Finding the right channel or streaming service to watch the Memphis Grizzlies face off against the New Orleans Pelicans involves navigating a complex landscape of regional sports networks, national broadcast deals, and team-specific streaming apps. As the 2025-26 NBA season reaches its most critical phase in late April, the stakes for these Southwest Division matchups often determine playoff seeding or play-in survival. With the league's transition to a new media rights agreement featuring partners like NBC and Amazon alongside stalwarts like ESPN, fans have more options—and potential confusion—than ever before.

Local broadcast options for Tennessee and Louisiana fans

For viewers residing within the local markets of these two franchises, regional sports networks (RSNs) remain the primary vehicle for catching every minute of action. These networks hold the exclusive rights to broadcast games that are not selected for national television exclusivity.

Watching the Grizzlies in the Memphis market

In the Memphis region and surrounding areas of Tennessee, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast serves as the home for the Grizzlies. This network is available through several traditional cable providers and satellite services. Subscribers to DirecTV, Spectrum, and Xfinity typically find the network included in their mid-tier sports packages.

For those who have moved away from traditional cable, FanDuel Sports Network offers a direct-to-consumer streaming subscription. This allows fans within the Grizzlies' designated home territory to stream games live without a cable contract. The app is compatible with most major devices, including iOS, Android, and smart TV platforms. It is important to verify zip code eligibility, as this service uses geo-fencing to ensure compliance with NBA territorial restrictions.

Watching the Pelicans in the New Orleans market

The New Orleans Pelicans utilize a unique broadcasting model that combines free over-the-air television with a dedicated streaming service. The Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (GCSEN) provides extensive coverage across Louisiana, Mississippi, and parts of Alabama.

One of the most accessible ways to watch is through an over-the-air antenna. GCSEN broadcasts through local stations such as WVUE Fox 8 in New Orleans. This allows fans to watch the game in high definition for free, provided they have a standard digital antenna. The coverage extends to multiple markets, including:

  • Baton Rouge, LA: WAFB
  • Shreveport, LA: KSLA
  • Biloxi, MS: WLOX
  • Jackson, MS: WLBT
  • Mobile, AL: WALA

In addition to the free airwaves, Cox Cable and DirecTV carry GCSEN in their local lineups. For New Orleans fans, the channel is often found on Cox Channel 10 or 1010 (HD).

National TV schedules and 2026 broadcast partners

When a Grizzlies vs. Pelicans game is designated as a national broadcast, the viewing options shift. The 2025-26 season marks a significant change in how the NBA is delivered to a national audience. The departure of long-time partner TNT has paved the way for a revamped schedule across ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video.

ESPN and ABC

Disney-owned networks continue to be a cornerstone of NBA broadcasting. High-profile matchups between these two teams often land on ESPN’s Wednesday or Friday night slots. If the game is on ABC, it usually airs on weekends and is available for free with an antenna or through any major television provider. ESPN games require a cable or satellite subscription or a digital equivalent like Sling TV or YouTube TV.

The return of NBC and Peacock

Starting with the 2025-26 season, NBC has returned as a major NBA broadcaster. Games on NBC often feature high-production values and are accessible via local NBC affiliates. Simultaneously, Peacock serves as a vital streaming hub, hosting exclusive games that may not appear on linear television. Fans should check the weekly schedule to see if a Tuesday or Monday night clash between Memphis and New Orleans is exclusive to the Peacock platform.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon has integrated itself into the NBA's national rotation, providing a streaming-first experience. Prime Video hosts a significant number of regular-season games and is particularly active on Thursday and Friday nights. Unlike RSNs, Amazon broadcasts are generally available to all Prime members nationwide without local blackout restrictions, unless otherwise specified by the league's secondary distribution rules.

Streaming services for out-of-market fans

For supporters living outside the immediate television territories of Memphis or New Orleans—for instance, a Pelicans fan living in New York or a Grizzlies fan in Seattle—NBA League Pass is the standard solution.

NBA League Pass features

NBA League Pass offers every game that isn't a national TV exclusive or subject to local blackouts. In 2026, the service has become more integrated with various platforms. Key features include:

  • Choice of Broadcast: Listen to the Memphis commentary team or the New Orleans crew.
  • Condensed Replays: Watch the entire game in a shortened format if you missed the live action.
  • Multi-view: Stream multiple NBA games simultaneously on supported desktop and tablet browsers.

However, the "blackout" rule is the most frequent source of frustration. If a game is airing on a local RSN or a national network like ESPN in your current location, it will be unavailable to watch live on League Pass. These games typically become available for on-demand viewing a few hours after the final buzzer.

Pelicans+

Specifically for the New Orleans market, the Pelicans+ app offers a tailored streaming experience. This service is designed for fans within the 150-mile radius of New Orleans who do not have a traditional cable subscription. It provides live access to all GCSEN-produced games. In April 2026, many fans prefer this option due to its portability on mobile devices and integration with Roku and Apple TV.

Third-party streaming platforms

Several over-the-top (OTT) cable alternatives provide a comprehensive way to access both national and local sports channels in a single interface.

YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV

These platforms are popular because they include the major national networks—ABC, ESPN, and NBC. YouTube TV, in particular, has become a preferred destination for NBA fans due to its "Key Plays" feature and unlimited DVR space. While they carry national channels, their coverage of RSNs like FanDuel Sports Network is selective. It is necessary to check the local channel lineup for your specific zip code before committing to a subscription.

FuboTV

FuboTV positions itself as a sports-first streaming service. It often carries a wider array of RSNs than its competitors. For fans in the Memphis market, Fubo is one of the few streaming alternatives that consistently provides access to FanDuel Sports Network Southeast. It also includes the national broadcast channels required for playoff and play-in games.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream remains one of the most reliable ways to access RSNs. Their "Choice" package specifically targets sports fans by including the local networks that broadcast Grizzlies and Pelicans games. While often more expensive than other streaming options, it mirrors the channel availability of traditional satellite TV with the flexibility of a monthly internet-based contract.

Radio and audio-only options

Sometimes, watching the game on a screen isn't possible. Radio remains a classic and reliable way to follow the Grizzlies and Pelicans.

Grizzlies Radio Network

In Memphis, the games are broadcast on 92.9 FM ESPN and 680 AM. The Grizzlies Radio Network extends across several states, ensuring that fans driving through Tennessee, Arkansas, or Mississippi can stay connected to the play-by-play action. For those outside the signal range, the NBA App offers a radio subscription that allows users to listen to any team's local radio broadcast.

Pelicans Radio Network

New Orleans fans can tune into WWL 870 AM or 105.3 FM. The Pelicans also provide a Spanish-language broadcast on Tropical 105.7 FM in the New Orleans area. Like the Grizzlies, these broadcasts are also accessible digitally through the Pelicans' official app and the NBA League Pass audio tier.

Viewing on mobile devices and gaming consoles

The flexibility of modern sports media allows for viewing on various hardware. Whether you are using a smartphone, a tablet, or a gaming console, the following apps are essential:

  1. The NBA App: The central hub for League Pass and general league updates.
  2. FanDuel Sports App: Required for local Grizzlies fans streaming via their RSN.
  3. NBC Sports App / Peacock: Essential for games broadcast under the new NBC agreement.
  4. Amazon Prime Video: Necessary for Thursday night games.

Most of these apps support "casting" to a television via Chromecast or AirPlay, providing a bridge for those who want to watch on a large screen but lack a smart TV interface.

International viewing: Watching from abroad

For the global fan base, the rules are slightly different. NBA League Pass International generally does not have the same blackout restrictions found in the United States and Canada. Fans in Europe, Asia, or South America can usually watch every Grizzlies vs. Pelicans game live, regardless of whether it is a national or local broadcast in the U.S. Some countries may have local broadcast partners (such as Sky Sports in the UK or BeIN Sports in various regions) that hold exclusive rights to certain games, which might cause temporary blackouts on the international version of League Pass.

Troubleshooting common viewing issues

Technical glitches can be a hurdle during a high-stakes game. Here are common issues and potential solutions:

  • Buffering and Lag: Ensure your internet connection is at least 25 Mbps for 4K streaming or 10 Mbps for standard HD. Switching from Wi-Fi to an Ethernet cable can significantly improve stability.
  • Authentication Errors: If you are using a cable provider login to watch on an app (like ESPN or NBC Sports), ensure your subscription includes the specific channel. Sometimes logging out and back in can refresh the digital handshake.
  • Location Errors: Streaming apps use GPS or IP addresses to determine your location. If you are near a border between markets, your device might incorrectly identify your location. Disabling VPNs or ensuring location services are enabled on your mobile device often resolves this.
  • App Crashes: During major games, high traffic can strain servers. Keeping your apps updated to the latest version is the best defense against software-related crashes.

Summary of best choices based on location

To make a quick decision, fans can follow these general recommendations based on their current situation:

  • Living in Memphis: Use a cable provider with FanDuel Sports Network Southeast or subscribe to the FanDuel Sports direct-to-consumer service. For national games, an antenna for ABC/NBC or a subscription to ESPN/Amazon is needed.
  • Living in New Orleans: A simple digital antenna is the most cost-effective way to watch GCSEN for free. Alternatively, Pelicans+ offers the most digital flexibility for local fans.
  • Living anywhere else in the U.S.: NBA League Pass is the most comprehensive option, supplemented by a Prime Video and Peacock subscription for national exclusives.
  • Traveling or on the go: Ensure you have the NBA App and the relevant network apps (ESPN, NBC, Amazon) installed and authenticated on your mobile device.

As the Pelicans and Grizzlies continue their rivalry, the ways to watch them evolve. By understanding the regional boundaries and the latest shifts in national media rights, you can ensure you never miss a moment of the action as these teams battle for supremacy in the Western Conference.