In the past years, the Charlotte Hornets rarely received many commendations near the start of the regular season. That has changed this season, with the roster looking as promising as ever.
There is still a lot of pessimism about whether the team can improve in the standings. On the flip side, Hornets games look like they're going to be entertaining and competitive, even if losses may pile up. Come to think of it; perhaps the squad can defy expectations and make it at least to the play-in tournament.
Fans who want to watch the crew in the 2024-25 campaign have several viewing options available — via cable or other alternatives. Below is a helpful guide to assist those who wish to support Charlotte even without going to Spectrum Center.
How to watch Hornets games with cable
Local broadcasts
There were several months of uncertainty for those who planned on watching the Hornets via cable after Bally Sports, which carried the franchise's games in the past, declared bankruptcy earlier this year.
Diamond Sports Group, which operates Bally Sports, recently announced the renaming of the network to FanDuel Sports Network. Along with the announcement was the good news that FanDuel Sports Network Southeast will televise each of Charlotte's regular-season contests this season.
The Hornets' much-anticipated 2024-25 season opener against the Houston Rockets will be broadcast by the network.
National broadcasts
As the franchise still has to gain much traction among casual supporters and regular NBA fans, only seven of its games in this campaign will be shown on national TV. Six will be aired on NBA TV, while ESPN will broadcast the other.
Hornets national television broadcast schedule
Schedule | Opponent | Channel |
|---|---|---|
Nov. 21 at 7:00 PM EST | vs Detroit Pistons | NBA TV |
Nov. 29 at 12:00 PM EST | vs New York Knicks | NBA TV |
Dec. 28 at 6:00 PM EST | vs Oklahoma City Thunder | NBA TV |
Jan. 17 at 9:30 PM EST | at Chicago Bulls | ESPN |
Jan. 20 at 12:00 PM EST | vs Dallas Mavericks | NBA TV |
Mar. 3 at 7:00 PM EST | vs Golden State Warriors | NBA TV |
Apr. 6 at 1:00 PM EDT | vs Chicago Bulls | NBA TV |
How to watch Hornets games without cable
DirecTV Stream
The DirecTV Stream option may be the priciest among all the cable alternatives, but the streaming service's wide collection of channels has made it a prime choice for sports enthusiasts. It offers access to FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and TNT, and its Choice package, which would allow access to the Regional Sports Network, has a monthly subscription fee of $114.99.
FuboTV
Perhaps the most cost-effective way to tune into Hornets matches without cable is through FuboTV. The streaming app carries FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, NBA TV, and ESPN. New customers can enjoy a seven-day trial before choosing from one of the different packages, whose monthly rates range from $32.99 to $99.99.
Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV
Other streaming apps, such as Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV, can also allow you to watch Charlotte contests. Keep in mind that these services don't have FanDuel Sports Network, so only nationally televised Hornets games would be available.
Out-of-market Hornets streaming options
NBA League Pass
Fans outside Charlotte shouldn't fret, as they can still tune into the Hornets' regular-season matchups by subscribing to NBA League Pass. The service grants viewers access not only to live game streams but also to replays, highlight videos, and more.
College or university students can subscribe by paying only $9.99 per month, while the standard rate costs at least $14.99 per month (or $99.99 for an annual pass). A Team Pass option ($13.99 per month or $89.99 per season) is also available if you want to use the service to tune into only Hornets bouts.
NBA TV
Subscribing to NBA TV has a monthly fee of $6.99 or an annual fee of $59.99. However, you will only be able to access six Hornets games this season.