NBA Faces Backlash Over Controversial Playoff Broadcast Decision

The NBA postseason is underway, but if you're a fan hoping to catch most of the action, you'll need access to Amazon Prime Video.

On Saturday, while many expected the games to be nationally televised - as they traditionally have been - the first three matchups of the day were streamed exclusively on Prime. The only nationally televised game featured the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets on ABC at 8:30 p.m. ET.

That meant games like the Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets, and Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks were all exclusively available on Prime. The shift is part of the league's new 11-year, $77 billion media rights deal that went into effect for the 2025 season.

Still, the change has sparked frustration among fans, many of whom feel commissioner Adam Silver and the league are making it increasingly difficult to watch their favorite teams.

More news: Steve Kerr's Postgame Message to Steph Curry, Draymond Green Goes Viral

More news: Duke Gets Big News That Could Have Major Impact on 2026 Season

"You just cannot have the NBA playoffs exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. That's just ridiculous - and to make it even worse, they have Eric Collins calling the game???" one fan said.

"I shouldn't have to watch the NBA playoffs on Amazon Prime. This is so annoying," another added.

"Yeah, I was surprised too. I was planning on watching the NBA playoffs this morning only to find out that all of the early games were on Amazon Prime. Screw that. The ratings are gonna be crap," a third fan wrote.

"How to make sure that most casual fans absolutely will not watch the NBA playoffs: Put them on Amazon Prime," another fan shared.

"Attempting to watch the NBA playoffs on Amazon Prime Video is a horrible experience," one more commented.

On Sunday, fans will have access to all four games on national television across ABC and NBC/Peacock. However, Amazon Prime Video is clearly here to stay for at least the next decade.

Not only will Prime carry more postseason games this year, but its role is expected to expand even further in the years ahead as the NBA - and sports leagues in general - continue shifting toward streaming platforms. Both the NFL and MLB have already embraced similar models, despite the consistent backlash from fans.

More news: LaVar Ball Calls Out Hornets Coach After Blowout Play-In Loss to Magic

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 18, 2026 at 1:57 PM.