The 2026 NBA Finals tip off Wednesday, June 3, exclusively on ABC.
The Stage is Set
ESPN will exclusively present the 2026 NBA Finals on ABC, beginning June 3. The New York Knicks, champions of the Eastern Conference, will face the San Antonio Spurs, champions of the Western Conference.
All games air live on ABC and stream on the ESPN App.
On the Call: The Lead Broadcast Team
- Mike Breen (play-by-play): 21st NBA Finals
- Richard Jefferson (analyst): 2nd NBA Finals
- Tim Legler (analyst): 1st NBA Finals
- Lisa Salters (sideline reporter): 6th NBA Finals
- Steve Javie (rules consultant)
Inside the NBA on ABC: A Historic First
For the first time, the iconic Inside the NBA team—Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O'Neal—will host pregame, halftime, and postgame shows on ABC. These shows, produced by TNT Sports, will originate from San Antonio and New York. Draymond Green will join as a guest analyst for Games 3 and 4.
Alternate Broadcasts & Special Views
- Pat McAfee Alt-Cast (Game 3): Live from Madison Square Garden on ESPN, featuring a roster of Pat McAfee, Quentin Richardson, Kendrick Perkins, Tone Digs, Connor Campbell, and Ty Schmit.
- ESPN App Options (for Unlimited subscribers): Choose from Layup Lines, SkyCam, and dedicated team audio broadcasts: KnicksCast and SpursCast.
ESPN Radio
- Marc Kestecher (play-by-play), Doris Burke and P.J. Carlesimo (analysts), Jorge Sedano (reporter).
- The pre-game show begins at 7:30 p.m. ET.
- This marks the 30th anniversary of the NBA Finals on ESPN Radio.
Studio & Digital Shows
NBA Today
Hosted by Malika Andrews, with analysts Iman Shumpert, Danny Green, Brian Windhorst, Kendrick Perkins, Chiney Ogwumike, Shams Charania, and reporters. On-site coverage comes from New York (The Rutherford) and San Antonio (The Alamo) with 2-hour editions on game days.
SportsCenter
On-site editions hosted by Kevin Negandhi (San Antonio) and Christine Williamson (New York) . A late-night edition will be hosted by Scott Van Pelt from Madison Square Garden.
Hoop Streams
A digital pregame show hosted by Vanessa Richardson and Iman Shumpert, streaming 30 minutes before each game.
Hoop Collective Podcast
Daily episodes from the Finals, starting June 2.
Production: A Technical Leap
This marks the first ABC NBA Finals with 1080P HDR capture and transmission. The production will feature:
- 52 cameras, including 14 super slow-motion cameras and 4 native 4K HFR cameras.
- SkyCam and an RF Megalodon system.
- EVS XtraMotion, a generative AI replay system.
- A full IP 2110 workflow.
Spanish-Language & International Coverage
Spanish-Language (ESPN Deportes): Ernesto Jerez (play-by-play) and Fabricio Oberto (analyst). Reporters: Sebastián Martínez-Christensen, Katia Castorena, and Leonardo Montero.
International: Available in 74 countries via ESPN platforms and streaming on Disney+ in select territories (with a delay).
Fan Activations
- Los Angeles (June 3): ESPN Presents: Spotify Live Sessions – NBA Finals Party.
- New York: Game 1 watch party at Common Ground with "Dunk Cans" activations.
- Disney Springs, Florida (June 5): Game 2 watch party.
- Apparel: A collaboration with Allan Houston's FISLL brand, available from June 1.
Social Media Coverage
A dedicated on-site team will provide coverage, including a mixed-reality CGI Larry O'Brien Trophy asset, TikTok LIVE pregame shows with Shams Charania, and creator campaigns.
Schedule
Games begin Wednesday, June 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET. All games broadcast on ABC.