NBA 2026/27 Season Schedule Announced, Begins October 20

The upcoming season follows a run by the New York Knicks, who secured the championship in the previous year. The Knicks enter the season as the defending champions, looking to break a trend where no team has successfully defended its title since 2018.

The league’s calendar begins with the preseason, which runs from October 3 to October 13, 2026. Following the opening night duel between Detroit and Boston, the regular season will proceed through the spring of 2027.

Key dates for the season include the NBA Cup group stage, which runs from October 30 to November 27, 2026. The tournament reaches its knockout rounds and final between December 4 and December 11, 2026. The league also features international games, including a matchup between the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers in Mexico City on November 7, 2026, and a Spurs vs. Pelicans game in Paris on January 14, 2027.

The mid-season schedule includes the trade deadline on February 11, 2027, followed by the All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona, from February 19 to February 21, 2027. The regular season concludes on April 11, 2027, leading directly into the Play-In Tournament from April 13 to April 16. The NBA Playoffs are scheduled to begin on April 17, 2027, with the Finals expected to start in mid-June.

Watch games via Prime Video, Sky, or League Pass

Viewers looking to follow the action have several platform options, though no games will be available on free-to-air television. Prime Video holds exclusive rights to 67 games, including all matchups in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Sky will broadcast over 100 games, including the opening night, the All-Star Weekend, and the entire Western Conference Finals. Subscribers can access these broadcasts through Sky Go or WOW. For fans seeking access to every single game throughout the season, the English-language NBA League Pass remains the primary subscription option.

Player movements shift competitive balance

Several high-profile player movements have changed the league's competitive balance heading into the new season. LeBron James is set to play for the Philadelphia 76ers, joining a roster that includes Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo has moved to the Miami Heat to compete for a title alongside Bam Adebayo.

The New York Knicks remain primary contenders following their recent championship. The team features Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns as core components of their title defense.

The Los Angeles Lakers have entered the season with Luka Doncic as a central figure. In Boston, the Celtics continue to rely on the duo of Jayson Tatum and Paul George.

German players in the NBA

Many German players will feature in the 2026/27 season across various franchises. Dennis Schröder will represent the Charlotte Hornets, marking the 13th team he has played for during his career. He will be joined in Charlotte by 20-year-old Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson Jr., both of whom were selected in the 2026 Draft.

The Wagner brothers also remain prominent figures in the league. Franz Wagner will continue with the Orlando Magic, while his brother Moritz Wagner joins the Brooklyn Nets. Tristan da Silva also remains with the Orlando Magic, where he is expected to see an increased role.

Other German internationals include Isaiah Hartenstein of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Maximilian Kleber of the Los Angeles Lakers, and Ariel Hukporti of the New York Knicks. Hukporti, at 2.13 meters, is currently the youngest German player in the league.

The league follows an 82-game schedule and playoff format

The league consists of 30 franchises divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences. Each team plays an 82-game regular season schedule. The top six teams in each conference qualify directly for the playoffs, while the seventh and eighth seeds enter a Play-In Tournament to secure the final two spots.

The NBA Cup serves as a mid-season tournament where 30 teams are split into six groups of five. Group winners and the two best runners-up advance to the quarterfinals. Unlike most regular-season games, the Cup matches (excluding the final) count toward the overall standings. The winning team of the NBA Cup receives a $500,000 prize per player.

NBA championship history since 2010

Questions about the NBA season and prizes

When does the NBA regular season start?
The regular season officially begins on October 20, 2026, with a game between the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics.

How can I watch the NBA games live?
Games are available via Prime Video, which has rights to 67 games, and Sky, which will broadcast over 100 games. The NBA League Pass is available for full-season coverage.

What is the NBA Cup prize?
Every player on the winning team of the NBA Cup receives a $500,000 prize.

How do the playoffs work?
The top six teams in each conference go straight to the playoffs, while the 7th and 8th seeds compete in a Play-In Tournament to determine the final playoff participants.