The 2025-26 NBA season begins this Tuesday, October 21, with new broadcast partners and standout games. The league has signed 11-year deals with Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock), and Amazon (Prime Video), expanding viewing options for fans. The opening night features matchups like Thunder vs. Rockets and Warriors vs. Lakers, broadcast by NBC/Peacock, marking the NBA’s return to the network after over two decades.
Innovations include the Tap to Watch digital tool, simplifying access to live games, and exclusive broadcasts like the NBA Cup and Play-In Tournament on Prime Video. The regular season includes 82 games per team, with coverage split across platforms. Today’s highlights:
- Thunder vs. Rockets, 8 p.m. ET, on NBC/Peacock.
- Warriors vs. Lakers, 10 p.m. ET, also on NBC/Peacock, with live pregame coverage.
- Broadcasts feature Mike Tirico’s play-by-play and Reggie Miller’s analysis.
New broadcast landscape
The 2025-26 season introduces major changes in NBA viewing. Disney covers 80 regular-season games, including the Finals, while NBC/Peacock returns with 100 games and the All-Star Weekend.
Prime Video debuts with 66 games, including the NBA Cup and Play-In Tournament, offering features like Multiview and Rapid Recap. All platforms promise innovations to bring fans closer to the action.
Opening night highlights
Opening night showcases exciting matchups. The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosts the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly anticipated duel.
Both games air live on NBC/Peacock, with arena introductions included. The iconic “Roundball Rock” theme song returns, celebrating the NBA’s comeback to NBC.
Wednesday, October 22, features Cavaliers vs. Knicks and Mavericks vs. Spurs, with top draft pick Cooper Flagg debuting for San Antonio. ESPN broadcasts these games, narrated by Mike Breen.
Weekly schedule breakdown
The regular season follows a clear schedule. ESPN covers Wednesdays and Fridays (midseason onward), while Prime Video handles Thursdays and Saturdays.
NBC/Peacock focuses on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays, with “Coast 2 Coast Tuesday” offering simultaneous games for different time zones. Pregame studios feature Maria Taylor and Carmelo Anthony.
Sundays include afternoon games on ABC and evening games on NBC/Peacock, starting February 1. The diverse schedule caters to all fan preferences.
Fan-focused innovations
Prime Video offers Multiview, allowing up to four games at once, and Numbers Game for real-time stats.
Peacock’s “On the Bench” places analysts courtside, while “Performance View” displays metrics like scoring zones. ESPN integrates the Emmy-winning “Inside the NBA” with Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal for major events.
Today’s games
Tuesday, October 21, marks the season’s start:
- Thunder vs. Rockets, 8 p.m. ET, with the champions aiming to dominate.
- Warriors vs. Lakers, 10 p.m. ET, featuring Stephen Curry vs. LeBron James.
- Both games air live on NBC/Peacock, with a 30-minute pregame show.
Expanded coverage
NBA League Pass remains available for non-nationally broadcast games, accessible via cable, satellite, or the NBA app. Tap to Watch guides fans to live broadcasts across platforms.
The season includes events like the NBA Cup, with knockout rounds on Prime Video, and the All-Star Weekend, exclusive to NBC/Peacock. The varied coverage ensures access to every key moment.
