In some embodiments, one or more wireless stations operate according to Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN)—direct communication with neighboring wireless stations, e.g., direct communication between the wireless stations without utilizing an intermediate access point. In a NAN system, multiple NAN devices may operate in conjunction in the form of a NAN cluster to facilitate communications processes, and may be further organized into “NAN data clusters” within NAN clusters. NAN data clusters may use a common base channel to convey communications among member NAN devices. Embodiments herein provide mechanism by which a base channel may be determined, modified, and/or distributed among NAN devices operating in a NAN data cluster.