When Basketball Season Starts: NBA, NCAA & Global Leagues

By Sarah Miller · February 14, 2032

The NBA basketball season typically starts in mid-to-late October, with the 2025-2026 regular season scheduled to begin on October 21, 2025. Other leagues like college basketball (NCAA) and international competitions follow slightly different calendars, but most align between November and December.

When Does the Basketball Season Start by League?

Basketball seasons vary significantly depending on the league, country, and level of play. Below is a breakdown of major basketball leagues and their typical start dates.

NBA Season Schedule

The NBA regular season usually begins in mid-October.
Preseason games start in early October.
The 2025-2026 NBA season is set to tip off on October 21, 2025.
The All-Star break occurs in February, followed by the playoffs starting in April.
The NBA Finals conclude in June.

NCAA College Basketball

The NCAA Division I men's basketball season typically starts in early November.
Exhibition games may occur in late October.
The regular season runs through March, culminating in March Madness.
The NCAA Tournament begins in mid-March and ends in early April.

International and FIBA Leagues

FIBA EuroLeague regular season starts in early October.
National European domestic leagues often begin in September or October.
In China, the CBA season starts in October.
The Australian NBL season typically begins in October or November.

Key Dates for the 2025-2026 NBA Season

Here are the confirmed upcoming dates for the next NBA season as announced by the league.

Event	Date	Notes
NBA Free Agency Opens	June 30, 2025	Teams can begin signing players
NBA Draft	June 26, 2025	Held at Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Training Camps Begin	September 27, 2025	Preparation for preseason
Preseason Games	October 4–18, 2025	Exhibition matchups
Regular Season Tip-Off	October 21, 2025	Opening night games broadcast nationally
All-Star Weekend	February 13–15, 2026	To be held in San Francisco
Playoffs Begin	April 18, 2026	Eight teams per conference advance
NBA Finals	June 4, 2026	Best-of-seven championship series

Table data source:1, 2

The 2025-2026 NBA season will feature an expanded 82-game regular season per team, beginning on October 21. The league continues to prioritize global games and Martin Luther King Jr. Day matchups, with five nationally televised games scheduled for January 19, 2026. The addition of a new franchise is not expected until 2028, keeping the current 30-team format intact.

Basketball Season Start Dates Across Major Leagues

Different leagues around the world operate on varied schedules due to regional sports calendars and climate factors.

WNBA Season Overview

The WNBA regular season typically starts in May.
The 2025 season began on May 16, 2025.
Playoffs begin in September, concluding in October.
The league expanded to 13 teams with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries in 2025.

High School and Amateur Leagues

In the U.S., high school basketball seasons usually start in November or December.
States like California and Texas begin in late November.
Amateur AAU circuits run year-round, with peak tournaments in summer.
Season lengths vary from 20 to 30 games depending on the state.

Frequently Asked Questions About When Basketball Season Starts

When does the NBA season start in 2025?

The 2025-2026 NBA regular season is scheduled to begin on October 21, 2025, with preseason games starting in early October. The official schedule is typically released in August 2025.

What time does the basketball season start in college?

NCAA Division I men's basketball regular season games typically begin in early November, following exhibition games in late October. The 2025-2026 college season is expected to start around November 4, 2025.

Does the basketball season start earlier now than in past years?

Yes, the NBA season has gradually started earlier over the past two decades. While it once began in early November, the regular season now consistently starts in mid-to-late October to accommodate the expanded playoff format and global marketing initiatives.

How long is the basketball season?

The NBA regular season lasts approximately six months, from October to April, followed by playoffs through June. NCAA college basketball runs from November to April, including the tournament. High school seasons generally last from November to February or March.

Why does the basketball season start in October?

The NBA season starts in October to allow sufficient time for training camp and preseason after the draft and free agency period. It also avoids overlapping with the NFL season, ensures optimal TV viewership, and aligns with arena availability in multi-purpose stadiums.