favicon

T4K3.news

NBA schedule released

The NBA released the 2025-26 schedule with Opening Night on NBC and a star-studded Christmas Day slate.

August 12, 2025 at 12:15 PM
blur 2025-26 Opening Night, Christmas Day and MLK Day schedules unveiled

The NBA releases the 2025-26 regular season schedule with Opening Night on NBC, Christmas Day on ABC and ESPN, and the MLK Day slate.

NBA reveals 2025-26 opening nights and holiday schedule

Opening Night on October 21 features the Thunder raising the 2024-25 championship banner and a LeBron James versus Stephen Curry showdown as the league opens its 80th season on NBC. The night kicks off a busy opening week with ESPN doubleheaders that spotlight title contenders and rising stars, including Donovan Mitchell against Jalen Brunson and the debut of Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper against each other, with Victor Wembanyama also in action.

Christmas Day returns with five marquee games on ABC and ESPN, led by the Knicks hosting the Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden and the Thunder facing the Spurs in Oklahoma City. The primetime lineup also features the long running James versus Durant rivalry and a full day of high-stakes matchups as the league keeps expanding its cross‑platform reach with Peacock streaming several games. MLK Day on NBC and Peacock follows with four games, including Cooper Flagg’s Madison Square Garden debut and a Pistons vs Celtics clash as Detroit aims to build on last season’s turnaround. Emirates Cup dates will be announced later in the week as the schedule continues to fill in.

Key Takeaways

✔️
Opening Night features a banner ceremony and a high-profile LeBron James–Stephen Curry clash
✔️
ESPN opens with Donovan Mitchell vs Jalen Brunson and a debut featuring top draft picks
✔️
Wembanyama makes his presence felt early in the season after a health setback
✔️
Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper headline high‑profile early matchups
✔️
Peacock secures exclusives that push streaming into the season’s core schedule
✔️
Christmas Day delivers a robust slate with Knicks hosting Cavaliers and a James–Durant primetime duel
✔️
MLK Day on NBC and Peacock highlights new talents and a major Garden appearance by Flagg
✔️
Emirates Cup dates promise a global expansion of the season’s calendar

"Basketball returns with a banner ceremony and a historic opening night"

Highlight of opening night

"Streaming is changing the game as Peacock hosts early season doubleheaders"

Editorial insight on platform strategy

"Young talent like Wembanyama and Flagg will define this season's early narrative"

Factual note about new stars

The plan leans into star power and platform diversity to maximize reach. NBC brings back a traditional broadcast window for a historic doubleheader, while Peacock expands the streaming footprint with exclusives that could shift viewing habits. At the same time, the calendar centers on two veteran duels and a fresh wave of young talent, signaling a blend of tradition and new blood. This mix should attract both long-time fans and newer viewers, but it also raises questions about player load management and travel with a crowded early slate.

As the league leans into global engagement with the Emirates Cup corridor, audiences can expect more cross‑promotion and cross‑screen consumption. The balance between marquee matchups and mid‑market narratives will test how advertisers value breadth versus depth in a season that starts with a bold set of showcase games.

Highlights

  • Basketball returns with a banner ceremony and a historic opening night
  • Streaming gets a bigger stage as Peacock hosts early season doubleheaders
  • Wembanyama and Flagg headline a shift toward young stars
  • The league bets big on cross platform reach and marquee matchups

A season that blends history with fresh talent is poised to redefine the early months of NBA 2025-26.

Enjoyed this? Let your friends know!

Related News