Where to Watch Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks (February 26, 2026): How to Watch NBA Live
The Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks are set to renew their Eastern Conference rivalry on Thursday, February 26, 2026. This mid-season matchup carries significant weight for potential playoff positioning and bragging rights between two passionate fan bases. For viewers, navigating the modern media landscape to find the game can be a challenge. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of all official broadcast and streaming options for the Raptors vs. Knicks game, tailored for audiences in the United States, Canada, and internationally.
Game Context and Significance
By late February 2026, the NBA season is in its crucial final stretch before the playoffs. Games like Raptors vs. Knicks often have direct implications for seeding in the tightly contested Eastern Conference. Historically, this matchup has featured intense battles, and the 2025-26 season should be no different. Whether you’re a fan of the Raptors’ evolving roster or the Knicks’ established core, this game is a key viewing event. The contest will be held at the Knicks’ home arena, Madison Square Garden, with a scheduled tip-off time of 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET). Always verify the precise start time on the official NBA schedule as game times are occasionally subject to change.
How to Watch in the United States
For viewers in the United States, the broadcast rights for this particular game fall under the NBA’s national television partners. Based on the 2025-26 schedule framework, the Raptors vs. Knicks game on February 26 is slated to be broadcast nationally on ESPN. This is part of the new media rights deal that distributes games across ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video.
To access the ESPN broadcast, you have several options:
Traditional Cable/Satellite: Simply tune to ESPN with your provider (e.g., Xfinity, Spectrum, DIRECTV, Dish).
Live TV Streaming Services: Numerous subscription services carry ESPN in their base packages. These include YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV (Orange or Orange & Blue plan), FuboTV, and DIRECTV Stream. These services require a monthly subscription but offer flexibility without a long-term cable contract.
ESPN Digital Platforms: If you have a TV provider login, you can stream the game live via the ESPN app or on ESPN.com. Additionally, ESPN Unlimited provides a direct-to-consumer streaming option for all ESPN-produced games, available without a traditional cable subscription.
How to Watch in Canada
Canadian fans have a distinct broadcasting landscape. The primary national rightsholders for the NBA in Canada are TSN and Sportsnet. These networks split the Raptors’ regular-season schedule. For this away game against the Knicks, the broadcast is anticipated to be on TSN (either TSN, TSN2, TSN3, TSN4, or TSN5).
To stream the game legally in Canada:
TSN Direct: Subscribers can use the TSN app or website by logging in with their TV provider credentials (e.g., Bell, Rogers, Telus).
TSN Standalone Streaming: TSN offers a direct streaming subscription service, typically priced around $25 per month or $200 annually, which provides access to all TSN channels and content, including NBA games.
Sportsnet+: While this game is not expected to air on Sportsnet, Sportsnet+ is the equivalent streaming service for games broadcast on the Sportsnet family of channels.
Streaming via NBA League Pass
NBA League Pass is the league’s official out-of-market subscription service. It is a crucial option for fans who live outside the local broadcast regions of the two teams or who want to watch on-demand after the game.
For U.S. Viewers: The Raptors vs. Knicks game will be available live on NBA League Pass *only if* it is not subject to a national blackout. Since the game is on ESPN nationally, it will be blacked out on League Pass within the United States. However, League Pass subscribers can watch the full replay after the game concludes.
For International Viewers (Outside U.S. & Canada): NBA League Pass is often the primary and most comprehensive way to watch live. Blackout restrictions do not apply internationally for nationally televised U.S. games. Subscribers can choose between annual or monthly plans, with options for all games or just a single team.
Notably, NBA League Pass is available as an add-on subscription within the Amazon Prime Video channel store in many countries, integrating seamlessly for Prime members.
Alternative Streaming: Prime Video and Peacock
While this specific game is on ESPN, it’s important to understand the full ecosystem. Under the new media deal, Amazon Prime Video streams a exclusive slate of regular-season games, typically on Thursday and Friday nights. NBCUniversal broadcasts games on the NBC broadcast network and its streaming service, Peacock. For the February 26 matchup, these platforms are not the primary carriers, but they are essential for watching other NBA games throughout the season. Always check the weekly schedule to see which network has the broadcast rights for the game you want to watch.
Attending the Game at Madison Square Garden
For fans in the New York area, experiencing the game live at Madison Square Garden is the ultimate option. Tickets can be purchased through official channels like the New York Knicks’ website or via authorized ticket marketplaces such as Ticketmaster. Prices will vary based on seat location and demand for this rivalry game. It is advisable to purchase tickets well in advance and only from verified sellers to avoid scams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time does the Raptors vs. Knicks game start on February 26, 2026?
The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 PM Eastern Time (ET) at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Is the game on free TV in the US?
No. The game is scheduled for ESPN, which is a cable channel. It is not on a free over-the-air broadcast network like ABC or NBC for this specific date.
Can I watch the game for free with a streaming trial?
Yes, if you are a new customer. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV often offer 5-7 day free trials for new subscribers, and they all include ESPN. Ensure you cancel before the trial period ends if you do not wish to continue.
Why is the game blacked out on my NBA League Pass?
In the U.S., NBA League Pass blacks out games that are being televised nationally (on ESPN, ABC, etc.) and games that are televised in your local market. This is due to existing broadcast contracts.
What if I live in Toronto but want to watch the Knicks broadcast?
In Canada, you will only have access to the Canadian rightsholder’s broadcast (likely TSN). To get the U.S. broadcast feed, you would need access to an American ESPN feed via a U.S.-based streaming service or satellite provider, which may involve using a VPN and could violate terms of service.
Will the game be available on-demand after it airs?
Yes. Subscribers to NBA League Pass can watch full game replays and condensed versions shortly after the game ends. ESPN also typically replays games on its ESPN3 platform or via the ESPN app for authenticated users.
Who are the expected broadcasters for the ESPN telecast?
ESPN’s lead commentary teams often include Mike Breen, Doris Burke, and Lisa Salters, but specific assignments for this game will be announced closer to the date.
Is the game available on radio?
Yes. You can listen to the Knicks radio broadcast on ESPN New York 98.7 FM and the Raptors radio broadcast on Sportsnet 590 The Fan in Toronto. Both feeds are also often available through their respective team apps or league audio subscriptions.
What are the potential playoff implications of this game?
By late February, every conference win is critical. Depending on the standings, this game could impact seeding for the playoffs or positioning in the Play-In Tournament, making it a high-stakes contest for both teams.
Where can I find the most accurate and updated schedule information?
The single most authoritative source is the official NBA.com schedule page. Team websites and reliable sports media outlets like ESPN will also have confirmed details.
Final Verdict
For fans aiming to watch the Toronto Raptors take on the New York Knicks on February 26, 2026, the primary viewing path is clear. In the United States, the game will be broadcast live on ESPN, accessible via cable, satellite, or any major live TV streaming service. Canadian viewers should tune to TSN through their television provider or via the TSN streaming app. International fans have the most straightforward option with NBA League Pass, which will carry the game live without blackout restrictions. Regardless of your location, planning ahead by confirming the channel on the NBA’s official schedule and ensuring your chosen streaming service or TV package is active is the best way to guarantee you won’t miss a moment of this pivotal Eastern Conference clash.
