The 2026-27 NBA schedule has been announced. Here are five highlights to look forward to in the new season.
Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks on Opening Day
Philadelphia travel to the reigning champions, the Knicks, on October 20. LeBron Jamesâ first game with his new team will happen on the night that the Knicks are expected to receive their championship rings. The 76ersâ first home game will come two days later against Jamesâ former team Cleveland Cavaliers.
Although a mid-August schedule announcement is standard, there was uncertainty this year due to Jamesâ free agent status. At the July Fanatics Fest, commissioner Adam Silver said that heâd like James to make his announcement soon so the NBA could finalise the schedule, and that where James played would influence the calendar, opening week, and Christmas Day. Thatâs no great surprise â James is one of the biggest stars in the sportâs history, and often the focus of digital sports content creation.
NBA Mexico City Game
On November 7, Denver Nuggets face Indiana Pacers at Arena CDMX. It will be the NBAâs 35th game in Mexico, which has held more games than any country aside from the USA and Canada. The game will take place the week of the DĂa de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, and the theme will be showcased in the arena.
The Nuggets won the Championship in 2023 and currently feature three-time MVP Nikola JokiÄ, as well as 2026 All-Stars Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon.
NBA Paris and Manchester Games
In January, the New Orleans Pelicans and the San Antonio Spurs will play in Paris and then Manchester three days later. France has hosted 15 NBA games before this season, but Manchester has never hosted a game.
The leagueâs managing director, George Aivazoglou, said there was strong NBA momentum in Europe. The Spurs CEO and the Pelicans executive vice president described the opportunity as an âincredible honorâ and âincredible opportunityâ, respectively.
All-Star 2027 in Phoenix
Phoenix Suns will host All-Star 2027, which will be its fourth in NBA history. Kate Gallego, mayor of Phoenix, said the weekend will have a âsignificant economic impactâ. Events include NBA Rising Stars, showcasing top rookies and second-year players, on Friday, February 19; the Saturdayâs All-Star night (with challenges and the Slam Dunk); and finally, the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, February 21.
2026âs All-Star Game was the first in a new round robin format: USA vs. the World. Team World featured players like Luka DonÄiÄ, Nikola JokiÄ, and Victor Wembanyama.
Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers on Christmas Day
James will face another of his former teams on Christmas Day when the 76ers travel to LA. The Christmas games begin with San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks at noon ET (the Lakers game tips off at 5pm ET).
The Timberwolves host a Christmas Day game for the first time in their history. They play the Oklahoma City Thunder at 8pm ET.
ESPN and ABC will show the Christmas NBA games, but the NFL will compete for viewers with one game set for Christmas Eve and three more for Christmas Day.
