The NBA is gearing up for another thrilling campaign as the 2025-26 regular season tips off on Tuesday, October 21, with the Houston Rockets hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder in a marquee opener that promises fireworks right out of the gate. Indeed, this marks the league's 80th season, and fans have been buzzing since the full schedule dropped back in August. It's a packed slate, running through April 13, 2026, before the playoffs heat up, but let's be real—navigating the broadcast chaos might test even the most die-hard supporter's patience.
Opening week alone delivers doubleheaders on Wednesday, October 22, and Thursday, October 23, spotlighting powerhouse matchups across ESPN and ABC. Christmas Day, December 25, stays a holiday staple with five exclusive games airing on those same networks, from the Lakers facing the Warriors to the Knicks battling the Celtics—classics that draw millions despite the occasional overhyping. Moreover, the new media rights shake-up means NBC and Peacock jump in with 100 regular-season games, while Amazon Prime Video grabs a chunk of the action too, including some playoff rounds. However, TNT's exit after decades feels abrupt, leaving a void in that familiar studio vibe.
Throughout the season, expect around 1,230 games total, with key dates like the Emirates NBA Cup starting November 12 and All-Star Weekend hitting San Francisco in February. ESPN platforms will carry about 100 regular-season tilts, ABC another 25 or so, and don't forget NBA TV for those overflow nights. Scheduling quirks abound—back-to-backs galore and international games in places like Mexico City—but the league's pushing for parity amid superteam whispers. Indeed, with rookies like Cooper Flagg potentially debuting, the unpredictability could redefine contenders.
Yet as rosters finalize just days away, one wonders if this revamped TV landscape will truly broaden access or just fragment the viewing experience further.