The **2025-26 NBA Season** is set to tip off with a packed schedule of must-watch events, running from the late summer Summer Leagues through the Finals in June. With the NBA Cup now firmly established, the season features a structured calendar of high-stakes competition and international showcases. Here is the definitive schedule of all the key dates, events, and deadlines for the upcoming NBA year.
The Regular Season & Marquee Events
The 82-game journey begins in October and concludes in mid-April, punctuated by major holidays and rivalries.
- Opening Night (Oct. 21, 2025): The season officially kicks off on **Tuesday, October 21st**. The opening night doubleheader features the Rockets at Thunder (7:30 p.m. ET) and the Warriors at Lakers (10 p.m. ET).
- Christmas Day Extravaganza (Dec. 25, 2025): As is tradition, the NBA dominates the holiday schedule with five blockbuster games, including Mavs at Warriors and Rockets at Lakers.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan. 19, 2026): A full slate of afternoon and evening games, headlined by matchups like Mavs at Knicks and Celtics at Pistons.
- NBA Rivals Week (Jan. 20-24, 2026): A dedicated week of matchups between the league’s fiercest rivals.
- Trade Deadline (Feb. 5, 2026): All eyes turn to the league offices as teams scramble to make final trades before the 3 p.m. ET deadline.
- Regular Season Finale (April 12, 2026): All 30 teams are in action, setting the final seeds for the Play-In Tournament and Playoffs.
The Emirates NBA Cup 2025
The in-season tournament returns for its third edition, featuring Group Play, Knockout Rounds, and a Championship Game in Las Vegas.
| Event | Dates | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Group Play | Oct. 31 – Nov. 28, 2025 | Designated “Cup Nights” held on Fridays and some Tuesdays/Wednesdays. |
| Quarterfinals | Dec. 9-10, 2025 | Single-elimination games hosted by the higher seeds in their local markets. |
| Semifinals | Dec. 13, 2025 | Held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. |
| Championship | Dec. 16, 2025 | The winner claims the Emirates NBA Cup and a prize pool. Held in Las Vegas, NV. |
NBA Global Games and International Showcases
The league continues its global expansion with a packed international calendar for both the preseason and regular season:
- NBA Mexico City Game (Nov. 1, 2025): The Detroit Pistons vs. Dallas Mavericks face off at Arena CDMX in Mexico City.
- NBA Berlin Game (Jan. 15, 2026): The Magic vs. Grizzlies play at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.
- NBA London Game (Jan. 18, 2026): The Magic vs. Grizzlies meet again at The O2 Arena in London, England.
- Preseason Global Games (Oct. 2 & 4, 2025): The Knicks vs. 76ers compete in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games.
The Second Half: All-Star Weekend & Playoffs
The sprint to the postseason is headlined by the All-Star festivities and the crucial Playoff push.
2026 NBA All-Star Weekend
The mid-season classic heads back to Los Angeles, but this time, it will be hosted by the LA Clippers at their new state-of-the-art arena.
- Dates: February 13-15, 2026
- Location: Los Angeles, CA (Intuit Dome)
- HBCU Classic: The 2026 NBA HBCU Classic, featuring Hampton University vs. North Carolina A&T, takes place on Feb. 13.
Postseason Schedule
The intense final stretch determines who moves on to compete for the Larry O’Brien trophy.
- Playoff Eligibility Waiver Deadline: March 1, 2026
- SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament: April 14-17, 2026
- NBA Playoffs Begin: April 18, 2026
- Rosters Set for Playoffs: April 13, 2026 (3 p.m. ET)
Offseason Key Dates (Recap)
While the season is underway, it’s worth noting the key offseason activities that shaped the current rosters:
- Free Agency Negotiation: June 30, 2025 (6 p.m. ET)
- Free Agency Signings: July 6, 2025 (12:01 p.m. ET)
- NBA 2K26 Summer League: July 10-20, 2025 (Las Vegas)
- Training Camps Open: Sept. 29, 2025
