Season Overview
The 2025-2026 NBA season marks the 80th season of the league and continues the era of star-driven basketball that has defined the modern game. With 30 franchises competing across two conferences, the race to the 2026 NBA Finals promises drama, record-breaking performances, and fierce competition at every level of the standings.
Each of the 30 teams plays an 82-game regular season, split evenly between home and road contests. The schedule runs from October 2025 through mid-April 2026, followed by the playoffs that culminate in the NBA Finals in June 2026.
This season features a packed calendar that includes the In-Season Tournament in November and December, the All-Star Game in February, and the crucial trade deadline in February that reshapes rosters heading into the playoff stretch run.
Key Season Dates
Conference Breakdown
Eastern Conference
Western Conference
Award Races to Watch
Most Valuable Player
The MVP race is the most hotly debated award every season. Stars from contending teams put up historic numbers and the narrative battle is as important as the statistical one.
Full trackerDefensive Player of the Year
Elite rim protectors and perimeter defenders battle for recognition as the league's best on-ball stopper. The DPOY award often goes to the player most responsible for anchoring a top-ranked defense.
Rookie of the Year
Each draft class brings fresh talent to the league, and the race to crown the best first-year player unfolds throughout the season with breakout performances and statistical milestones.
Coach of the Year
Coaches who maximize their roster and exceed expectations are recognized by the league. Overachieving teams with new systems often produce the strongest COY candidates.
Sixth Man of the Year
The best player coming off the bench, the Sixth Man award goes to impact players who change games without being in the starting five. Scorers and facilitators are typically in the running.
Most Improved Player
Players who take a significant leap from the previous season compete for MIP. Young players entering their third or fourth year often make the largest strides.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2025-2026 NBA season start?
The 2025-2026 NBA regular season tipped off in October 2025, with the traditional Opening Night doubleheader featuring marquee matchups.
How many games are in the NBA regular season?
Each NBA team plays 82 regular-season games, 41 at home and 41 on the road, running from October 2025 through April 2026.
When do the 2026 NBA playoffs start?
The 2026 NBA playoffs begin in mid-April 2026 following the conclusion of the regular season, with the NBA Finals held in June.
How many teams qualify for the NBA playoffs?
Twenty teams qualify for the NBA playoffs: the top six seeds from each conference earn automatic berths, while seeds 7 through 10 compete in the Play-In Tournament for the final two spots per conference.
What is the NBA In-Season Tournament?
The NBA In-Season Tournament is a competition held during the regular season where teams compete in group-stage games, followed by a single-elimination bracket with the championship game in Las Vegas in December.