How to Watch the 2026 NBA Draft: Live on ESPN and ABC with Malika Andrews, Jay Bilas and Shams Charania
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How to Watch the 2026 NBA Draft: Live on ESPN and ABC with Malika Andrews, Jay Bilas and Shams Charania
The 2026 NBA Draft will be broadcast exclusively on American channels ESPN and ABC, with a world feed and dedicated coverage for UK viewers arriving at 01:00 UK Time on Wednesday, 25 June 2026. Fans across the globe can watch the two-night event from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, where the Washington Wizards hold the coveted No. 1 pick and will be on the clock first for the mesmerising top prospect of the class [2].
ESPN's flagship coverage, presented by the dynamic Malika Andrews, brings together a powerhouse panel of analysts including Jay Bilas, Bobby Marks, Fran Fraschilla, Shams Charania, Brian Windhorst, King McClure, Iman Shumpert, and Jay Bilas, with additional punditry from Shams Charania and Jay Bilas providing real-time trade insights and grades for every first-round pick [4] [2]. Andrews, a former ESPN anchor and celebrated journalist who has covered multiple NBA Finals and the Draft for years, leads the broadcast with in-depth analysis and compelling storytelling that sets the tone for the entire evening [4].
Joining herside is Jay Bilas, a former college basketball standout and iconic ESPN legal and game analyst known for his sharp, no-nonsense evaluations of player potential, while Bobby Marks, ESPN's NBA Front Office Insider, offers insider knowledge on contract values and team budgets that shape draft decisions [4]. Fran Fraschilla, a legendary EuroLeague scout and ESPN analyst, brings decades of international expertise, and Shams Charania, one of the most trusted voices in NBA news, delivers live updates on off-the-record trades and locker-room buzz [4].
Additional pundits like Brian Windhorst, a veteran NBA reporter and long-time ESPN contributor, and King McClure, who brings fresh energy and elite scouting insight, round out the panel alongside Iman Shumpert, an NBA champion and ESPN analyst known for his player-comps and development-focused commentary [4]. The broadcast also features special reporter Vanessa Richardson, who provides on-the-ground interviews with draftees and their families, capturing the emotion and anticipation of the moment [4].
For radio enthusiasts, ESPN Radio presents national audio coverage of both rounds, led by host Alan Hahn alongside pundits P.J. Carlesimo, a former NBA coach and college star, and Jeremy Woo, ESPN's NBA draft analyst who breaks down high- and low-end player comps for the top prospects [3] [2]. Carlesimo's experience as a coach and analyst adds a unique tactical layer, while Woo's deep knowledge of collegiate and international talent ensures fans get comprehensive breakdowns of every pick [3].
The first-round coverage begins on Tuesday, 23 June at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN, with ABC airing an 8:00 PM ET broadcast featuring extended stories and features on select draftees [2]. The second round follows on Wednesday, 24 June at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN, mirrored by national audio coverage on ESPN Radio at 7:30 PM ET [2]. Fans can also catch every selection via the ESPN App and the NBA streaming hub, ensuring no pick is missed regardless of platform [2].
As the draft approaches, ESPN's final rankings see Darryn Peterson reclaiming the No. 1 spot, with AJ Dybantsa dropping to No. 2, while Cameron Boozer of Duke and Boozer Acuff remain top lottery contenders [6] [3]. The mock draft projects all 60 picks, offering insight into potential trade talks and the evolving landscape of the league [5].
Whether you're a fan of the Wizards, a supporter of Duke, or simply enthralled by the next generation of NBA stars, the 2026 NBA Draft on ESPN and ABC delivers unparalleled analysis, real-time drama, and the future of the game. Tune in at 01:00 UK Time on Wednesday, 25 June, to witness the moment 60 players become draftees and the league reshapes for the next decade [2].
For more on the prospects, rankings, and mock drafts, visit the ESPN NBA Draft Hub ESPN NBA Draft Hub.
Article generated: 24 June 2026, 13:00 GMT