After more than two decades, the NBA returns to NBC this upcoming season.
The network last broadcast an NBA game in 2002, but the high-flying action is headed back for a season that is sure to captivate fans.
Opening night is slated for Oct. 21 with a key doubleheader featuring four Western Conference teams with big hopes for the 2025-2026 campaign. There hasn’t been a repeat champion since the Golden State Warriors polished off their second consecutive title in 2018, capping a run of three championships in four years. The Oklahoma City Thunder are now the defending champs, though, and could be poised to break that streak.
Here’s a look at both season-opening games. Both tilts will be on NBC and streamed on Peacock. Times listed are Eastern. (Peacock is owned by TODAY.com's parent company, NBCUniversal.)
Houston Rockets at Oklahoma City Thunder — 7:30 p.m.
The Thunder are coming off a dream season, having won the NBA championship, the first since the franchise relocated from Seattle in 2008. They had the best regular-season record in the league and boasted the league MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Teamed up again alongside Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein, Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are young and battle-tested and figure to be in line to defend their title.
The Rockets have improved their win total in each of the last four seasons and finished as the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference last season before losing in the first round to the Warriors. They took a big swing in the offseason by landing former MVP Kevin Durant in a historic seven-team trade, but took a big hit when veteran guard Fred VanVleet tore his ACL in September. He could miss the entire season. Still, the Rockets have a strong nucleus featuring Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. and Reed Sheppard.
Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers — 10 p.m.
The Warriors are still very much relevant. Led by future Hall of Famer Steph Curry, the Warriors will have a full season of Jimmy Butler helping shoulder the load after acquiring him during the season last year. It was a move that jump-started the team, which surged into the playoffs after he took the court with the Warriors. The roster, which also includes Draymond Green, Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield and free-agent signee Al Horford, is built to have Golden State in contention once more.
The Lakers will always be a draw in the NBA. LeBron James' return for a record 23rd season will be delayed while he deals with sciatica. That follows rumors he may retire following a cryptic announcement earlier this month that turned out to be a marketing ploy. Luka Doncic, acquired in a stunning blockbuster trade last year, will be with the team for an entire season. The Lakers have also brought on one-time Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart and former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.
