When Does the NBA Season Start?

Exterior of Crypto.com Arena in 2023 with permanent signage.
(Wikimedia Commons/Troutfarm27)
  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season begins on Oct. 21.
  • The 2025-26 NBA regular season ends on April 12.
  • The NBA playoffs start on April 18.

With several teams boasting short NBA championship odds and plenty of star players filling up my basketball parlays, the 2025-26 NBA season is shaping up to be an exciting one.

Let’s take a look at the key dates for this upcoming season, including the start dates of the regular season and playoffs.

When Does the 2025-26 NBA Season Start?

The 2025-26 NBA regular season starts on Oct. 21.

When Does the 2025-26 NBA Regular Season End?

The 2025-26 NBA regular season ends on April 12.

When Do the NBA Playoffs Start in 2026?

The NBA playoffs start on April 18.

The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will take place from April 14-17.

About the Author

Sameer Kumar

Read More @S_Kumar2

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.

Sameer Kumar is an NBA writer for BetMGM who specializes in providing analysis on player performance and telling stories beyond the numbers. He graduated from SUNY Oswego with a B.A. in Broadcasting & Mass Communication.