app with your cable provider credentials (if you have any).

This level of planning turns a chaotic viewing experience into a streamlined, budget-conscious routine.

Use Multiple Devices Strategically

Don’t rely on just one screen. Use your smartphone to stream a game on NBA League Pass while watching the local broadcast on your TV via antenna. You can compare commentary, catch replays on your phone, and even record highlights using screen capture tools.

Many streaming apps allow you to cast content to your TV via Chromecast or AirPlay. This means you can watch a game on your phone while sitting on the couch, then send it to your big screen with one tap.

Combine Services for Maximum Value

Don’t limit yourself to one platform. The cheapest way to watch every Kings game is to combine multiple low-cost or free options:

• OTA antenna for local games: $0/month
• NBA League Pass for out-of-market games: $10.83/month (annual plan)
• Free trials on rotating platforms: $0/month
• Public viewings: $0

This multi-pronged approach can cover 90%+ of games for under $13/month—far cheaper than a full cable package.

Set Up Alerts and Notifications

Enable notifications from the NBA app, your favorite streaming service, and the Kings’ official website. These alerts will notify you when:

• A game is moved to a national network
• A free trial is about to expire
• A promotional code is released

Many fans miss out on savings simply because they don’t know a promotion exists. Automation keeps you informed without effort.

Record and Replay: Use Cloud DVR

Most live TV streaming services include cloud DVR storage. Use it. Record every Kings game you care about—even if you can’t watch it live. Then watch it later at your convenience, skipping commercials and rewatching key plays.

YouTube TV offers unlimited DVR storage. FuboTV gives you 1000 hours. Even Hulu + Live TV offers 50 hours. This means you can watch a game the next day and still count it as “live viewing” for your purposes.

Share Subscriptions Legally

NBA League Pass and many streaming services allow multiple simultaneous streams. If you have a friend or family member who also wants to watch Kings games, split the cost. A $129.99 annual subscription becomes $65 each—less than $6 per month.

Many families share one subscription across multiple devices: mom watches on her tablet, dad on his TV, and the teen on their phone. As long as you’re not reselling or distributing access publicly, this is perfectly legal and encouraged.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps and Websites

• NBA App – Official app with live scores, schedules, highlights, and game alerts. Free to download.
• NBA League Pass – The core subscription for out-of-market games. Available on iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and web.
• Bally Sports+ – The direct-to-consumer streaming option for Bally Sports Sacramento. $19.99/month. Offers game replays and exclusive content.
• YouTube TV – Includes Bally Sports Sacramento, ESPN, NBA TV. $72.99/month. 7-day free trial.
• FuboTV – Strong sports focus. Includes Bally Sports Sacramento and NBA TV. $79.99/month. 7-day free trial.
• DIRECTV STREAM – Carries Bally Sports Sacramento. $89.99/month. 5-day free trial.
• Hulu + Live TV – Includes ESPN and NBA TV. $76.99/month. 7-day free trial.
• Over-the-Air Antenna – Channel Master CM-4228HD or Mohu Leaf 50. $25–$40 one-time cost.
• Sacramento Kings Official Website – Schedule, promotions, and community events.
• Reddit – r/Kings – Fan-run community with live threads, game discussions, and unofficial stream links (use with caution).

Free Tools for Tracking Broadcasts

Use these free tools to stay updated on where each game is airing:

• NBA.com/schedule – Filter by “Broadcast” to see TV and streaming info.
• TV Guide (tvguide.com) – Search for “Sacramento Kings” to see local listings.
• Google Calendar + NBA Schedule – Manually import the NBA schedule into your calendar with reminders.
• JustWatch.com – Enter “Sacramento Kings” to see which streaming services currently carry their games.

Hardware Recommendations

For the best viewing experience without overspending:

• Smart TV – Any 2018+ model with built-in streaming apps (Samsung, LG, Roku TV).
• Chromecast or Fire TV Stick – $30–$40. Turns any TV into a streaming hub.
• Antenna with Amplifier – For weak signal areas, use a directional antenna like the Winegard HD7698P.
• External Hard Drive – For storing recorded games if your streaming service has limited DVR space.

Community and Fan Resources

Join fan communities to stay informed about hidden deals and viewing parties:

• Reddit: r/Kings – Active fan base with daily game threads and promo alerts.
• Facebook Groups: “Sacramento Kings Fans Worldwide” – Members share free access tips and watch parties.
• Twitter/X: @SacramentoKings – Official account with real-time broadcast updates.
• Discord Servers – Search for “Kings NBA” to find fan-run servers with live commentary and stream links.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Sacramento Local Fan

Jamal lives in Sacramento and works a 9-to-5 job. He doesn’t want to pay $100/month for cable. Here’s how he watches every Kings game:

• He buys a $25 antenna and connects it to his living room TV.
• He signs up for NBA League Pass annual plan ($129.99) and shares it with his brother.
• He watches all local games on antenna for free.
• He watches all out-of-market games on League Pass ($65 each after splitting).
• When ESPN airs a game, he uses a free trial of YouTube TV (he rotates trials every 60 days).

Result: Jamal spends $190/year on basketball—less than $16/month. He never misses a game and has access to replays and stats.

Example 2: The College Student in San Diego

Lena is a student at UC San Diego. She’s a Kings fan but lives outside the broadcast zone. She can’t get Bally Sports Sacramento.

• She subscribes to NBA League Pass student discount ($9.99/month during back-to-school promo).
• She uses her university’s free Wi-Fi to stream games on her laptop.
• She attends free public viewings at the campus recreation center every other week.
• She uses a free trial of FuboTV during the playoffs to watch national games.

Result: Lena spends under $50 for the entire season and still feels connected to the team.

Example 3: The Retiree in Reno

Robert lives in Reno and has a limited income. He used to rely on cable but canceled it last year.

• He installs a $30 antenna and picks up KCRA (NBC) and KTVN (CBS) in Reno.
• He watches all nationally televised Kings games for free on NBC or ABC.
• He uses the NBA app on his iPad to check scores and watch condensed games.
• He attends free community screenings at the Reno Public Library every month.

Result: Robert watches 15–20 Kings games per season for free and stays engaged with the team.

FAQs

Can I watch Sacramento Kings games for free legally?

Yes. You can watch select Kings games for free using a digital TV antenna to catch local OTA broadcasts on ABC or NBC. You can also attend free public viewings at libraries or community centers. Free trials of streaming services also allow temporary access to games.

Is NBA League Pass worth it for Kings fans?

If you live outside the Sacramento broadcast area, yes. It’s the most affordable way to watch nearly every game. If you live in Sacramento, you can’t watch local games on League Pass—but you can still use it for out-of-market games and combine it with an antenna for full coverage.

Why can’t I watch Kings games on NBA League Pass if I live in Sacramento?

This is due to regional broadcast rights. The NBA enforces blackout rules to protect local TV partners like Bally Sports Sacramento. If you’re in the designated market area, League Pass blocks local games to encourage viewers to subscribe to the regional network.

What’s the cheapest way to watch every Kings game?

Combine a $25 digital antenna (for local games) with an annual NBA League Pass subscription ($129.99) split with a friend. This totals under $190 per year—less than $16/month. Use free trials to cover national games on ESPN or ABC.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch Kings games?

No. You can watch all Kings games without cable using streaming services like YouTube TV, FuboTV, or NBA League Pass, or with an over-the-air antenna. Cable is no longer required.

Are there any free apps to watch Kings games?

The NBA app is free and offers live audio, scores, highlights, and condensed games. Some games may stream live via the app if you authenticate with a participating TV provider. But full live games require a subscription or antenna.

Can I watch Kings games on my phone without paying?

You can watch highlights, scores, and audio on the NBA app for free. For full live games, you’ll need a subscription (League Pass) or an antenna connected to a streaming device like a Fire Stick. No legal app offers full live games for free without authentication.

How do I find out which channel a Kings game is on tonight?

Visit NBA.com/schedule, search for “Sacramento Kings,” and check the “Broadcast” column. You can also use Google: “Sacramento Kings tonight TV channel” or check your local TV guide.

Can I record Kings games to watch later?

Yes. Services like YouTube TV, FuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM include cloud DVR. You can record games and watch them later, even skip commercials on some plans. The NBA app also offers on-demand replays for League Pass subscribers.

Do Kings games ever air on Netflix or Hulu (on-demand)?

No. Live NBA games are not available on Netflix. Hulu (on-demand) only offers archived games or documentaries—not live broadcasts. For live games, use Hulu + Live TV, which is a different service.

Conclusion

Watching Sacramento Kings games cheaply isn’t a myth—it’s a strategy. By combining free tools like digital antennas, leveraging free trials, subscribing smartly to NBA League Pass, and tapping into community events, you can enjoy every game without paying for expensive cable packages or risking illegal streams. The key is awareness, planning, and using the right mix of resources.

Whether you’re a student, retiree, or working professional, there’s a budget-friendly path to follow. You don’t need to spend hundreds per year to stay connected to your team. With the methods outlined in this guide, you can watch every Kings game for under $200 annually—or even for free, if you’re strategic.

Remember: The goal isn’t just to save money—it’s to enjoy the game. The roar of the crowd, the clutch three-pointer, the fast break in overtime—those moments matter. And now, thanks to this guide, you can experience them all without financial stress.

Start today. Get an antenna. Sign up for a free trial. Share a League Pass. Attend a community screening. Your favorite team is waiting—and so is your next unforgettable game.