The 2025-26 NBA season is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and end on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The season will consist of 82 games for each of the league’s 30 teams.
The NBA season typically begins in late October or early November and ends in June. The regular season is followed by the playoffs, which culminate in the NBA Finals, a seven-game series to determine the league champion. The NBA is one of the most popular professional sports leagues in the world, and its games are broadcast in over 200 countries.
The 2025-26 NBA season is expected to be another exciting one, with several teams vying for the championship. The Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Boston Celtics are among the favorites to win the title. However, several other teams, such as the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Golden State Warriors, could also make a run at the championship.
1. Start date
The start date of the 2025-26 NBA season is significant because it marks the beginning of a new chapter in the league’s history. The 2025-26 season will be the first season after the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) goes into effect. The new CBA includes a number of changes to the league’s rules and regulations, including changes to the salary cap, the draft, and the playoffs.
- The salary cap: The salary cap is the maximum amount of money that a team can spend on player salaries. The new CBA will increase the salary cap by approximately 10%, which will give teams more flexibility to sign and retain players.
- The draft: The draft is the process by which teams select new players to join their roster. The new CBA will change the draft lottery system, making it more difficult for teams to tank (lose games on purpose) in order to get a higher draft pick.
- The playoffs: The playoffs are the postseason tournament that determines the NBA champion. The new CBA will change the playoff format, adding a play-in tournament for the teams that finish 7th through 10th in each conference.
These are just a few of the changes that will be implemented under the new CBA. The start date of the 2025-26 NBA season marks the beginning of a new era for the league, and it will be interesting to see how these changes impact the game.
2. End date
The end date of the 2025-26 NBA season is significant because it marks the culmination of a long and grueling season. The regular season, which begins in October, is followed by the playoffs, which typically last until June. The NBA Finals, the championship series, is a best-of-seven series that can extend the season even further.
The end date of the NBA season is important for a number of reasons. First, it gives teams and players a chance to rest and recover after a long season. Second, it allows the NBA to prepare for the following season, including the draft and free agency.
The end date of the NBA season is also important for fans. It marks the end of a long and exciting season, and it gives fans a chance to celebrate their team’s success or commiserate over their team’s failure. The end of the NBA season is also a time for fans to reflect on the past season and look forward to the next one.
3. Number of games
The length of the NBA season has been a topic of debate for many years. Some argue that the 82-game season is too long and leads to injuries and fatigue. Others argue that the 82-game season is necessary to maintain the competitive balance of the league.
- Player health and safety: The 82-game season is a long and demanding one, and it can take a toll on players’ bodies. The risk of injury increases as the season progresses, and many players are forced to miss games due to injuries. The long season can also lead to fatigue, which can affect players’ performance and decision-making.
- Competitive balance: The 82-game season gives all teams a chance to make the playoffs. If the season were shorter, it would be more difficult for teams to overcome a slow start or a string of injuries. The 82-game season also allows for more parity in the league, as teams can’t afford to have too many off nights.
- Revenue: The 82-game season generates more revenue for the NBA and its teams. More games mean more ticket sales, more merchandise sales, and more TV revenue. The NBA is a business, and the 82-game season is a key part of its financial success.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to shorten the NBA season is a complex one. There are valid arguments to be made on both sides of the issue. However, the 82-game season has been a part of the NBA for over 50 years, and it is unlikely to change anytime soon.
4. Number of teams
The number of teams in the NBA has a significant impact on the start date of the season. The 2025-26 NBA season is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and end on Wednesday, June 10, 2026. The season will consist of 82 games for each of the league’s 30 teams.
- Schedule: The NBA schedule is very complex, and it takes a lot of time and effort to create a schedule that works for all 30 teams. The league has to take into account factors such as travel, rest, and competitive balance when creating the schedule.
- Playoffs: The number of teams in the NBA also impacts the playoffs. The playoffs are a single-elimination tournament, and the number of teams that make the playoffs is determined by the number of teams in the league. In the 2025-26 season, the top six teams from each conference will make the playoffs.
- Revenue: The number of teams in the NBA also impacts the league’s revenue. More teams mean more games, which means more ticket sales, more merchandise sales, and more TV revenue. The NBA is a business, and the number of teams in the league is a key factor in its financial success.
The number of teams in the NBA is a complex issue with a number of different factors to consider. The league is constantly evaluating the number of teams in the league, and it is possible that the number of teams could change in the future.
5. Defending champion
The defending champion of the NBA is the team that won the NBA Finals in the previous season. The defending champion is important because it gives fans a sense of continuity and excitement as the new season begins. Fans of the defending champion are eager to see their team repeat their success, while fans of other teams are eager to dethrone the champion.
The defending champion also has an impact on the schedule for the new season. The NBA schedule is released in the summer, and the defending champion is given a favorable schedule, with more home games and fewer back-to-back games. This gives the defending champion a slight advantage in the new season.
The defending champion is also a major factor in the NBA Finals. The Finals are a best-of-seven series, and the defending champion has home-court advantage in Games 1, 2, 6, and 7. This gives the defending champion a significant advantage in the Finals.
The defending champion is a key part of the NBA season. It gives fans a sense of continuity and excitement, and it has an impact on the schedule and the Finals.
FAQs on NBA 2025-26 Season Start Date
This section provides answers to frequently asked questions regarding the start date of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Question 1: When does the 2025-26 NBA season start?
The 2025-26 NBA season is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
Question 2: How many games will each team play in the 2025-26 season?
Each of the 30 NBA teams will play 82 games in the 2025-26 season.
Question 3: When will the 2025-26 NBA season end?
The 2025-26 NBA season is scheduled to end on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Question 4: Who is the defending NBA champion?
The defending NBA champion is the team that wins the NBA Finals in the 2024-25 season.
Question 5: How many teams will make the playoffs in the 2025-26 season?
The top six teams from each conference will make the playoffs in the 2025-26 season.
Question 6: When will the 2025-26 NBA Finals be played?
The 2025-26 NBA Finals are scheduled to begin in early June 2026. The exact dates will be announced later.
These are just a few of the frequently asked questions regarding the start date of the 2025-26 NBA season. For more information, please visit the NBA website.
Key takeaways:
- The 2025-26 NBA season is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
- Each of the 30 NBA teams will play 82 games in the 2025-26 season.
- The 2025-26 NBA season is scheduled to end on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
- The defending NBA champion is the team that wins the NBA Finals in the 2024-25 season.
- The top six teams from each conference will make the playoffs in the 2025-26 season.
- The 2025-26 NBA Finals are scheduled to begin in early June 2026.
Transition to the next article section:
The start date of the 2025-26 NBA season is just one of the many important dates on the NBA calendar. For more information on the NBA schedule, please visit the NBA website.
Tips Related to “When Does the 2025-26 NBA Season Start”
Here are a few tips related to the start date of the 2025-26 NBA season:
Tip 1: Mark your calendar. The 2025-26 NBA season is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. Mark your calendar so you don’t miss the start of the season.
Tip 2: Check the NBA website. The NBA website is a great resource for all things NBA, including the schedule. You can find the complete schedule for the 2025-26 season on the NBA website.
Tip 3: Follow the NBA on social media. The NBA is active on social media, and they often post updates about the schedule and other important information. Follow the NBA on social media to stay up-to-date on all the latest news.
Tip 4: Set your DVR. If you can’t watch the games live, set your DVR to record them. This way, you can watch the games at your convenience.
Tip 5: Get tickets early. If you’re planning to attend any games in person, get your tickets early. Tickets tend to sell out quickly, so it’s best to get them as soon as possible.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits:
- By following these tips, you can be sure to stay up-to-date on all the latest information about the 2025-26 NBA season.
- You can also make sure that you don’t miss any of the games, whether you’re watching them live or on DVR.
Transition to the article’s conclusion:
The 2025-26 NBA season is sure to be an exciting one. By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re ready for the start of the season.
Closing Remarks on the 2025-26 NBA Season
As the anticipation for the 2025-26 NBA season builds, it is essential to remember the significance of its commencement. The start of the season marks a new chapter in the league’s history, bringing excitement and renewed determination to teams and fans alike. With the release of the schedule and the defending champion’s title up for grabs, the stage is set for an enthralling and competitive season.
As we eagerly await the tip-off of the 2025-26 NBA season, let us appreciate the journey that has led us to this moment. The offseason provides an opportunity for teams to regroup, strategize, and prepare for the challenges ahead. With the addition of talented rookies and the movement of veteran players, the league’s landscape is constantly evolving, ensuring that each season is unique and unpredictable.
Whether you are a passionate fan of a particular team or simply an admirer of the sport, the start of the NBA season is a time for celebration and anticipation. Let us embrace the excitement and witness the unfolding of another unforgettable chapter in basketball history.
