2025-26 NBA Schedule– which kicks off on October 21, 2025, promises sizzling matchups, global games, and a thrilling in-season competition with the NBA Cup. Let’s dive into the full schedule, key dates, and what fans should look forward to!
1. Season Timeline at a Glance
- Regular Season: October 21, 2025 – April 12, 2026
- NBA Cup (In-Season Tournament): October 31 – December 16, 2025
- All-Star Game: February 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California
- Play-In Tournament: April 14–17, 2026
- Playoffs & Finals Begin: Playoffs start mid-April; Finals begin June 4, potentially culminating June 21, 2026
2. Opening Night & Week Highlights – 2025-26 NBA Schedule
- Opening Night – October 21:
- Houston Rockets @ Oklahoma City Thunder (7:30 p.m. ET) – Thunder receive their championship rings.
- Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers (10 p.m. ET)
- Opening Week – October 22–24:
- Oct 22: Cavaliers @ Knicks; Spurs @ Mavericks
- Oct 23: Thunder @ Pacers; Nuggets @ Warriors
- Oct 24: Celtics @ Knicks; Timberwolves @ Lakers
3. 2025-26 NBA Schedule – Holiday & Special Games
- Christmas Day – December 25 (five major games):
- Cavaliers @ Knicks
- Spurs @ Thunder
- Mavericks @ Warriors
- Rockets @ Lakers
- Timberwolves @ Nuggets
- Global Games – January 2026:
- Grizzlies vs Magic in Berlin on Jan 15
- Grizzlies vs Magic in London on Jan 18
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 19, 2026 (quadrupleheader):
- Bucks @ Hawks; Thunder @ Cavaliers; Mavericks @ Knicks; Celtics @ Pistons
4. Broadcast & Coverage
- TV Partners: ESPN/ABC, NBC, NBA TV
- Streaming: ESPN+/Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock
- NBC & Peacock: Newly reintroduced to NBA with dedicated programming—Peacock NBA Monday, Coast 2 Coast Tuesday, and Sunday Night Basketball starting February 1, 2026; NBC features ~100 regular season games
5. In-Season Tournament: NBA Cup
- Runs during the first half of the season (Oct 31 – Dec 16)
- Group Play games span multiple platforms (Prime, ESPN, NBC/Peacock)
- Includes international matches and culminates in knockout rounds
6. Why This Season Stands Out
- Historic NBC return: After 24 years, NBC re-launches its NBA coverage with high-impact matchups
- Global growth: Regular-season games being held in Berlin and London mark further international expansion
- Fresh tournament format: NBA Cup adds a new competitive twist early in the season.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – 2025-26 NBA Schedule
| Question | Answer |
| When does the 2025-26 NBA season begin and end? | Begins October 21, 2025 and runs through April 12, 2026. |
| What is the NBA Cup and when will it happen? | The in-season tournament runs from October 31 to December 16, 2025. |
| When and where is the All-Star Game? | Scheduled for February 15, 2026, at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. |
| What is the timeline for the postseason? | Play-In: April 14–17; Playoffs: mid-April–May; Finals begin June 4, possibly ending June 21. |
| What big matchups are on opening night? | Rockets @ Thunder and Warriors @ Lakers on October 21. |
| Will there be NBA games internationally? | Yes—Grizzlies vs Magic in Berlin (Jan 15) and London (Jan 18), 2026. |
| Which platforms will broadcast the games? | NBA on NBC, plus Peacock, ESPN/ABC, NBA TV, ESPN+, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video. |
| What’s new with NBC’s coverage? | NBC returns to NBA with 100 regular-season games and themed streaming nights (Monday, Tuesday, Sunday) via Peacock. |
Conclusion
2025-26 NBA Schedule- The 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent history. With the return of NBA games on NBC, the introduction of the NBA Cup, high-profile international matchups in Europe, and classic rivalries on Opening Night and Christmas Day, fans are in for nonstop action from October to June. Whether you’re following your favourite team or keeping an eye on the league’s rising stars, this season promises drama, intensity, and unforgettable basketball moments.
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