In September 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced that Christopher “CJ” Fulton would join the NBA team. As is typical with the NBA and young players, Fulton’s contract is a complicated one, soon waived, sending the 23-year-old down to a likely berth with the Timberwolves’ G-League affiliate, the Iowa Wolves. The terms of the contract mean that Fulton could be recalled by his parent team, getting some minutes in the NBA if he performs well for the Iowa Wolves.
None of the above is particularly newsworthy, except for the fact that Fulton is from Northern Ireland, born in Belfast, and he has a chance to become the first-ever Northern Irish player to play in the NBA. It is an incredible achievement for Fulton, but it is well-merited, both in terms of Fulton’s talents and the fact that the popularity of basketball has been on the rise across the UK and Ireland, including here in the North.
Many NI fans are clearly excited about the new NBA season, which gets underway on the 22nd October and will run right through to the NBA Finals in June. Fans will engage in many ways, whether it’s through social media activity or NBA betting, but there is now comprehensive coverage for Northern Irish fans on television. Below, we break down how to watch the new season:
Sky Sports Still Holds Major Rights
As with many sports leagues, no broadcaster holds universal rights to show the games, but Sky still has a hefty chunk of the fixtures. Its deal covers over 100 games across the season, mirroring the coverage of US broadcaster, NBC. If you don’t have Sky directly, the sports packages can be accessed via Now TV, usually costing around £33.99 per month. Day Passes are also available.
Amazon Prime Is Muscling In
As with many other sports, Amazon is challenging the traditional broadcasters. It has recently signed an 11-year deal with the NBA, allowing it to show over 80 games live, including the NBA Cup, as well as the Playoffs and NBA Finals. The good news for fans over here is that there are no blackouts due to clashes with US broadcasters or ‘local’ markets. Prime Video is available as part of the wider Amazon Prime (the shopping side of the company) for £8.99 per month.
The NBA Game Pass App Has it All
For hardcore fans, the option of the NBA Game Pass is probably the most compelling, as it basically offers every game live, and, again, it does not have any of the restrictions here that US customers might face. Most smart TVs are compatible with the application these days. The Game Pass costs £114.99 for a year, or there is a premium version with more downloads, devices, etc., that costs $149.99.
Note that all prices above are approximate and subject to change
Be Wary of the Firestick “Guy”
These days, most people probably know at least one person with a “dodgy stick” that allows them to get “everything” for free, and many basketball fans might think it’s the best way to get unfettered access to the NBA and all US sports. It’s up to the individual, of course, but aside from the legal side of things, you should be aware that sideloading unofficial apps can add malware to your smart television, potentially be used to steal other account information, and may harm your television.
Seeing the NBA in Person
We’ll finish with a reminder that the NBA is coming to the UK in January, with a game between the Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic set for the 02 in London in January. Tickets are scarce (and expensive), so if you don’t get the chance to make it, then maybe consider seeing some of your local NI basketball teams instead. Click here for a list of some of the registered clubs in the region, including some based in County Down.
