US EditionNBA announces opening night, Christmas, MLK schedules
NBC returns as NBA broadcaster for first time since 2002 with two key opening night games featuring reigning champion Thunder and star-studded matchups, league announced.
- On October 21, 2025, NBC airs NBA Tip-Off with Thunder vs. Rockets and Lakers vs. Warriors, the first games on NBC since 2002.
- Following an absence since 2002, the NBA returns to NBC as part of a new media rights deal extending through 2036 that includes Peacock and Amazon Prime.
- Reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City will receive their championship rings before hosting the Rockets on October 21, with announcers Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford and Zora Stephenson calling the game.
- Following opening night, Peacock NBA Monday will debut on Oct. 27 with a 7 p.m. ET doubleheader, expanding streaming coverage, NBA officials announced.
- Early next year, NBC Sports and the NBA announced the first-ever Martin Luther King Jr. Day quadrupleheader on Jan. 19, 2026, and the launch of Sunday Night Basketball on Feb. 1, 2026.
20 Articles
20 Articles
NBA’s opening night game will feature the Thunder and Rockets
The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule. That won’t be an issue this year. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the NBA champion Thunder will be working at home for Christmas this season, playing host to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs as part of the league’s annual Dec. 25 quintuple-header. BetMGM Sportsbook has the Thunder favored by 9.5 points. The other Christmas games, …
Omaha World-Herald
Thunder headlining NBA's opening night, Christmas schedule for the 2025-26 season
The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA's Christmas schedule. That won't be an issue this year.
San Antonio Express-News
abc NewsThunder headlining NBA's opening night, Christmas schedule for this season
The Oklahoma City Thunder felt slighted last season when they were left off the NBA’s Christmas schedule. That won’t be an issue this year. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the NBA champion Thunder will be working at home for Christmas this season, playing host to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs as part of the league’s annual Dec. 25 quintupleheader. The other Christmas games, released by the NBA on Tuesday: Cleveland at New York, Hou…
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