Elyndarin Zorkal 
Picture this: It’s the fourth quarter, the Pacers are down by two, and Tyrese Haliburton has the ball. You’re on the edge of your seat, popcorn in hand, but you’re not in Gainbridge Fieldhouse. You’re at home, maybe in your favorite chair, maybe in your pajamas. The only thing between you and that buzzer-beater? Figuring out how to watch Pacers games—without missing a single play.
Why Watching Pacers Games Feels Like a Puzzle
If you’ve ever tried to catch every Pacers game, you know it’s not as simple as flipping to one channel. Blackouts, streaming rights, and shifting schedules can make you feel like you need a secret decoder ring. Here’s the part nobody tells you: the “right” way to watch depends on where you live, what you’re willing to pay, and how much patience you have for tech setups.
Where Pacers Games Air: The Basics
Most Indiana Pacers games air on Bally Sports Indiana, with some national broadcasts on ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV. If you’re local, you’ll need access to Bally Sports Indiana. If you’re out of market, you’ll need a different approach. Let’s break it down.
Local Fans: Watching in Indiana
For fans in Indiana and nearby areas, Bally Sports Indiana is your go-to. Here’s how to watch Pacers games locally:
- Cable or Satellite: Providers like Xfinity, Spectrum, and DirecTV carry Bally Sports Indiana. Check your package—sometimes it’s in a higher tier.
- Streaming Services: DIRECTV STREAM (the “Choice” package or higher) includes Bally Sports Indiana. Fubo and Hulu Live don’t carry it as of 2025.
- Bally Sports+ App: Bally Sports launched its own streaming service. You can subscribe directly, no cable needed. It’s about $20/month, but check for current deals.
If you’ve ever tried to sign up and hit a blackout message, you’re not alone. Blackouts happen when a game is available on a local channel, so national services block it. It’s frustrating, but it’s the reality of sports rights in 2025.
Out-of-Market Fans: Watching from Anywhere
If you live outside Indiana, you can’t get Bally Sports Indiana. Here’s how to watch Pacers games from anywhere:
- NBA League Pass: This is your best bet. It streams every out-of-market Pacers game live. Blackouts apply for local games, but if you’re far from Indiana, you’re in the clear. Prices start around $15/month.
- National TV Games: When the Pacers play on ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV, you can watch with a cable login or streaming service like Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Hulu Live.
Here’s a tip: League Pass doesn’t include nationally televised games. You’ll need a separate service for those. It’s annoying, but that’s how the contracts work.
Streaming Pacers Games Without Cable
Cord-cutters, you’re not left out. Here’s how to watch Pacers games without a traditional cable subscription:
- DIRECTV STREAM: The “Choice” package includes Bally Sports Indiana. It’s pricier than some, but it’s the only live TV streaming service with Bally Sports as of late 2025.
- Bally Sports+: Subscribe directly to the Bally Sports app. You can stream live Pacers games on your phone, tablet, or smart TV.
- NBA League Pass: For out-of-market fans, this is the easiest way to stream every Pacers game that’s not nationally televised.
- National TV Streaming: Sling TV (with the “Orange” package), YouTube TV, and Hulu Live all carry ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. Check which games are national before signing up.
If you’re juggling free trials, set a reminder to cancel before you get charged. I’ve forgotten more than once and paid for a month I didn’t need. Lesson learned.
Can You Watch Pacers Games for Free?
Let’s be real: free options are rare and usually come with strings attached. Sometimes, you can catch a Pacers game on ABC or another broadcast network. National games might offer a free trial on streaming services. But for most games, you’ll need to pay—either for cable, a streaming service, or League Pass.
Some fans try VPNs to get around blackouts. It’s a gray area, and the NBA has cracked down on this. If you go this route, know the risks. I once tried it and got blocked mid-game. Not fun.
Radio and Alternative Ways to Follow the Pacers
If you can’t watch, you can always listen. Pacers games air on 93.5/107.5 The Fan in Indianapolis and across the Pacers Radio Network. The NBA app also streams radio broadcasts. Sometimes, the play-by-play paints a better picture than TV. Try it once—you might be surprised.
Who This Guide Is For (And Who It’s Not)
This guide is for Pacers fans who want to watch every game, whether you’re in Indiana or halfway across the country. If you only care about playoffs or big matchups, you can get by with national TV. But if you want every tip-off, every buzzer-beater, you’ll need to mix and match services.
If you hate tech setups or juggling logins, cable might still be your best friend. If you love streaming and flexibility, try Bally Sports+ or League Pass. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
Tips for a Smoother Pacers Viewing Experience
- Check the Pacers schedule and TV listings before each game. Times and channels change.
- Test your streaming setup before game time. Nothing’s worse than troubleshooting during the first quarter.
- Consider splitting costs with friends or family. Some services allow multiple streams.
- Follow Pacers social media for highlights and updates if you miss a game.
Here’s why this matters: The right setup means you never miss a moment. The wrong one means you’re stuck refreshing Twitter for updates.
Final Thoughts: The Real Joy of Watching Pacers Games
Watching Pacers games isn’t just about the score. It’s about the rush when Haliburton hits a clutch three, the agony of a missed free throw, the hope that this year could be the year. Whether you’re streaming on your phone or watching on a big screen, the real win is feeling connected—to the team, to the city, to the moment.
If you’ve ever struggled with how to watch Pacers games, you’re not alone. The options can feel overwhelming, but with the right setup, you’ll catch every play. And when the Pacers make that playoff run, you’ll be right there, living every second.
