Are you ready to elevate your NBA fandom to the next level? Imagine catching every single out-of-market game, following your favorite team no matter where you live, and experiencing the thrill of professional basketball like never before. If you're a Verizon Fios subscriber, getting NBA League Pass is a fantastic way to unlock this ultimate basketball experience.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, step-by-step, ensuring you're ready to enjoy all the dunks, dazzling assists, and game-winning shots the NBA season has to offer.
Step 1: Are You Game? Understanding What NBA League Pass Offers
Before we dive into the "how," let's ensure you understand what NBA League Pass brings to the table. This isn't just another sports channel; it's your all-access pass to the NBA universe (with a few important caveats, which we'll discuss later).
What You Get with NBA League Pass:
Hundreds of Live, Out-of-Market Games: This is the core appeal. You'll get access to games not broadcast on your local or national TV channels. If you're a Celtics fan living in Los Angeles, this is how you watch most of their games live!
On-Demand Replays: Missed a game? No problem! All games are available for replay, usually shortly after they conclude.
Home and Away Broadcast Feeds: Immerse yourself in the game by choosing between the home team's or the away team's commentary. This offers a unique perspective you won't get elsewhere.
NBA TV Included: Both the standard and premium NBA League Pass plans purchased directly from the NBA or through Verizon include NBA TV. This provides 24/7 coverage, featuring news, analysis, highlights, and original shows.
Multiple Viewing Options: Depending on your plan, you might be able to stream on multiple devices simultaneously.
Condensed Games & Archives: Catch up on game highlights quickly or dive into a vast library of classic NBA games.
Important Note: Blackout Restrictions
This is crucial. NBA League Pass does not show games that are:
Locally Televised: If a game is airing on a regional sports network (RSN) in your area (e.g., your local Bally Sports channel, MSG, NBC Sports RSN), it will be blacked out on League Pass.
Nationally Televised: Games airing on national networks like ESPN, TNT, or ABC are also blacked out live on NBA League Pass.
Why do blackouts exist? Sports leagues negotiate broadcasting rights, and these agreements grant exclusive live viewing rights to specific local and national channels. While blacked-out games aren't live on League Pass, they typically become available for on-demand viewing a few hours (for national games) or days (for local games) after they conclude.
Step 2: Check Your Fios Status: Are You Ready?
To add NBA League Pass through Verizon Fios, you first need to be an active Verizon Fios TV customer.
Sub-heading: Verify Your Fios TV Subscription
Log in to My Verizon: Head to the Verizon website (verizon.com) and log in to your My Verizon account. If you don't have one, you'll need to register.
Review Your Services: Once logged in, navigate to your TV services or account summary. Confirm that you have an active Fios TV package. NBA League Pass is an add-on to your existing TV subscription.
If you're not a Verizon Fios TV customer yet, you'll need to sign up for a Fios TV package first. Verizon offers various plans, so choose one that best fits your needs and budget.
Step 3: The Purchase Point: Adding NBA League Pass to Your Fios Account
Verizon offers NBA League Pass as an add-on to your Fios TV service, often through their "+play" marketplace.
Sub-heading: Ordering Through My Verizon Website (+play)
This is generally the most straightforward method.
Access Verizon's +play: Go to the Verizon website and log in to your My Verizon account. You can typically find a link to "+play" within your account dashboard or by searching for it on the Verizon website.
Browse Sports Add-ons: Within the +play marketplace, look for the "Entertainment" or "Sports" section. You should see NBA League Pass listed among the available subscriptions.
Choose Your Plan: NBA League Pass typically comes in a few variations:
NBA League Pass (Standard): This is the basic package, offering live out-of-market games, NBA TV, and on-demand replays.
NBA League Pass Premium: This usually offers additional benefits like commercial-free streaming of live games and the ability to stream on more devices simultaneously.
NBA Team Pass: If you only care about one specific team, this cheaper option allows you to follow every out-of-market game for that single team.
Consider the season-long vs. monthly options. Season-long typically offers better value if you plan to watch for the entire season.
Confirm Your Purchase: Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your selection and complete the purchase. The cost of NBA League Pass will be added to your monthly Verizon Fios bill.
Sub-heading: Ordering Via Phone
If you prefer to speak with a representative or have specific questions about pricing and promotions, you can also order NBA League Pass by calling Verizon Fios customer service.
Call Verizon Fios Customer Service: Dial 1-800-VERIZON (1-800-837-4966).
State Your Intent: Clearly tell the customer service representative that you want to add NBA League Pass to your Fios TV account.
Provide Account Information: Be prepared to provide your account details for verification.
Discuss Options: The representative will guide you through the available NBA League Pass plans, current pricing, and any ongoing promotions. They can also explain how it will appear on your bill.
Step 4: Finding the Games: Accessing NBA League Pass on Your Fios TV
Once you've successfully subscribed, it's time to start watching!
Sub-heading: On Your Fios TV Set-Top Box
While NBA League Pass is primarily a streaming service, Verizon often provides dedicated channels for League Pass games.
Check Your Channel Lineup: Use your Fios TV remote to navigate to the higher channel numbers, typically in the 1000s or 1500s. Verizon often groups premium sports packages in these ranges. There isn't a single universal channel number as it can vary by region and Fios package, but look for channels specifically labeled "NBA League Pass."
Utilize the Interactive Media Guide (IMG): Your Fios TV guide is your best friend. Search for "NBA League Pass" or browse the sports section. The guide will show you which games are airing on the League Pass channels.
Mosaic Channel (if available): Some Fios sports packages offer a "Mosaic Channel" which allows you to preview multiple games simultaneously on one screen. This is a great way to see what's on and quickly jump to a game.
Sub-heading: Streaming Through the NBA App (Recommended)
One of the best ways to utilize your NBA League Pass subscription, regardless of how you purchased it, is through the official NBA App.
Download the NBA App:
Smart TV/Streaming Device: If you have a smart TV (Samsung, LG, etc.), Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or similar streaming device, search for "NBA App" in its app store and download it.
Mobile Device: Download the "NBA App" from the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android) on your smartphone or tablet.
Sign In with Your TV Provider Credentials:
Open the NBA App.
Look for a "Sign In" or "My Account" option.
Select "TV Provider" as your sign-in method.
Choose "Verizon Fios" from the list of providers.
You'll be prompted to enter your My Verizon username and password. This links your Verizon Fios subscription to the NBA App.
Start Streaming! Once successfully logged in, you'll have full access to all the features of your NBA League Pass subscription, including live games, replays, and NBA TV.
Step 5: Troubleshooting & Tips: Maximizing Your NBA League Pass Experience
Sometimes, things don't go exactly as planned. Here are some tips and common troubleshooting steps:
Sub-heading: Verify Your Account and Subscription
Double-Check My Verizon: If you're having trouble accessing content, log back into your My Verizon account and confirm that NBA League Pass is an active subscription.
Check Billing: Ensure there are no outstanding issues with your Verizon bill that might affect your service.
Sub-heading: Restart Your Equipment
Fios Set-Top Box: Unplug your Fios set-top box from the power outlet, wait 30 seconds, and plug it back in. This can resolve minor connectivity issues.
Router: Similarly, restarting your Verizon Fios router can often clear up streaming problems.
Sub-heading: Update the NBA App
Ensure your NBA App is always updated to the latest version. App updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Check your device's app store for pending updates.
Sub-heading: Understand Blackout Rules
If a specific game isn't available live, refer back to the blackout restrictions. It's likely airing on a local or national channel. Check your Fios TV guide for alternatives. The NBA app will usually indicate if a game is blacked out in your area.
Sub-heading: Contact Support
Verizon Fios Support: For issues related to billing, your Fios account, or problems accessing League Pass channels on your TV, contact Verizon Fios customer support.
NBA League Pass Support: For issues specifically with the NBA App, streaming quality within the app, or app-specific features, you might need to contact NBA League Pass support directly.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if NBA League Pass is active on my Verizon Fios account?
You can verify your NBA League Pass subscription by logging into your My Verizon account online or through the My Verizon app. Navigate to your Fios TV services or "My Subscriptions" within the "+play" section.
How to find NBA League Pass channels on Verizon Fios TV?
NBA League Pass games on Verizon Fios are typically found on higher channel numbers, often in the 1000s or 1500s. Use your Fios TV remote to browse the guide or search for "NBA League Pass" within the guide's search function.
How to stream NBA League Pass on my mobile device with Verizon Fios?
Download the official NBA App on your smartphone or tablet. Open the app, go to the "Sign In" or "My Account" section, choose "TV Provider," select "Verizon Fios," and log in with your My Verizon credentials.
How to know which NBA games are blacked out on League Pass in my area?
Blackout restrictions apply to locally televised games (on your regional sports networks) and nationally televised games (on ESPN, TNT, ABC). The NBA App will usually indicate if a game is blacked out in your location. You can also typically find information about blackouts on the NBA League Pass website or by entering your zip code on the League Pass purchase page.
How to watch blacked-out NBA games on Verizon Fios?
Blacked-out games on NBA League Pass are typically available on your local regional sports network (e.g., MSG, NBC Sports Philadelphia) or national channels like ESPN, TNT, or ABC, provided you subscribe to those channels through your Fios TV package.
How to cancel NBA League Pass purchased through Verizon Fios?
You can usually cancel your NBA League Pass subscription by logging into your My Verizon account, going to the "+play" section or "My Subscriptions," and following the cancellation instructions. Alternatively, you can call Verizon Fios customer service to request a cancellation. Be aware of any cancellation policies or terms of service.
How to get NBA League Pass Premium instead of the standard version on Verizon Fios?
When purchasing NBA League Pass through Verizon's +play, you'll typically be presented with different plan options, including standard and premium. Select the "Premium" option during the subscription process. If you already have standard and want to upgrade, contact Verizon Fios customer service.
How to fix NBA League Pass streaming issues on Verizon Fios?
For streaming issues, first, ensure your internet connection is stable by restarting your Fios router. If using the NBA App, ensure it's updated. For TV box issues, try restarting your Fios set-top box. If problems persist, contact Verizon Fios customer support for account-related issues or NBA League Pass support for app-specific problems.
How to get a refund for NBA League Pass on Verizon Fios?
Refund policies can vary. It's best to review the terms and conditions of your NBA League Pass purchase through Verizon. For specific refund inquiries, you should directly contact Verizon Fios customer service.
How to get NBA League Pass if I don't have Verizon Fios TV?
If you don't have Verizon Fios TV, you can still subscribe to NBA League Pass directly through NBA.com or via the NBA App as a standalone streaming service. You can also subscribe through other streaming services or digital marketplaces like Amazon Prime Video Channels or Roku, where available.