If you’re a basketball enthusiast like me, the excitement that builds up before a new NBA season is simply unmatched. From checking the fixture release date to highlighting your must-watch matchups, it’s an annual ritual.
As a UK fan, it takes commitment to follow games across different time zones. But with the new NBA Fixtures 25/26 finally out, it feels like Christmas has arrived early.
With the NBA’s global appeal growing and more games tailored for international time zones, including UK-friendly broadcasts, this season promises to be special.
Whether you’re supporting the reigning champs or backing an underdog, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, preseason, regular season, in-season tournament, All-Star break, key matchups and more.
Let’s dive deep into the full NBA schedule for the 2025-26 season and highlight what makes it unmissable.
When Does the 2025-26 NBA Season Start and End?
The NBA Fixtures 25/26 officially kick off with preseason games beginning on 2 October 2025 and the regular season starting from 22 October 2025. The season runs through April 2026, followed by the playoffs and the NBA Finals.
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
| Preseason Start | 2 October 2025 |
| Regular Season Start | 22 October 2025 |
| In-Season Tournament Group Play | 4 November – 28 November 2025 |
| All-Star Weekend | 13 – 15 February 2026 |
| Regular Season End | 14 April 2026 |
| Play-In Tournament | 15 – 18 April 2026 |
| NBA Playoffs Start | 19 April 2026 |
| NBA Finals Start | 4 June 2026 |
| Last Possible Finals Game | 22 June 2026 |
This season promises more games and competitive balance with minimal travel load, ensuring players are fresh and performances are top-notch.
What Are the Must-Watch Opening Night Matchups in NBA Fixtures 25/26?
The opening night of the NBA season has always been about blockbuster clashes. For the 2025-26 season, fans are in for a thrilling double-header.
Opening Night Highlights – 22 October 2025
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs Houston Rockets
- Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors
These two matchups are designed to maximise excitement. The Lakers and Warriors rivalry continues to entertain fans with their superstar-laden squads. Meanwhile, young guns in the Thunder vs Rockets game bring fast-paced action and fresh narratives.
Other Notable Early Season Games
| Date | Matchup |
| 23 Oct | Knicks vs Cavaliers |
| 23 Oct | Celtics vs 76ers |
| 24 Oct | Warriors vs Nuggets |
| 25 Oct | Clippers vs Suns |
The early games are packed with inter-conference duels and rising rivalries. From coast-to-coast clashes to Eastern Conference battles, every game counts from day one.
Which NBA Games Will Be Broadcast in UK Primetime?
The NBA has made great strides in making its games accessible to international fans, especially in the UK.
NBA Primetime on Weekends
The NBA Fixtures 25/26 will continue to feature NBA Saturdays and NBA Sundays, where games are scheduled earlier in the day to suit European and UK viewers.
Featured Primetime Fixtures for UK Viewers
| Date | Fixture | Time (UK) |
| 12 Oct | Nets vs Suns | 13:00 |
| 26 Oct | Spurs vs Nets | 18:00 |
| 30 Nov | Jazz vs Rockets | 20:00 |
| 7 Dec | Knicks vs Magic | 17:00 |
| 21 Dec | Kings vs Trail Blazers | 03:00 |
These games are ideal for fans in the UK who want to enjoy the action without staying up until the early hours.
Who Are the Top Teams to Watch Based on NBA Fixtures 25/26?
Every season brings new storylines, and the NBA Fixtures 25/26 hint at some potential breakout and dominant teams.
Top Contenders
- Denver Nuggets: Defending champions and consistent performers
- Boston Celtics: Depth, defence and experience
- Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis-led squad with renewed focus
- Phoenix Suns: Star-studded lineup with championship ambitions
- Los Angeles Lakers: Veteran leadership mixed with young talent
Potential Surprise Packages
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Talented young core making strides
- Houston Rockets: Building chemistry with new coaching
- Orlando Magic: Quietly becoming a balanced squad
With each team playing 82 games, fans can expect fierce competition from October to April.
What Are the Dates for the NBA In-Season Tournament 2025?
Introduced in the 2023-24 season, the NBA In-Season Tournament is back for its third edition and is already becoming a mid-season fan favourite.
In-Season Tournament Schedule
| Stage | Dates |
| Group Play | 4 – 28 November 2025 |
| Quarter-Finals | 2 – 3 December 2025 |
| Semi-Finals | 5 December 2025 |
| Championship | 7 December 2025 |
Key Points About the Tournament
- Games count toward the regular season (except the final)
- Teams are divided into groups based on conference standings
- A single-elimination knockout stage adds March Madness-style excitement
Fans should especially look out for 7 December, the In-Season Tournament Final, which is expected to be a marquee showdown.
How Is the NBA Fixtures 25/26 Schedule Structured Across Teams?
The NBA Fixtures 25/26 follows the standard 82-game format. Each team plays:
- 4 games against teams in their division (16 games)
- 3 or 4 games against teams in their conference (36 games)
- 2 games against teams from the opposite conference (30 games)
Team Schedule Breakdown (e.g., Boston Celtics)
| Category | Games |
| Division Rivals | 16 |
| Rest of Conference | 36 |
| Opposite Conference | 30 |
| Total | 82 |
This structure ensures balanced competition while maintaining key rivalries and reducing excessive travel.
What Key Dates Should UK Fans Mark on Their Calendars?
For British NBA fans, some fixtures are simply unmissable either because of the matchup or the broadcast timing.
Top Dates to Watch
- Christmas Day (25 Dec 2025): Traditional NBA showcase
- All-Star Weekend (13–15 Feb 2026): All-Star Game, Skills Challenge, 3-Point Contest, Dunk Contest
- MLK Day (20 Jan 2026): Commemorative matchups celebrating Dr Martin Luther King Jr.
- Rivalry Nights: Lakers vs Celtics, Heat vs Knicks, Warriors vs Suns
These games often carry more emotion and significance, giving fans drama beyond the scoreboard.
Are There Any London or Europe-Based Games in NBA Fixtures 25/26?
As of the official schedule release, there are no confirmed London games in the NBA Fixtures 25/26. However, talks are ongoing about hosting future games in Paris, Berlin and possibly London in the 2026-27 season.
NBA Global Games 2025
- Abu Dhabi Preseason Matchups
- Paris Game (TBA)
- Potential for mid-season games outside the US
The league remains committed to global growth, and UK fans should stay tuned for announcements regarding ticketed events or fan activations in Europe.
How Can Fans Access the Full NBA Fixtures 25/26 Schedule?
To stay updated, UK fans can access the complete NBA Fixtures 25/26 using multiple methods:
Official Platforms
- NBA App
- NBA.com (Schedule section)
- Local broadcast partners (e.g., TNT, ESPN, Sky Sports)
Tips for Following the Season
- Use the NBA App’s calendar sync feature
- Set game reminders by favourite teams
- Enable UK time zone settings for accurate listings
Having easy access ensures you never miss a buzzer-beater or OT thriller.
What’s New This Season Compared to NBA Fixtures in 24/25?
The NBA Fixtures 25/26 brings subtle but impactful changes compared to last season.
New Additions
- Expanded In-Season Tournament integration
- More UK Primetime games than before
- Smarter rest-day scheduling for key players
- Continued enforcement of Player Participation Policy
Updated Fan Experience
- Enhanced broadcast graphics
- Micro-content during game breaks for social media
- Real-time player stats and augmented reality in the NBA App
While the game remains the same, the delivery and fan engagement keep evolving each season.
Conclusion
Whether you’re tuning in for tip-off or staying up late for a Western Conference showdown, the NBA Fixtures 25/26 offer an exciting, non-stop ride from start to finish. From UK primetime games to holiday specials, it’s a schedule that truly embraces global fandom.
With a blend of veteran squads, rising stars, and intense matchups, every game has the potential to make headlines. So grab your jerseys, mark your calendars, and prepare for a basketball season packed with drama, highlights and unforgettable moments.
Let the countdown to tip-off begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2025-26 NBA season begin?
The 2025-26 NBA season officially starts with preseason games on 2 October 2025 and the regular season begins on 22 October 2025.
How many games are played in the NBA 25/26 regular season?
Each NBA team will play 82 regular season games during the 2025-26 season.
Will there be any NBA games played in the UK this season?
As of now, there are no officially confirmed NBA games in the UK for the 2025-26 season.
What are NBA Primetime games for UK viewers?
NBA Primetime games are fixtures scheduled to air in UK-friendly time slots, typically on weekends in the early evening.
Where can fans watch NBA games in the UK?
UK fans can watch NBA games on Sky Sports, NBA League Pass and TNT Sports, with some games streamed on NBA’s official platforms.
What is the NBA In-Season Tournament?
The In-Season Tournament is a mid-season competition that features group play and knockout stages, adding competitive intensity during November.
How is the NBA schedule structured for each team?
Each team plays 82 games including 16 against division rivals, 36 within the conference and 30 against opposite-conference teams.
