NBA Season Start Date: Your Guide

Nick Leason

-Oct 4, 2025

The NBA season typically starts in mid-October, with the regular season kicking off around the third week. The exact date varies slightly each year, influenced by factors like the Olympic Games or other scheduling conflicts. The season culminates in the NBA Finals, which take place in June, after the playoffs.

Key Takeaways

The NBA season usually begins in mid-October.
The regular season runs from October to April, followed by playoffs.
The NBA Finals conclude the season in June.
Dates can vary based on external events like the Olympics.
Preseason games offer a glimpse of the upcoming season in early October.

Introduction

Basketball fans eagerly anticipate the start of the NBA season, a time filled with renewed hope for every team and the promise of exciting matchups. Understanding the typical timeline – from preseason to the Finals – helps fans plan viewing schedules and stay informed about the league's progression. The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, filled with regular season games, a mid-season tournament, the playoffs, and the ultimate goal: the NBA Championship. — Tyreek Hill Leg Injury: What Happened & His Recovery

What & Why

The NBA season's start date is crucial for several reasons. It marks the beginning of the competitive year, influencing everything from player statistics to team standings and, ultimately, playoff seeding. The schedule allows fans to anticipate key games, plan attendance at live events, and stay engaged with their favorite teams. — New York Yankees: History, Players & More

For Fans: It signals the return of regular basketball, the chance to see favorite players and teams compete, and the opportunity to engage in the sport through watching games, following news, and participating in fantasy leagues.
For Players: The start of the season represents a new opportunity to prove themselves, showcase their skills, and work towards their team and personal goals. The regular season provides the platform for players to improve and perform at their best.
For Teams: The beginning of the season is when teams set the tone for the year. It's the moment to establish strategies, develop team chemistry, and begin the journey to the playoffs, aiming for the NBA Finals.

Why Mid-October?

Several factors contribute to the October start. The timing is carefully chosen to avoid conflicts with other major sports leagues (NFL, MLB) and to capitalize on the excitement generated by the end of the MLB playoffs. It gives players and teams adequate time to prepare after the summer break and allows for a full season before the NBA Finals. — Rite Aid Passport Photo: Guide, Cost, & Requirements

Benefits of Following the NBA Season

Entertainment: Provides a consistent source of entertainment with exciting games and star players.
Community: Fosters a sense of community among fans through shared experiences, discussions, and social media engagement.
Competition: Offers a compelling display of athleticism, strategy, and teamwork at the highest level.
Investment: Can be used for sports betting and fantasy leagues, making the games more engaging.

Potential Risks or Drawbacks

Scheduling Conflicts: Games can be at inconvenient times for some viewers.
Overexposure: The sheer volume of games can lead to fatigue.
Emotional Investment: Following the sport can be emotionally draining when your favorite team is losing.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Step-by-Step Guide to Knowing the Start Date

Check the NBA Official Website: The most reliable source for the official season schedule is the NBA's official website. They announce the schedule in advance, typically in August.
Follow Official NBA Social Media: The NBA and its teams use social media platforms to announce important dates, game schedules, and other relevant information.
Subscribe to Sports Newsletters & Alerts: Subscribe to sports news sources that provide season start date updates and other important information.
Use Sports Calendars: Online sports calendars or apps will provide the dates and game times once the schedule is released.
Watch for Preseason Games: The preseason games usually start in early October. Use these games as a good indicator of the impending start date.

Framework for Understanding the Season Schedule

Preseason (Early October): Exhibition games to prepare teams for the regular season.
Regular Season (Mid-October to April): Each team plays 82 games to determine playoff seeding.
Mid-Season Tournament (November-December): All teams participate in a tournament within the regular season.
Playoffs (April-June): Sixteen teams compete in a series of best-of-seven games to reach the NBA Finals.
NBA Finals (June): The final two teams compete for the NBA championship.

Examples & Use Cases

Example: 2023-2024 NBA Season

Preseason: October 5, 2023
Regular Season: October 24, 2023
In-Season Tournament: November 3-December 9, 2023
Playoffs: April 20, 2024
NBA Finals: June 6, 2024

This schedule provided an example of what a recent season looks like and how the different parts of the season fit together. The dates and schedule will shift year to year.

Use Cases

Planning Viewing Parties: Fans use the season start date to plan viewing parties and schedule game nights.
Fantasy Basketball: The start date marks the beginning of fantasy basketball leagues, with drafts often occurring before the season starts.
Travel Planning: Fans plan trips to attend games or visit cities where their favorite teams play, with the season start date as the beginning of their planning.

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices

Stay Updated: Regularly check the NBA website and news sources for the latest information.
Follow Your Team: Sign up for your favorite team's newsletters and social media updates to receive team-specific news.
Use Multiple Sources: Cross-reference dates and schedules from different sources to ensure accuracy.
Be Prepared for Changes: Be aware that the schedule can change due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., COVID-19, international events).

Common Mistakes

Relying on Unofficial Sources: Avoid relying solely on unverified social media posts or unofficial websites for critical dates.
Missing Preseason: Don't overlook the preseason games, as they offer a good preview of the season.
Ignoring Time Zone Differences: Be mindful of time zone differences when viewing games or scheduling events.
Assuming the Same Dates Every Year: Remember that the start date can shift, so don't assume the previous year's dates are the same.

FAQs

When does the NBA preseason usually start?
- The NBA preseason usually starts in early to mid-October, giving fans a preview of the upcoming season.
How long is the NBA regular season?
- The NBA regular season consists of 82 games per team, typically lasting from mid-October to April.
When do the NBA playoffs begin?
- The NBA playoffs typically begin in mid-April after the regular season concludes.
When is the NBA Finals played?
- The NBA Finals are typically played in June, marking the end of the NBA season.
How can I find the exact start date of the NBA season each year?
- The NBA official website and social media accounts are the best resources for the exact start date, usually announced in August.
Do Olympic Games affect the NBA season?
- Yes, the Olympics can affect the NBA season schedule. If the Olympic Games are scheduled during the typical season, the NBA will adjust the schedule to accommodate them.

Conclusion with CTA

Knowing when the NBA season starts helps fans fully engage with the sport. Whether you are a dedicated follower, a fantasy league participant, or simply enjoy watching games, understanding the schedule ensures you don't miss a moment of the action. Stay informed by checking official sources and following your favorite teams. Get ready to cheer on your favorite players and teams! Visit the NBA official website to see the most up-to-date schedule and start planning your viewing parties today!

Last updated: October 26, 2024, 00:00 UTC