The NBA is back, and the 2025-26 season promises to be one of the most exciting yet! With key games broadcast across ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and Prime Video, fans will have more ways to watch their favorite teams and players than ever before. From thrilling opening night matchups to the highly anticipated Rivals Week and Global Games, the upcoming season is packed with must-see events. This article provides a complete overview of the 2025-26 NBA schedule, highlighting the most important games and broadcast details so you don’t miss a moment of the action. Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or a casual viewer, this guide will help you stay informed about all the key dates and matchups.
The 2025-26 NBA season tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 21, with a return to NBC and Peacock. The opening night doubleheader begins in Oklahoma City, where Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the reigning champion Thunder will raise their championship banner before facing Kevin Durant and the new-look Rockets. This game marks the return of the NBA to NBC after more than two decades, making it a historic event for basketball fans.
The second game of the night features a classic rivalry renewed, as LeBron James and Stephen Curry face off for the 57th time in their careers. James will also make history, becoming the first player to play a 23rd NBA season. This matchup between two of the game’s biggest icons is sure to be a thrilling contest. Tune in to NBC and Peacock on October 21 to catch all the action from opening night!
ESPN’s opening week coverage begins on Wednesday, Oct. 22, with a pair of exciting matchups. First, All-Star guards Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson will meet at Madison Square Garden as the Cavaliers visit the Knicks. This game pits two of the top teams from the Eastern Conference against each other in what promises to be a high-scoring affair.
Later that night, the top two picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, Dallas’ Cooper Flagg (No. 1) and San Antonio’s Dylan Harper (No. 2), will make their professional debuts against each other. This game also marks the return of Victor Wembanyama, whose second season was cut short due to injury. This is a great opportunity to witness the future stars of the NBA.
Thursday, Oct. 23, features a rematch of the 2025 NBA Finals, as the Thunder face the Pacers. This game will be a showcase of talent and athleticism, as both teams look to start the new season on a high note. The second game of the night features Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokić squaring off. It’s a clash of MVPs and a must-see for any basketball fan. Tune in to ESPN to catch all the action from Opening Week!
Prime Video enters the NBA broadcast landscape with a compelling doubleheader on Friday, Oct. 24. The first game features the Boston Celtics visiting the New York Knicks. This is a great opportunity to see two of the Eastern Conference’s top teams face off.
The second game is a 2025 First Round Playoff rematch between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers. This game features Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves, against LeBron James, Luka Dončić and the Lakers. Given the playoff history, this matchup is sure to be intense.
Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, will exclusively broadcast several games this season, starting with a doubleheader during opening week on Monday, Oct. 27. The first game features the Detroit Pistons hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers. The second game renews a rivalry born in the 2024 Playoffs, with the Minnesota Timberwolves hosting the Denver Nuggets.
The Emirates NBA Cup returns, with games broadcast across Prime Video, ESPN, and NBC/Peacock. Prime Video will be the exclusive home for 10 Group Play games, as well as the quarterfinals, semifinals, and championship game. The competition tips off on Prime Video with a Halloween doubleheader.
The NBA continues its tradition of playing games on Christmas Day, with five marquee matchups on ABC & ESPN. The Knicks host the Cavaliers, the Thunder host the Spurs, the Warriors host the Mavericks, the Lakers face the Suns, and the Nuggets play the Timberwolves.
The NBA will play three games outside of the United States and Canada this regular season. The Mavericks and Pistons will clash in Mexico City, the Grizzlies face the Magic in Berlin, and the Grizzlies and Magic will meet again in London.
Another full day of NBA basketball comes your way on Monday, Jan. 19, with the 40th edition of the NBA on MLK Day, featuring four matchups on NBC & Peacock. Key matchups include Bucks vs Hawks, Cavs vs Thunder, Mavericks vs Knicks, and Pistons vs Celtics.
Classic and budding rivalries between teams and players will take center stage for the fourth annual NBA Rivals Week from Tuesday, Jan. 20 – Saturday, Jan. 24. Key matchups include Spurs vs Rockets, Bucks vs Thunder, Pacers vs Thunder, Clippers vs Lakers, Amen vs Ausar Thompson, and Mavericks vs Lakers.
NBC & Peacock will broadcast the NBA All-Star events from Feb. 13-15 in Los Angeles. ESPN will broadcast the Celebrity Game.
The Play-in Tournament will be exclusively on Prime Video. The Playoffs will be carried across ESPN, ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. The NBA Finals will be exclusively on ABC.
The 2025-26 NBA season is set to be an exciting one, with key games broadcast across a variety of platforms, including ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and Prime Video. From opening night matchups to Rivals Week and the NBA Playoffs, there will be plenty of must-see basketball action. The expansion of broadcast partners ensures that fans will have more ways than ever to watch their favorite teams and players.
Be sure to mark your calendars for the key dates and matchups mentioned in this article, so you don’t miss a moment of the action. Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or a casual viewer, the 2025-26 season promises to deliver thrilling moments and unforgettable memories. Get ready for tip-off!
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