NBA Unveils Star-Studded 2025–26 Schedule with Global Games & Epic Rivalries
The NBA’s 2025–26 regular season schedule has officially been revealed, and it’s loaded with drama, history, and international flair. Fans won’t have to wait long for fireworks — opening night on October 21 marks the long-awaited return of NBA games on NBC for the first time in over two decades. The season tips off in Oklahoma City, where the defending champion Thunder will raise their first-ever championship banner before facing Kevin Durant and the revamped Houston Rockets. Later that night, the spotlight shifts to Los Angeles, where LeBron James begins his record-breaking 23rd season in a showdown with Stephen Curry and the Warriors.
The excitement rolls straight into Opening Week, featuring high-profile matchups across ESPN, Prime Video, and Peacock. Top draft picks Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper will make their NBA debuts in a Mavericks–Spurs clash, while rising stars like Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson take center stage in other marquee games. This year’s schedule also introduces exclusive Peacock broadcasts, including an early-season Detroit–Cleveland matchup that could set the tone for Eastern Conference rivalries.
Global basketball fans are in for a treat, too. The league will host three regular-season games outside North America — in Mexico City, Berlin, and London — underscoring the NBA’s commitment to expanding its worldwide presence.
Holiday traditions remain strong, with five Christmas Day matchups on ABC and ESPN. The Knicks host the Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden to start the festivities, followed by a Thunder–Spurs showdown featuring Victor Wembanyama. Later, the Lakers and Rockets square off in a primetime battle between LeBron and Durant, and the night caps with another chapter in the Timberwolves–Nuggets rivalry.
Special events will be sprinkled throughout the season. The Emirates NBA Cup tips off October 31, featuring 10 Prime Video-exclusive group play games, and January’s Rivals Week packs 11 national broadcasts into five days of intense matchups. Fans can also look forward to the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles, broadcast on NBC, Peacock, and ESPN.
The season will culminate with the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament in April, leading into the playoffs across all major networks and the NBA Finals on ABC. With 1,200 total games, a mix of legendary duels, fresh faces, revenge rematches, and global showcases, the 80th NBA season promises something for every basketball fan — from diehard followers to casual viewers. Whether it’s LeBron vs. Steph, Luka vs. Edwards, or rising stars chasing their first playoff berth, this year’s calendar is a must-watch journey from tip-off to trophy.
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NBA Drops Star-Studded 2025-26 Season Schedule with Must-See Matchups
The NBA has officially rolled out its full 2025-26 schedule, and fans have plenty to circle on their calendars. From opening night to Christmas Day classics, Rivals Week, and even global matchups overseas, this season is packed with storylines, rivalries, and milestone moments.
It all tips off October 21st on NBC, marking the network’s return to NBA broadcasts after more than 20 years. The night begins in Oklahoma City, where the reigning champion Thunder will raise their first-ever NBA title banner before facing a reloaded Houston Rockets squad now featuring Kevin Durant. Then comes a late-night showdown between LeBron James and Stephen Curry — the 57th time the two icons will meet, with James making history as the first player to play a 23rd season.
Opening week also brings intriguing clashes on ESPN, Prime Video, and Peacock. Fans will see the top two picks from the 2025 Draft, Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, make their NBA debuts. The Cavaliers and Knicks will reignite their Eastern rivalry, while Victor Wembanyama returns after an injury-shortened season. Other matchups pair MVPs like Curry and Nikola Jokić or young stars like Anthony Edwards and Luka Dončić.
The action doesn’t stop there. The Emirates NBA Cup returns October 31st, featuring group play across multiple networks and a Halloween doubleheader of Celtics-76ers and Lakers-Grizzlies. Thanksgiving week will be loaded with Cup games, including playoff rematches and high-stakes showdowns.
Christmas Day once again delivers a full day of marquee matchups. The Knicks host the Cavs at Madison Square Garden, Oklahoma City gets its first Christmas game since 2018 against Wembanyama’s Spurs, and the Lakers face the Rockets in a primetime LeBron-Durant duel. The night ends with another heated Timberwolves-Nuggets battle.
The league also goes global, with games in Mexico City, Berlin, and London. MLK Day will feature four nationally televised matchups, including the Celtics visiting the Pistons and Cooper Flagg making his Madison Square Garden debut. Then in January, Rivals Week packs five days with must-watch battles — from the Spurs-Rockets Texas showdown to a Lakers-Mavericks clash marking Luka’s return to Dallas.
The season culminates with the All-Star festivities in Los Angeles, the Play-In Tournament in April, and the NBA Playoffs spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. The Finals, as always, will be exclusively on ABC.
From banner-raising nights to rookie debuts, revenge games, and historic player milestones, the 2025-26 NBA season is set to deliver drama, talent, and unforgettable moments from day one to the final buzzer in June.
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