The 2025-26 NBA season is gearing up for tip-off, bringing a packed schedule of exciting matchups and key dates for fans. The season officially commences on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025, with a doubleheader featuring the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder, hosting the Houston Rockets. This opening night will also showcase a highly anticipated clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors.
NBA 2025-26 Season Unveiled: Key Dates and Must-See Games
Table of Contents
A comprehensive look at the upcoming NBA season’s schedule, including the In-Season Tournament, Christmas Day games, and international fixtures.
- The 2025-26 NBA season tips off Oct. 21, 2025, with the Thunder hosting the Rockets and the Lakers facing the Warriors.
- The Emirates NBA Cup runs from Oct. 31 to Dec. 16, 2025, with semifinals and finals in Las Vegas.
- Christmas Day features four marquee matchups, including Rockets vs. Lakers.
- International games are scheduled in London, Mexico City, and Berlin in January 2026.
- The regular season concludes April 12, 2026, leading into the Play-In Tournament and playoffs.
Key Dates for the 2025-26 NBA Season
The season’s major milestones include:
- Training Camp Opens: Sept. 23, 2025
- NBA Canada Series: Oct. 6, 2025 (Denver Nuggets vs. Toronto Raptors)
- Opening Night: Oct. 21, 2025
- Emirates NBA Cup Begins: Oct. 31, 2025
- NBA Mexico City Games: Nov. 1, 2025 (Detroit Pistons vs. Dallas Mavericks)
- Emirates NBA Cup Finals: Dec. 16, 2025 (Las Vegas)
- Christmas Day Games: Dec. 25, 2025
- NBA Berlin Games: Jan. 15, 2026 (Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies)
- NBA London Games: Jan. 18, 2026 (Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies)
- NBA All-Star Game: Feb. 13-15, 2026 (Los Angeles)
- NBA Trade Deadline: Feb. 5, 2026
- Regular Season Ends: April 12, 2026
- Play-In Tournament: April 15-18, 2026
- Playoffs Begin: April 19, 2026
- NBA Finals Begin: June 5, 2026
Opening Night and Rivalries Ignite
The 2025-26 season officially kicks off on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025. The Oklahoma City Thunder, as reigning champions, will raise their banner and receive their rings before facing the Houston Rockets. Following this, a storied rivalry takes center stage as the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, host the Golden State Warriors, featuring Stephen Curry.
Christmas Day Features Holiday Hoops
Basketball fans can look forward to a festive Christmas Day on Dec. 25, 2025, with a lineup of compelling matchups:
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks
- San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
These holiday games will be broadcast on ABC and ESPN.
Global Games Expand Reach
The league’s international presence continues to grow with several games scheduled outside the U.S. in January 2026:
- London: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic on Jan. 18, 2026.
- Mexico City: Detroit Pistons vs. Dallas Mavericks on Nov. 1, 2025.
- Berlin: Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 15, 2026.
Emirates NBA Cup Returns
The third edition of the NBA In-Season Tournament, rebranded as the Emirates NBA Cup, will begin Oct. 31, 2025. The group stage concludes Nov. 28, determining which teams advance to the final phase from Dec. 9-16. The semifinals and championship game are slated for Las Vegas.
Broadcast Schedule Highlights
A clear distribution of games across media partners will be in place:
- Peacock: Monday and part of Tuesday evenings.
- ESPN/ABC: Wednesday evenings and select weekend matchups.
- Prime Video: Thursdays and Fridays, plus international events and the Emirates NBA Cup.
All national games will also be available via streaming for a global audience.
What is the first game of the 2025-26 NBA season?
The 2025-26 NBA season officially begins on October 21, 2025, with a doubleheader featuring the Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Houston Rockets and the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors.
When does the NBA regular season end in 2026?
The NBA regular season is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
