When Does Basketball Season Start? 2025–2026 Dates by League

By Sarah Miller · December 7, 2041

The basketball season start dates vary by league and level of play, but generally, the NBA regular season begins in mid-October, NCAA Division I men's basketball starts in early November, and high school seasons typically tip off in late November or December.

When Does the Basketball Season Start? Key Dates by League

Basketball fans around the world anticipate the beginning of each season, whether it's professional, collegiate, or high school. The exact start date depends on the organization and competition level. Below is a breakdown of major basketball leagues and when their seasons typically begin.

NBA Regular Season

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the premier professional basketball league globally. Its regular season traditionally kicks off in mid-October. For the 2025–2026 season, the NBA schedule is expected to begin on October 21, 2025, following preseason games in early October.

Preseason: Early October
Regular season start: Mid-October
All-Star Game: February
Playoffs: April – June

NCAA Men's College Basketball

The NCAA Division I men's basketball season usually starts in early November, with conference play beginning in December. The 2025–2026 college basketball season is projected to begin on November 4, 2025.

Opening Week: First week of November
Conference play: Early December
NCAA Tournament (March Madness): March–April

High School Basketball Seasons

High school basketball varies significantly by state and governing body (e.g., NFHS). Most states begin practices in late October or November, with official games starting in December.

Practice start: October–November
First games: Late November to December
State tournaments: February–March

WNBA and International Leagues

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) season runs during the summer months, typically starting in May. European leagues like Spain’s ACB and Turkey’s BSL often begin in September or October, aligning more closely with the NBA calendar.

Basketball Season Start Dates: 2025–2026 Schedule Overview

League	Season Start (Projected)	Duration	Key Events
NBA	October 21, 2025	82-game regular season + playoffs	Opening Night, All-Star Weekend, NBA Finals
NCAA D-I Men	November 4, 2025	~30–35 games + March Madness	Championship Game: April 7, 2026
WNBA	May 5, 2025	44-game season + playoffs	WNBA Finals in September
ACB (Spain)	September 27, 2025	34-game regular season	Ends in June 2026
Turkish BSL	October 10, 2025	26-game regular season	Finals in June

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The table above highlights key start dates across top-tier basketball leagues in 2025–2026. Notably, North American professional and college leagues dominate the fall and winter calendar, while European leagues often start earlier in the year. The NBA and NCAA seasons attract the highest viewership, especially during marquee events like the NBA Finals and March Madness.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basketball Season Start Dates

When does the NBA season start in 2025?

The NBA 2025–2026 regular season is scheduled to begin on October 21, 2025, with preseason games starting in early October.

What month does college basketball start?

College basketball for NCAA Division I teams typically starts in early November. The 2025 season is set to begin on November 4, 2025.

When do high school basketball seasons begin?

High school basketball seasons usually start in late November or December, depending on the state and local regulations.

Does the WNBA play in the same season as the NBA?

No, the WNBA plays during the summer months, typically from May to September, while the NBA season runs from October to June.

How long is the NBA regular season?

The NBA regular season consists of 82 games per team, spanning from October to April, followed by playoffs from April to June.

In summary, basketball season start times depend heavily on the league and region. From the NBA’s October tip-off to the WNBA’s May launch and college basketball’s November start, fans have nearly year-round access to competitive play. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss opening day of your favorite league.