2026 NBA Offseason Calendar: Draft, Free Agency and Training Camp Dates
The NBA regular season for 2025/26 has concluded, and the league has released key dates for the upcoming offseason, including the NBA Draft, free agency period, and training camp openings. Based on verified information from official NBA sources and reputable sports news outlets, here is the complete calendar for the 2026 NBA offseason.
Key Dates for the 2026 NBA Offseason
NBA Draft Lottery
The NBA Draft Lottery will take place on May 12, 2026, determining the draft order for the 14 teams that did not make the playoffs in the 2025/26 season. This event is crucial for teams looking to secure top prospects in the upcoming draft.
NBA Draft Combine
The NBA Draft Combine is scheduled for May 15-18, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois. This event allows prospects to showcase their skills in front of NBA executives, coaches, and scouts through athletic testing, measurements, and interviews.
NBA Draft
The 2026 NBA Draft will be held on June 25-26, 2026, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. This two-day event will see the selection of 60 new players entering the league, with the first round on June 25 and the second round on June 26.
Free Agency Negotiation Period
The free agency negotiation period begins on June 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM Eastern Time. During this time, teams can begin negotiating with unrestricted free agents, although official signings cannot be completed until the moratorium period ends.
Free Agency Moratorium Ends
The NBA free agency moratorium ends on July 6, 2026, at 12:01 PM Eastern Time, allowing teams to officially sign free agents to contracts. This date marks the start of the official signing period for the 2026 free agency class.
Training Camp Opens
Training camps for the 2026/27 NBA season are scheduled to open on September 26, 2026. This date allows teams to begin preparations for the upcoming season, with players reporting to their respective facilities for conditioning, skill work, and team bonding.
Preseason Games Begin
The NBA preseason is set to begin on October 8, 2026, with teams playing exhibition games to fine-tune their rosters and strategies before the regular season.
Regular Season Start
The 2026/27 NBA regular season is scheduled to tip off on October 22, 2026, marking the start of the new campaign for all 30 teams.
Important Notes for Teams and Players
Teams must adhere to salary cap regulations during the free agency period, with the salary cap for the 2026/27 season projected to be approximately $140 million, though the exact figure will be finalized closer to the date. Players and agents are advised to begin preparations early, as the negotiation period can be highly competitive.
For international players, visa processing and travel arrangements should be initiated well in advance of the training camp opening date to ensure timely arrival for team activities.
How to Stay Updated
Fans and media can stay informed about the latest developments in the 2026 NBA offseason through the official NBA website, team websites, and reputable sports news outlets. The NBA will provide regular updates on any changes to the schedule or important announcements related to the draft, free agency, and training camp.
As the offseason progresses, Archysport will continue to provide comprehensive coverage of all key events, including draft analysis, free agency signings, and training camp reports, ensuring our readers have access to the most accurate and up-to-date information.
The 2026 NBA offseason promises to be an exciting period filled with key decisions that will shape the competitive landscape of the league for the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates as these important dates approach.
