The 2026 to 2027 NBA season is expected to start in mid-to-late October 2026. The exact opening night date had not yet been finalized in the sources I found, but the league typically confirms the full schedule in late summer.

Quick scoop

  • Expected start: mid-to-late October 2026.
  • Exact date: TBA at the time of these sources.
  • Schedule release: likely August 2026 based on the usual NBA rollout pattern.

What that means

For fans, that usually means the first regular-season games land around the second half of October, with nationally televised opening-night matchups announced later in the summer. If you’re planning ahead, mid-October is the safest expectation for the season opener.

TL;DR: The 2026-27 NBA season should begin in mid-to-late October 2026.