When Does the NBA Season Start?
The NBA regular season typically begins in mid-to-late October and runs until early April of the following year. For example, the 2023–2024 NBA season began on October 24, 2023. Fans and analysts often use this time to refine their basketball prediction strategies for upcoming games. This timeline provides players with a substantial offseason while aligning the season with key holidays and events, such as Christmas Day games, which have become a league tradition.
The exact start date varies slightly each year, influenced by scheduling logistics, preseason activities, and broader league considerations. The league releases the full schedule during the summer months, allowing teams and fans ample time to prepare.
Key Dates Leading to the Start of the NBA Season
- NBA Draft (June): The NBA Draft, held in late June, is a critical event where teams select eligible players, primarily from college basketball or international leagues. The draft influences team strategies and roster construction for the upcoming season.
- Free Agency (July): Free agency begins shortly after the draft. Teams negotiate contracts with new players and re-sign existing ones, often reshaping their rosters significantly. This period is pivotal in determining the competitiveness of teams for the upcoming season.
- Preseason (Early October): Before the regular season, teams participate in a series of preseason games. These matchups serve as a testing ground for new players, strategies, and team chemistry, helping coaches finalize their lineups.
NBA Season Format
The NBA regular season spans 82 games for each team, divided evenly between home and away games. It is structured to give teams a balanced schedule while maximizing fan engagement. Teams compete for playoff seeding, with the top eight teams from each conference qualifying for the postseason.
In recent years, the league introduced the NBA Play-In Tournament, held immediately after the regular season. This tournament determines the final playoff spots, adding a competitive layer to the season’s end.
Why Does the NBA Season Start in October?
The October start aligns with several factors:
- Avoiding Overlap with Major Sports Seasons: Starting in October allows the NBA to conclude its season by June, avoiding direct competition with the NFL's peak months and MLB's postseason.
- Fan Engagement: Starting the season in the fall capitalizes on fans’ heightened interest in sports as summer ends and colder months begin.
- International Appeal: The league's scheduling balances domestic and global viewership considerations, as the NBA enjoys a massive international following.
The NBA season officially begins in mid-to-late October, following months of preparation that include the draft, free agency, and preseason games. This timeline reflects the league’s strategic planning to deliver an exciting, competitive, and globally accessible product. Fans eagerly await the start of each season, knowing it promises thrilling games, intense rivalries, and memorable moments that define the sport of basketball.
