When Is Basketball Season? NBA, NCAA & Global Schedules

By Sarah Miller · October 7, 2028

Basketball season in the United States typically runs from October to April for the NBA, with playoffs extending into June. College basketball (NCAA) starts in November and culminates with March Madness in March and April. High school seasons vary by state but generally run from December to February. International leagues often follow a September-to-May schedule.

Understanding Basketball Season Schedules

Basketball is played year-round globally, but major leagues have defined seasons. The timing of basketball seasons depends on the league, level of play, and geographic region. Below is a breakdown of the most prominent basketball calendars.

NBA Season Overview

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the premier professional basketball league in the world. Its season structure is divided into several phases:

Preseason: Early October
Regular Season: Mid-October to mid-April
Playoffs: April to June
NBA Finals: Typically June

The NBA All-Star Game is held in February during the regular season.

College Basketball (NCAA) Season

NCAA Division I men's basketball begins in November with non-conference play, followed by conference games starting in December. Key dates include:

Regular Season: November to early March
Conference Tournaments: Early March
NCAA Tournament (March Madness): Mid-March to early April

The NCAA tournament is one of the most-watched sporting events in the U.S., featuring 68 teams competing for the national championship.

High School Basketball Seasons

High school basketball schedules are regulated by individual state athletic associations. However, general patterns include:

Start Date: November or December
End Date: February or March
State Championships: Late February to March

Season lengths and rules may vary based on classification and region.

International and European Leagues

Top European leagues like Spain’s ACB, Turkey’s BSL, and EuroLeague follow a similar structure:

Start: September or October
Regular Season: October to April
Playoffs/Finals: April to June

EuroLeague, the top-tier European competition, runs from October to May, with the Final Four typically held in May.

Detailed Basketball Season Calendar Comparison

League/Organization	Season Start	Season End	Playoffs/Finals	Games per Season (Regular)
NBA	Mid-October	Mid-April	April–June	82
NCAA Men's D-I	November	Early March	March–April	~30–35
High School (Avg.)	December	February–March	February–March	20–25
EuroLeague	October	May	May (Final Four)	34 (Regular Season)
Chinese CBA	October	April	April–May	56

Table data source:1, 2, 3, 4

The table highlights key differences in season length and structure across major basketball leagues. The NBA has the longest regular season at 82 games, while EuroLeague features a condensed but highly competitive format. NCAA teams play fewer games but face a high-stakes postseason. The CBA in China has increased its regular season to 56 games, reflecting growing professionalism.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basketball Season

When does the NBA season start and end?

The NBA regular season typically begins in mid-October and ends in mid-April, followed by playoffs that can extend into June. The 2024–2025 season starts on October 22, 2024.

What months is college basketball played?

College basketball runs from November to April. The regular season starts in November, conference play begins in December, and the NCAA Tournament (March Madness) takes place in March and early April.

Is there basketball in the summer?

While official leagues are not in session, summer basketball includes the NBA Summer League (July), amateur tournaments, and training camps. Many players also participate in FIBA competitions or national team duties.

How long is the NBA season?

The NBA regular season spans about six months, from October to April, with each team playing 82 games. Including playoffs, the full season can last up to eight months, ending in June.

Does women's basketball follow the same schedule?

Yes, WNBA follows a similar calendar to the NBA, running from May to September. NCAA women's basketball aligns with the men's season, starting in November and peaking during March Madness.