Game 1 of the 2026 NBA Finals tips off tonight as the San Antonio Spurs host the New York Knicks at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, starting at 8:30 p.m. ET.
The first two games take place in Texas, before Knicks fans get their first NBA Finals’ courtside experience in 27 years for Game 3, on Monday, June 8 at Madison Square Garden. (We’re looking at you, Spike Lee.)
Let’s recap some team history and developments before we dive into how to watch the big game live.
Knicks vs. Spurs: How did we get here?
As the two teams battle for the championship trophy, two players to watch are Spurs’ 7-foot-4 forward-center Victor Wembanyama and Knicks guard Jalen Brunson.
22-year-old Wembanyama earned the most valuable player of the 2026 Western Conference Finals, for leading the Spurs to victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder—averaging 27.3 points, 10.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.7 blocks in 37.7 minutes over the seven-game series.
29-year-old Brunson (the son of former NBA guard Rick Brunson), along with teammate Karl-Anthony Towns, helped the red-hot Knicks advance to the finals after winning 11-straight games by an average of 23.8 points, per ESPN.
Knicks vs. Spurs: An NBA Finals rematch
Knicks fans are trying to end their 53-year championship dry spell and win their first title since 1973, while San Antonio awaits a possible launch of a second dynasty, according to the NBA.
The Knicks and Spurs last played each other in the NBA Finals in 1999, when the Spurs defeated the Knicks, 4 games to 1 (here’s a recap). After that, San Antonio went on to win four more championships in 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014.
If the Knicks win, it would be a chance for a younger generation of New York fans to finally witness an orange-and-blue ticker-tape parade in the Big Apple. (New Yorkers, do you remember where you were in ’99?)
What is the full schedule for the NBA Finals?
Here’s the series breakdown:
- Game 1: Wednesday, June 3, at 8:30 p.m. ET in San Antonio
- Game 2: Friday June 5, at 8:30 p.m. ET in San Antonio
- Game 3: Monday, June 8, at 8:30 p.m. ET in New York City
- Game 4: Wednesday, June 10, at 8:30 p.m. ET in New York City
- Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, June 13, at 8:30 p.m. ET in San Antonio
- Game 6 (if necessary): Tuesday, June 16, at 8:30 p.m. ET in New York City
- Game 7 (if necessary): Friday, June 19, at 8:30 p.m ET in San Antonio
Up-to-date game day information is available on the NBA’s website.
How can I watch or livestream the NBA Finals?
In the United States, the NBA Finals will air live on ABC. ABC is available for traditional cable viewers and free with an over-the-air antenna. Cable subscribers can also watch ABC live through the ABC website.
Cord-cutters also have the option to stream on Fubo, which carries ABC, using the app or website.
The 2026 NBA Finals can also be accessed on ESPN Radio, ESPN Deportes, and the ESPN app.