The hype for the next NBA season is starting to build.
Games for the 2026-27 regular season are rolling out ahead of the official schedule release. The league announced a star-studded opening night schedule, as well as its five-game Christmas lineup.
The New York Knicks are the reigning champions after taking down the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals, but an offseason of dramatic change has spawned some intriguing challengers for the throne this upcoming season.
So, when does the 2026-27 campaign start? Here are the key dates to know:
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option. The move sends the four-time NBA champion to the fourth franchise of his 24-season NBA career.
When does the NBA preseason start?
The 2026 preseason will begin with the Toronto Raptors against the Miami Heat on Saturday, Oct. 3, in Quebec City, Canada.
When does the NBA regular season start?
The 2026 regular season will start with opening night on Tuesday, Oct 20. The three opening matchups will see the Boston Celtics visit the Detroit Pistons, LeBron James make his Philadelphia 76ers debut against the Knicks and a Western Conference Finals rematch between the Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.
When are the NBA Cup games?
NBA Cup group games will begin on Oct. 30. Group play concludes on Nov. 29 and knockout play begins on Dec. 4.
The NBA Cup final, which will be held at Butler University’s Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis this year instead of Las Vegas, is set for Friday, Dec. 11.
What is the NBA’s Christmas Day schedule?
Here are the NBA’s five Christmas Day matchups this year:
San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks, 12 p.m. ET
Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics, 2:30 p.m. ET
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 5 p.m. ET
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 8 p.m. ET
Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors, 10:30 p.m. ET
When are the NBA regular-season international games?
Here are the dates for the new set of regular-season international contests:
Mexico City, Mexico: Denver Nuggets vs. Indiana Pacers on Nov. 7
Paris, France: San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 14
Manchester, England: San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans on Jan. 17
The preseason will feature games in Canada and China.
When is the 2026-27 NBA trade deadline?
The 2027 trade deadline is set for Thursday, Feb. 11.
When is the 2027 NBA All-Star Game?
The 2027 All-Star Game is set for the weekend of Feb. 19-21 in Phoenix.
When do the 2027 NBA playoffs begin?
The regular season will conclude in April, with the NBA Play-In Tournament and playoffs beginning shortly after. Exact dates have not been specified, with the NBA Finals set for June.
Here is every pick from the 2026 NBA Draft lottery section, selections 1-14.