How To Watch the Dallas Mavericks 2025-2026 Season on DirecTV
Learn about How To Watch the Dallas Mavericks 2025-2026 Season on... in this American TV guide, with key details, useful options and practical answers.
Get ready for a high-stakes season as the Dallas Mavericks enter the 2025–2026 NBA campaign with championship aspirations and a reloaded roster. Anticipated matchups include a fiery Western Conference duel against the defending champions, the Denver Nuggets, and a coast-to-coast rivalry showdown with the Boston Celtics. Luka Dončić’s on-court brilliance paired with the team's offseason acquisitions positions Dallas as one of the most watched franchises this year.
The NBA regular season runs from late October through mid-April, consisting of 82 games per team. Following that, the Play-In Tournament determines final playoff spots before the postseason tips off in mid-April and stretches into June. For fans in Dallas, Bally Sports Southwest will carry most local broadcasts, with national coverage distributed across ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV. Preseason contests, usually held in early October, offer a first look at rotations and rookies, while every regular season and postseason game carries weight in playoff seeding and championship aspirations.
DirecTV provides access to all tiers of Mavericks coverage—from October exhibitions to June Finals appearances—with channel availability tailored to both national and regional broadcasts. Wondering how to streamline your entire Mavericks viewing experience through DirecTV’s lineup? Let’s break it down.
Where to Watch the Mavericks: NBA Broadcast Partnerships for the 2025–2026 Season
National TV Partners for the 2025–2026 Season
The NBA’s national broadcast landscape remains anchored by four major networks for the 2025–2026 season: ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. These channels carry high-profile matchups, marquee rivalry games, and nationally televised doubleheaders. Each of these networks plays a distinct role throughout the season schedule:
- ABC continues to be home to Sunday Showcase games and the NBA Finals.
- ESPN delivers weekly Wednesday and Friday night matchups.
- TNT owns the rights to Thursday night games and the NBA All-Star coverage.
- NBA TV broadcasts games throughout the week, focusing on matchups not covered by ESPN or TNT.
All Mavericks nationally televised games will appear on one of these networks, depending on scheduling. However, not every game is picked up nationally. That’s where regional broadcasts come into play.
Regional Sports Networks & Local Broadcast Deals
Each NBA team maintains rights deals with designated regional sports networks (RSNs) to carry games not selected for national broadcast. These partnerships allow fans to consistently follow their local teams. For Dallas Mavericks fans, Bally Sports Southwest serves that role.
RSNs typically air the majority of a team’s regular-season games, pregame and postgame shows, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. The terms of these local deals are negotiated directly between the RSN and the NBA franchise. As teams retain local TV rights, carriage agreements and broadcast quality vary by market.
Bally Sports Southwest: The Mavericks' Regional Home
Bally Sports Southwest holds the exclusive local broadcasting rights for the Dallas Mavericks during the 2025–2026 NBA season. This network will televise all regional games not scheduled for national distribution. Coverage includes:
- Live broadcasts of Mavericks regular-season and select preseason games
- In-depth analysis from local announcers, analysts, and sideline reporters
- Complementary programming, such as weekly team-focused shows and replays
To access Bally Sports Southwest, DirecTV subscribers in eligible markets must subscribe to a package that includes the channel. Outside the Mavericks’ designated broadcast area, the network will be unavailable due to NBA territorial rights restrictions.
Bally Sports Southwest on DirecTV: What You Need to Know
Find Bally Sports Southwest Based on Your Location
To watch live Dallas Mavericks games during the 2025–2026 NBA season on DirecTV, tune into Bally Sports Southwest, the team’s primary regional sports network. The actual channel number varies by market:
- Dallas-Fort Worth: Channel 676
- Austin: Channel 676
- Houston (select packages): Channel 674 (Bally Sports Southwest Extra may apply)
- San Antonio: Channel 676
- Oklahoma City: Channel 679
- Arkansas and parts of Louisiana: Channel 673
Use the DirecTV on-screen guide or the DirecTV website to confirm the channel number in your ZIP code, as regional coverage zones can overlap.
What Bally Sports Southwest Broadcasts for Mavericks Coverage
During the regular season, Bally Sports Southwest will carry the majority of Mavericks games not nationally televised. Coverage goes beyond the main event. Here's what viewers can expect:
- Live game broadcasts: Exclusive in-market telecasts with Mavericks-focused commentary teams.
- Pre-game and post-game shows: Studio segments feature analysis, injury updates, and coach interviews.
- Full-game replays: Encore presentations often air overnight or the following morning.
- Player features and team specials: Periodic longform content highlighting team legacy and behind-the-scenes access.
Availability Across the Region
DirecTV delivers Bally Sports Southwest throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metro, northern Texas, and adjacent markets including Oklahoma, parts of Arkansas, and surrounding counties in Louisiana and New Mexico. Households located within the NBA-defined Dallas Mavericks local territory will receive game broadcasts as part of their regional sports coverage on Choice and above packages.
Outside this zone? DirecTV subscribers might see alternate Bally Sports or Fox regional networks depending on geography, often substituting Mavericks games with Thunder, Rockets, or Spurs broadcasts due to territorial rights. For out-of-area fans, NBA League Pass fills the gap — more on that later.
DirecTV Channel Guide for NBA & Mavericks Games
National Networks Broadcasting NBA Games
Throughout the 2025-2026 NBA season, several national networks will televise Dallas Mavericks games alongside other matchups across the league. DirecTV assigns distinct channel numbers to each of these broadcasters:
- ABC: Channel 7 in most markets via local affiliates. Check your ZIP code to confirm the exact station.
- ESPN: Channel 206. This channel covers high-profile weeknight games and marquee matchups.
- TNT: Channel 245. Known for Thursday night doubleheaders and select playoff games.
- NBA TV: Channel 216. Offers national coverage of games, live studio programming, and in-depth analysis.
Bally Sports Southwest — Mavericks’ Regional Broadcast
For in-market viewers, Bally Sports Southwest broadcasts the majority of regular-season Dallas Mavericks games. On DirecTV, the regional sports network is usually available on:
- Channel 676: Bally Sports Southwest (primary feed)
- Channel 676-1: Alternate feed, used when simultaneous events require split programming
Availability depends on your billing ZIP code. Customers in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana typically receive Bally Sports Southwest as part of their regional sports offerings.
Using DirecTV’s Guide to Navigate Mavericks Games
Finding Mavericks games on DirecTV requires just a few steps using the on-screen interactive guide:
- Press the Guide button on the DirecTV remote.
- Navigate by date or use search to enter keywords like "Mavericks" or "NBA".
- Look for associated team identifiers, such as the Mavericks logo or abbreviations like “DAL” in the game title.
- Check whether the listing mentions the broadcast network: “BSSW” for Bally Sports Southwest, or “ESPN,” “TNT,” “NBA TV” for national coverage.
Live information, including game time, channel assignment, and blackout indicators, displays alongside each listing. By customizing your Favorites list to include sports channels, you can streamline future searches.
Unlocking Full Court Coverage: DirecTV Sports Pack with Bally Sports & NBA TV
What Comes with the DirecTV Sports Pack
Subscribing to the DirecTV Sports Pack brings over 35 regional and national sports networks, tailored for serious fans who follow more than just the marquee matchups. For Dallas Mavericks followers, two channels matter most in this package: Bally Sports Southwest, the regional home of Mavericks broadcasts, and NBA TV, which delivers national coverage, live games, studio analysis, and marquee NBA events.
Beyond NBA content, the Sports Pack includes college athletics-focused networks such as:
- ACC Network
- Big Ten Network
- SEC Network
- PAC-12 Network
- ESPNU
This subscription also unlocks extra coverage from channels like MLB Network, NHL Network, and regional sports networks (RSNs) from across the country—providing access to localized sports coverage not available in the base tiers.
Current Pricing and Bundle Structures
As of May 2024, the DirecTV Sports Pack is available as a month-to-month add-on for $14.99/month. Subscribers of the Choice package or higher already receive NBA TV and select RSNs, but gaining access to all RSNs—including Bally Sports Southwest outside the Texas market—requires adding the Sports Pack.
DirecTV does not require long-term commitments for this package. You can activate or cancel the Sports Pack at any point in your billing cycle through your online account or via customer service. Some promotional bundles may include the Sports Pack at a discounted rate for the first few months when upgrading from the Entertainment or Choice tiers—check with a DirecTV representative for current offers relevant to your ZIP code.
Steps to Add the Sports Pack to Your Current Plan
Follow these steps to add the DirecTV Sports Pack and start watching Mavericks games on Bally Sports Southwest and NBA TV:
- Log into your DirecTV account at directv.com.
- Navigate to My Account > Manage My Plan.
- Select the Sports Pack from the available premium options.
- Confirm the monthly recurring charge and click Add to Plan.
The change takes effect immediately. Channels included in the Sports Pack become available within minutes, enabling full access to Mavericks coverage for the 2025-2026 season. Looking for alternate access options while on the go? Next, explore how DirecTV streaming solutions place the Mavericks in your pocket wherever you are.
Streaming Options for DirecTV Subscribers
Access Mavericks Games Live with the DIRECTV App
DirecTV subscribers can stream Dallas Mavericks games live using the DIRECTV App, which mirrors your channel lineup. Whenever Bally Sports Southwest broadcasts a Mavericks game, the app delivers access in real time—no separate subscription or additional payment is required if the channel is included in your package.
To start streaming, download the app on a supported device, sign in with your DirecTV credentials, and navigate to the game on the program guide or within the “Live TV” section. Playback quality automatically adjusts based on internet speed to ensure a stable stream.
Device Compatibility: Stream on Mobile, Tablet, and Smart TVs
The DIRECTV App works across a wide ecosystem. Here’s where you can install and use it:
- iOS: iPhones and iPads running iOS 13 or later
- Android: Phones and tablets with Android 8.0 or higher
- Streaming Devices: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast
- Smart TVs: Select Samsung and LG models from 2017 onward using their native app stores
Game visibility depends on your programming package and regional availability. Devices must be connected to the internet, either via Wi-Fi or mobile data, to stream content on the go.
Log In to Partner Network Apps
In addition to the DIRECTV App, subscribers can also watch Mavericks games airing on national networks by logging into third-party apps. If a game is scheduled on:
- ESPN: Use your DirecTV login to access the ESPN App on mobile or connected devices.
- TNT or TBS: Stream through the TNT or Watch TBS apps using the same DirecTV credentials.
- ABC: Access through the ABC app or website, available in markets where the local affiliate is included in your channel lineup.
All these apps support HD streaming and offer on-demand replays for selected events. Exact game replay availability can vary by broadcaster.
Simultaneous Streams and Limitations
DirecTV allows up to three simultaneous streams per account when using the DIRECTV App. This enables households to watch different channels from multiple rooms or devices at once. However, this cap includes both in-home and out-of-home usage across all personal devices.
If you've reached the streaming limit, further devices will be blocked from accessing live content until one stream ends. Also, some programming may be restricted outside your home ZIP code due to regional licensing agreements.
Watch Every Dallas Mavericks Game from Anywhere: NBA League Pass on DirecTV
What NBA League Pass Offers on DirecTV
NBA League Pass delivers live, out-of-market games directly to your screen. On DirecTV, this premium add-on provides full access to hundreds of NBA matchups that aren't nationally televised or regionally blacked out. For Mavericks fans living outside the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, this becomes the primary method to follow every game of the 2025–2026 season, home and away.
Subscription Pricing and Features
In the 2025–2026 season, the standard NBA League Pass package on DirecTV costs approximately $99.99 for the full season. For fans seeking a team-specific option, NBA Team Pass is typically available for $89.99, allowing you to follow only the Dallas Mavericks throughout the regular season. Features include:
- Live broadcasts of up to 40 out-of-market games per week
- Home and away broadcast options with dual commentary feeds
- Condensed game replays available after the final buzzer
- No national broadcast blackouts on League Pass streams
Complementing Your Existing DirecTV Package
NBA League Pass works in tandem with your current DirecTV subscription. Whether you're already subscribed to the Choice, Ultimate, or Premier package, League Pass integrates seamlessly with your sports offerings. You won't lose access to Bally Sports Southwest, ESPN, or TNT games — instead, League Pass fills in the gaps, letting you watch Mavericks matchups that would otherwise be unavailable in your region.
Subscribing Through DirecTV
Add NBA League Pass to your DirecTV setup through one of the following methods:
- Remote control: Press the Menu button, navigate to “Sports,” and select “NBA League Pass.” From there, follow the on-screen prompts to subscribe.
- Online portal: Log into your directv.com account, visit the “Manage My TV Package” section, and add League Pass.
- Customer support: Call DirecTV and request to add NBA League Pass to your account.
Accessing League Pass Games on DirecTV
Once activated, League Pass games can be found on DirecTV channels 750 through 768. Each channel corresponds to a different matchup or team feed. The on-screen guide lists game times, teams, and broadcast versions, allowing Mavericks fans to choose between home and opponent commentary.
For optimal experience, set favorites for the Mavericks' dedicated feed and add game alerts to never miss a tip-off, regardless of where you live.
Understanding Regional Blackout Restrictions
What Regional Blackouts Actually Mean
Regional blackout restrictions prevent DirecTV from airing certain Mavericks games in specific geographic areas, even if you're paying for channels like Bally Sports Southwest or NBA League Pass. These restrictions prioritize local broadcast partners that hold exclusive rights to air the game in your area. As a result, if the Mavericks game is available on your regional sports network, it will be blacked out on NBA League Pass.
For example, if you're in Texas and the Mavericks are playing a regular-season game broadcast on Bally Sports Southwest, NBA League Pass will restrict access to that same game in your area. This is designed to encourage viewership on the local channel carrying the game.
When Blackouts Are Activated
Blackouts mostly come into play based on two factors: geography and the broadcast schedule. Here's how they break down:
- Local Broadcast Priority: When a Mavericks game is shown locally on Bally Sports Southwest, it's subject to blackout on NBA League Pass within the Mavericks' home territory.
- National Broadcast Window: Games aired nationally on networks such as ABC, ESPN, or TNT will be blacked out on both regional sports networks and NBA League Pass in all markets to protect the national broadcast rights.
- Market Overlap: Some fans live in overlapping markets—for instance, parts of Oklahoma or Arkansas—where multiple team rights apply. In these zones, both teams’ local broadcasts may take precedence depending on the matchup and the broadcasting agreement.
How to Get Around Blackout Limitations
Viewers outside of the Dallas-Fort Worth market bypass most blackout restrictions by default. If you're not within Bally Sports Southwest’s coverage zone, NBA League Pass offers full access to Mavericks games. You’ll stream every non-national Mavericks contest without interruption.
If you’re in a blackout zone but don’t subscribe to the regional sports channel on DirecTV, you won’t be able to watch those games via League Pass. In that case, adding the DirecTV Sports Pack, which includes Bally Sports Southwest, guarantees full access to regional NBA broadcasts including Mavericks games.
There’s another route: use a VPN to simulate being outside blackout zones, although this method involves third-party software not affiliated with DirecTV. For a reliable, rights-compliant option, locking in the correct regional and national channels through DirecTV’s add-ons remains the most straightforward path.
Never Miss a Moment: Recording Mavericks Games with DirecTV DVR
Set Game-Time on Your Schedule
Whether traveling, working late, or just managing a packed calendar, DirecTV’s DVR lets you take control of your viewing experience. The system supports recording both nationally televised Mavericks games and regional broadcasts aired on Bally Sports Southwest. To set a recording, simply navigate to the game in the on-screen guide, select it, and choose the “Record” option. If you have Genie DVR, simultaneous recordings across different channels pose no problem—the device supports up to five at once.
Automate with Series Recording
Manual game-by-game recording works in a pinch, but for the full season schedule, series recording delivers consistent coverage. Select any Mavericks broadcast, hit record, then choose “Record Series.” This function captures every game as it becomes available in the guide, regardless of channel. It automatically adapts for schedule changes, whether the game moves due to network decisions or NBA rescheduling.
Stay in Control of Storage
Basketball games eat up storage, with full-length broadcasts running two to three hours. Genie DVR models offer up to 200 hours of HD storage, but that space fills fast with nightly NBA action. Use the DVR manager to delete watched games, prioritize content, or extend recording end-times in case of overtime. Sports fans commonly set a 30-minute extension for NBA games to ensure every buzzer-beater makes the cut.
Watch When You Want, Even Without Internet
Recorded games play directly from your DVR, so no internet connection is required for playback at home. Use this to your advantage for late-night viewing, skipping commercials, or rewatching key plays. With the GenieGo or via the DirecTV app (covered in the next section), some recordings can be downloaded to mobile devices, allowing offline viewing during commutes or travel.
- Tip: Use bookmarks to jump between quarters or fast-forward through halftime segments.
- Advanced users: Group recorded games into a custom Mavericks playlist for quick access across the season.
- Need storage? Add an external eSATA hard drive to expand your DVR capacity if your device supports it.
Stream Every Mavericks Matchup with the DirecTV Mobile App
Mobile Streaming, Wherever You Are
The DirecTV mobile app, available on iOS and Android devices, brings full access to Dallas Mavericks games in the palm of your hand. Whether stuck in traffic, traveling for work, or on your lunch break, the app keeps you connected to live NBA action without needing to be in front of your home television.
Core Features Focused on NBA Fans
- Live streaming of in-market games via Bally Sports Southwest, provided it's part of your package.
- On-demand replays for catching up after the final buzzer.
- DVR Sync lets you watch games recorded on your home set-top box remotely on your mobile device.
- Streaming access to national broadcasters like TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV, depending on your subscription lineup.
Logging In with Your DirecTV Subscription
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Use your DirecTV login credentials when prompted. Once authenticated, the app will automatically display the channels included in your package—ensuring Mavericks coverage appears if your subscription includes Bally Sports Southwest or other NBA broadcasters.
Seamless Sync Across Devices
The DirecTV app syncs across smartphones, tablets, and supported streaming devices. Watching the Mavericks at home on a TV and continuing the game on your phone is instantaneous. Recordings from your DirecTV DVR integrate into the app, allowing full-length games, halftime shows, and NBA Countdown segments to be streamed remotely.
What Devices Work Best with the App?
- iOS 14 or later is recommended for iPhones and iPads.
- Android version 8.0 and higher provides optimal performance.
- Chromecast and Apple AirPlay enable casting footage to screens on the go.
Looking for a quick way to rewatch Luka Dončić’s game-winning three-pointer or explore full replays of Mavericks back-to-backs? The DIRECTV app puts both live and archived games at your fingertips—no matter where the game finds you.
