NBA Schedule 2012: How Fans Can Watch NBA League Pass for Free
The NBA has given its fans another Christmas gift to heel our lockout wounds. In addition to the five-headed monster of a Christmas Day schedule, the league's all-access ticket to NBA action, known as the League Pass, is being offered free for two weeks. Merry Christmas to us.
Contact your local cable provider for details on how to take advantage of the offer.
Within that time span, regardless of city or media platform, those that partake in the free trial can view the following intriguing matchups, along with the rest of the NBA docket:
Dec 26th—Rematch of the biggest upset in the 2011 NBA Playoffs when the Memphis Grizzlies take on the San Antonio Spurs
Dec 26th—The new look Hornets debut against the Phoenix Suns
Dec 28th—Another 2011 NBA Playoff rematch, when the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Grizzlies
Dec 28th—CP3 and the Clippers take on the Spurs
Dec 29th—New Jersey at Orlando, who will D-12 be playing for?
Dec 30th—Derrick Rose at CP3 and the Clippers
Jan 6th—John Wall hosts Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks
None of these games would be available out of market for fans without the NBA League Pass
That is just in the first two weeks, but not unlike all makeup gifts, there is a bitter pill to swallow. The price of the package is a hefty 169.99 for only 66 games this season. It is down only $20 from the 189.99 price tag it carried last season.
The minimal decrease this year is due to the nearly unlimited proposed access the package provides. This season the NBA League Pass will be available on three platforms: mobile devices (tablets, i-pods and cell-phones), broadband (desktops, laptops) and TV. Games will be available in HD on both TV and broadband options.
Senior Vice President and General Manager of NBA Digital offered this reasoning behind the pricing:
""Any-time anywhere, on any screen, you can get the game on. Last year, mobile would have been a $50 standalone. That puts you at $239 vs. $169."
"
In actuality, subscribers will receive a ton. The question is this: Does this appeal to a large group of fans? If you are the type of person that lives away from an area that allows you to catch your team's games, your allegiance may force you to begrudgingly take the plunge.
If you are the rare fan that is obsessed with seeing the entire league in action, beyond the increased coverage TNT, NBC, ESPN and NBATV already provide, then this is also for you.
For most fans, who have a lukewarm interest in the rest of the teams outside of their own, this may seem like a bad deal.
For me, I am one of those fanatics whose fandom goes beyond my beloved Bulls. So I will fork over the requisite fee for the access to LeBron and Miami's journey; CP3 and Blake's LA takeover, along with Dirk and the Mavs' veteran charged attempt at a title defense.
Call me crazy, but make sure you call me every time the ball goes up.
