The NBA’s offseason always feels like a long inhale. Rumors, roster shuffles, Summer League glimpses, and so much more, all before that first cool night when the lights go up and a new chase for the Larry O’Brien begins.
The 2025-26 campaign promises more of everything fans now expect: championship rings raised in Oklahoma City, rookies stepping into prime time, an expanded global footprint, and the still-new NBA Cup adding mid-season stakes to ordinary weeknights.
Before the calendar gets crowded with must-watch matchups and standings, here’s a clear fan-first guide to when camps open and when the ball tips for real and runs into April’s playoff push.
When Does the NBA 2025-26 Season Start?
The countdown is on. The 2025-26 NBA regular season tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, with a banner raising in Oklahoma City (Thunder vs Rockets, 7:30 p.m. ET).
It will be followed by a West Coast headliner, where legends Stephen Curry and LeBron James will face off in a thrilling Warriors vs. Lakers matchup at 10 p.m. ET.
The following evening on ESPN (Oct. 22, 2025) will feature Cavaliers at Knicks and a rookie-watch special, with Spurs at Mavericks, where the No. 1 pick this year, Cooper Flagg, will debut opposite No. 2 pick Dylan Harper.
Just two days later, on Oct. 23, 2025, ESPN will continue with Thunder at Pacers and Nuggets at Warriors.
Interesting Storylines to Watch This Season
- LeBron James Makes History: Entering Year 23, LeBron is on track to make history once he plays on the opening night. He will pass Vince Carter for the most seasons played in NBA history.
TRENDING: LeBron James is set to become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons.
TRENDING: LeBron James is set to become the first player in NBA history to play 23 seasons. pic.twitter.com/gihciGDeNo
— Hoops (@HoopMixOnly) August 27, 2025
- Luka Dončić’s First Full Season with the Lakers: After last year’s mid-season blockbuster trade, Luka finally has an entire campaign in purple and gold. It’ll be a storyline that promises fireworks and scrutiny.
- Rookie Rivalry: Cooper Flagg (Mavericks) and Dylan Harper (Spurs), the No. 1 and No. 2 picks, respectively, will clash in one of the most anticipated rookie duels in league history.
- Thunder’s Championship Defense: Fresh off their first title since relocating to Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company aim to prove they’re built for a dynasty.
- Kevin Durant’s Return to Oklahoma City: Opening night adds extra drama as KD heads back to OKC in a Houston Rockets jersey, the very city he left back in 2016. The ring ceremony for the Thunder will double as a reminder of what once was, and what Durant might face from a still-passionate fanbase.
- The NBA Cup’s Third Year: With the success of last season’s mid-season tournament, expect more drama as teams gather in groups eyeing the December prize in Las Vegas.
- The Emirates NBA Cup: Group Play to Vegas
- Group Play: Oct. 31–Nov. 28 on “Cup Nights.”
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 9–10
- Semifinals: Dec. 13 (Las Vegas)
- Championship: Dec. 16 (Las Vegas)
- The Emirates NBA Cup: Group Play to Vegas
Training Camp, Media Day & Preseason Road Map
- Sept. 23–24: Media days and camp open early for teams traveling overseas (Nets, Knicks, 76ers, Pelicans, Suns).
- Sept. 29: League-wide media day and training camps for the other 25 teams.
- Oct. 2–17: Global preseason window, highlighted by:
- NBA Abu Dhabi Games: Knicks vs. 76ers (Oct. 2 & 4)
- Melbourne Series: Pelicans vs. NBL teams (Oct. 3 & 5)
- NBA Canada Series: Nuggets vs. Raptors, Vancouver (Oct. 6)
- NBA China Games: Nets vs. Suns, Macao (Oct. 10 & 12)
- Oct. 20: Opening-day rosters set (5 p.m. ET).
Where To Watch KEY DATES for the 2025-26 NBA season 📺🏀
The full schedule is out, learn more:
Where To Watch KEY DATES for the 2025-26 NBA season 📺🏀
The full schedule is out, learn more: https://t.co/Zm2PTBkf2p pic.twitter.com/UY0OLneawc
— NBA (@NBA) August 14, 2025
Oh, and circle Sept. 5–6 for the Naismith Hall of Fame enshrinement weekend, headlined by Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles, Maya Moore, Danny Crawford, Billy Donovan, and Micky Arison.
Holiday & Showcase Games (Christmas, MLK Day, International)
Christmas Day (Dec. 25, ABC/ESPN):
- Cavs at Knicks (12 p.m. ET)
- Spurs at Thunder (2:30 p.m.)
- Mavericks at Warriors (5 p.m.)
- Rockets at Lakers (8 p.m.)
- Timberwolves at Nuggets (10:30 p.m.)
MLK Day (Jan. 19, NBC/Peacock):
- Bucks at Hawks (1 p.m., Peacock exclusive)
- Thunder at Cavs (2:30 p.m.)
- Mavs at Knicks (5 p.m.)
- Celtics at Pistons (8 p.m.)
International Games:
- NBA Mexico City Game: Pistons vs. Mavericks — Nov. 1, 2025
- NBA Berlin Games: Magic vs. Grizzlies — Jan. 15, 2026
- NBA London Games: Magic vs. Grizzlies — Jan. 18, 2026
Mid-season Milestones & Movement
- 10-day contracts available: Jan. 5
- Contracts become guaranteed: Jan. 10
- Trade Deadline: Feb. 5 (3 p.m. ET)
- All-Star Weekend: Feb. 13–15, 2026 (Los Angeles)
NBA All-Star Weekend 2026 Heads to Los Angeles
The league’s brightest stars will converge on Los Angeles from February 13–15, 2026, for All-Star Weekend.
The festivities will be held at the newly built Intuit Dome, giving fans a modern stage for the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, Dunk Contest, and the 75th NBA All-Star Game. With LeBron James still active and playing in LA, Luka Dončić in purple and gold, and a new generation of stars like Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg rising, this All-Star showcase promises to be one of the most anticipated in recent memory.
Stretch Run: Play-In & Playoffs
- Regular Season ends: April 12
- Play-In Tournament: April 14–17
- Playoffs begin: April 18
- Playoff rosters set: April 13 (3 p.m. ET)
Where to Watch: National TV & Streaming Guide
Games will be broadcast on ABC, NBC, and Peacock (including Monday Peacock windows), ESPN, and Prime Video (notably for NBA Cup nights). For local RSN/streaming specifics, check team sites and the NBA App.
