The NBA is gearing up for another thrilling campaign as the 2025-26 regular season tips off on Tuesday, October 21. Defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Houston Rockets at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC, while the Golden State Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers later that night at 10 p.m. ET, marking the league's return to NBC after years away. Indeed, this opening doubleheader sets a high bar, blending star power with fresh rivalries that fans have been craving.
Moreover, the schedule rolls out 82 games per team, wrapping up on April 12, 2026, with all 30 squads in action. Key highlights include the Emirates NBA Cup starting November 12, a midseason tournament that's become a staple for injecting early drama. Christmas Day, always a spectacle, features five marquee matchups exclusively on ESPN and ABC, from the Knicks at the Spurs to the Lakers hosting the Warriors again—because why not revisit that West Coast clash?
TV coverage has evolved too, with a new media rights deal shaking things up. ESPN and ABC handle Wednesdays, Fridays, and big weekends, including that season finale doubleheader. NBC and Peacock take Saturdays and Sundays, airing up to 100 regular-season games plus playoffs. Prime Video jumps in with 66 contests, including the In-Season Tournament and Play-In games. However, the shift leaves some wondering about accessibility—TNT's absence stings for diehards loyal to their broadcast style. NBA TV fills gaps for out-of-market viewers, streaming internationally via partners like Prime Video in Europe and Latin America.
Indeed, with global games in Abu Dhabi and Paris, plus Rivals Week in February, the league's pushing boundaries. The playoffs begin April 18, culminating in the Finals on ABC. As teams like the Thunder aim to repeat and underdogs plot upsets, this season promises unpredictability amid labor talks looming in the background.
One can't help but ponder how these broadcast changes will reshape viewing habits in an era of fragmented streaming.