How to watch Golden Knights games for free in Las Vegas: ABC streaming options for Stanley Cup Final games originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Vegas Golden Knights are in the midst of a thrilling Stanley Cup Final series, but some fans in Las Vegas have been unable to watch NHL playoff games this month.
A carriage dispute between DIRECTV and Scripps, which owns Las Vegas ABC affiliate KTNV Channel 13, has left local subscribers to the satellite and streaming service in the dark as the Golden Knights try to win their second Cup in four years.
Every game of the Stanley Cup Final (and the NBA Finals) is airing on ABC in 2026, leaving DIRECTV customers shut out of some of the most important sporting events of the year. But there are alternatives.
Streaming services like fubo and YouTube TV carry ABC in local markets and provide a strong option for Las Vegas-area fans, particularly since both offer free trials to new customers.
Why ABC isn’t on DIRECTV in Las Vegas
As of June 1, 54 local stations owned by Scripps are not available via DIRECTV due to a carriage dispute. That list includes 17 ABC affiliates, one of which is KTNV in Las Vegas.
The rift centers on carriage rates, with DIRECTV saying in a statement that Scripps “is demanding the highest rates we have ever seen for programming that remains available for free over-the-air and through many station, network, and third-party streaming apps.” Via Deadline, Scripps countered that it has been negotiating in good faith and accused DIRECTV of “heavy-handed tactics” in return.
Where to watch Golden Knights games for free in Las Vegas
Fans can turn to streaming services to fill the gap while the carriage dispute continues. Options with free trials include:
Fubo is currently offering a five-day a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
YouTube TV is offering a 21-day free trial to new users. Stream 100+ channels live and on demand, including local channels in your market.
When will ABC return to DIRECTV in Las Vegas?
Unfortunately for viewers, these types of disputes are not unusual. Just two months ago, Scripps channels went dark on Comcast and Xfinity for more than a month. That outage lasted 35 days from the end of March to service being restored to Comcast on May 5.
The typical pattern is for each side to trade statements periodically before the situation is suddenly resolved and channels are restored. It’s difficult to predict when the dispute will end, however.
Discover more from NAIRAVOICE.COM.NG
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
