NBA schedule 2025–26: Opening Night, Xmas slate, Cup dates

TL;DR:

Regular season starts Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
Opening Night on NBC: Rockets–Thunder, Warriors–Lakers.
Christmas Day has five games on ABC/ESPN.
Emirates NBA Cup runs October 31 to December 16.
All-Star is February 15, 2026 at Intuit Dome.

This is your quick, trustworthy map to the 2025–26 NBA season. It lists the must-know dates, the biggest national TV windows, and where to watch. It also explains the in-season Emirates NBA Cup. All dates include exact days, so you can plan travel, watch parties, or content around the league calendar.

When the season starts

The regular season begins on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Opening Night airs on NBC and Peacock with two games: Houston at Oklahoma City at 7:30 p.m. ET, followed by Golden State at the Los Angeles Lakers at 10 p.m. ET. These pairings come directly from the NBA’s schedule release.

Rosters lock for Opening Day at 5 p.m. ET on Monday, October 20, 2025, which is the final checkpoint before the first tip.

The big national windows

ESPN and ABC open their season with a two-night doubleheader set on Wednesday, October 22 and Thursday, October 23, 2025. ESPN’s slate also includes a Finals rematch in Indianapolis during opening week. ABC carries its Saturday Primetime package later in the season and partners with ESPN on Christmas Day.

NBC returns to NBA coverage this season, with a weekly Sunday Night Basketball franchise and on-site studio show. Expect a fresh production look and music package around those broadcasts.

Christmas Day schedule

Christmas remains a tent-pole. The NBA lists five games on Thursday, December 25, 2025, all on ABC/ESPN:

Spurs at Knicks, Noon ET
Timberwolves at Mavericks, 2:30 p.m. ET
76ers at Celtics, 5 p.m. ET
Lakers at Warriors, 8 p.m. ET
Nuggets at Suns, 10:30 p.m. ET

Emirates NBA Cup, explained

The in-season tournament, now called the Emirates NBA Cup, runs during the regular season. Group Play tips off on Friday, October 31, 2025, with knockout games leading to a December finish. The NBA drew six groups of five teams, three per conference, based on last season’s records. Group games count toward regular season standings.

This year’s Cup window runs from October 31 to December 16, 2025. Expect Prime Video to carry key rounds per the new media lineup, while other partners hold their usual nights.

All-Star, Play-In, Playoffs, and Finals

2026 NBA All-Star Game: Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
Play-In Tournament: Tuesday–Friday, April 14–17, 2026.
Playoffs begin: Saturday, April 18, 2026.
NBA Finals: start Thursday, June 4, 2026, with a possible Game 7 on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Key dates at a glance

Date	Event	Where to watch
Mon, Oct 20, 2025	Rosters set for Opening Day, 5 p.m. ET	—
Tue, Oct 21, 2025	Opening Night, HOU–OKC, GSW–LAL	NBC, Peacock
Fri, Oct 31, 2025	NBA Cup Group Play begins	Prime Video, team RSNs
Thu, Dec 25, 2025	Five Christmas Day games	ABC, ESPN
Sun, Feb 15, 2026	All-Star Game, Intuit Dome	National TV
Apr 14–17, 2026	Play-In Tournament	National TV
Sat, Apr 18, 2026	Playoffs begin	National TV
Thu, Jun 4, 2026	NBA Finals start	National TV
Sun, Jun 21, 2026	NBA Finals Game 7, if needed	National TV

International games and special dates

The 2025–26 international slate includes NBA Mexico City Game 2025 on Saturday, November 1, 2025, and a January European swing with Berlin on Thursday, January 15, 2026, and London on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Check local listings for carriers in your region, as streaming partners vary by market.

Where to watch this season

The league’s new media era starts this fall. Games air across ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video, with League Pass handling out-of-market access. Amazon has Friday nights and selected Thursdays after the NFL season. NBC carries a Sunday night window and simulcasts on Peacock. ESPN keeps marquee nights and the Christmas package. Check the NBA schedule hub for daily updates.

Tips for fans and planners

Add Opening Night and Christmas Day to your calendar now.
If you follow a team, sync the team schedule to your phone for travel planning.
For the Cup, note Friday windows and December knockouts to avoid conflicts.
International fans should confirm regional streams a week ahead of big games.

Why it matters

The NBA condensed key tent-poles into clear, fan-friendly windows. That helps with planning, fantasy lineups, and travel. It also eases broadcast discovery, since nights and platforms are consistent. With the Cup in November and December, the league adds stakes early without crowding the spring.

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