When Does Basketball Season Start? Key Dates for 2025–2026

By Sarah Miller · January 29, 2039

Basketball season start dates vary by league and region, but generally, the NBA regular season begins in October, NCAA college basketball starts in November, and international FIBA competitions often run from late summer to winter months.

When Does Basketball Season Start?

The start of basketball season depends on the league and level of play. For fans and players alike, knowing the exact timing helps with planning viewing schedules, training regimens, and fantasy leagues. The most widely followed basketball leagues — including the NBA, WNBA, NCAA, and international FIBA events — each have distinct seasonal calendars.

NBA Season Schedule 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 April
Playoffs: April to June
NBA Finals: June

The 2025–2026 NBA regular season is scheduled to begin on October 21, 2025, with the preseason starting around October 5. This aligns with recent patterns where the NBA opens its season approximately three weeks after the conclusion of the NFL’s preseason.

NBA Season Phases Explained

Each phase serves a specific purpose in athlete preparation and fan engagement:

Preseason: Teams evaluate new players, test strategies, and build chemistry through exhibition games.
Regular Season: An 82-game schedule per team determines playoff eligibility based on conference standings.
Playoffs: A best-of-seven elimination tournament featuring the top eight teams from each conference.

WNBA Season Timeline

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) follows a summer schedule to avoid direct competition with the NBA:

Training Camp: May
Regular Season: May to September
Playoffs: September to October

The 2025 WNBA season began on May 16, 2025. Future seasons are expected to follow a similar May start date, especially as the league expands and gains greater media exposure.

College Basketball: NCAA Men’s and Women’s Seasons

NCAA Division I basketball is one of the most popular collegiate sports in the U.S. The season runs parallel for men’s and women’s teams:

Practices Begin: Early October
Regular Season Games Start: First week of November (first Friday after Halloween)
March Madness Tournament: Mid-March to early April

The 2025–2026 NCAA season will officially tip off on November 7, 2025. Conference tournaments lead into the NCAA Tournament, commonly known as “March Madness,” which draws massive TV audiences and betting interest.

International Basketball Seasons (FIBA)

FIBA (International Basketball Federation) oversees global competitions such as the Basketball World Cup and continental leagues like EuroLeague. These seasons typically follow European club calendars:

EuroLeague Regular Season: October to April
FIBA World Cup: Held every four years; next in 2027
National Team Windows: Scheduled during FIBA windows in February, July, August, and November

Clubs in top European leagues usually begin their domestic campaigns in **September or October**, depending on qualification for continental tournaments.

Key Basketball Season Start Dates by League

League	Season Type	Start Date	End Date	Games Played
NBA	Regular Season	October 21, 2025	April 13, 2026	82
WNBA	Regular Season	May 16, 2025	September 7, 2025	44
NCAA Men's D-I	Regular Season	November 7, 2025	March 16, 2026	~30–40
EuroLeague	Regular Season	October 3, 2025	April 10, 2026	34
FIBA World Cup Qualifiers	Qualifying Rounds	February 2025	November 2025	6–8

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

The data shows that major basketball leagues primarily operate between October and April, with the exception of the WNBA, which fills the summer months. The NBA has the longest regular season at 82 games, while EuroLeague and WNBA maintain shorter, more condensed schedules. NCAA teams play fewer official games but often participate in non-conference matchups that extend total game counts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Basketball Season Start Dates

When does the NBA season start in 2025?

The 2025–2026 NBA regular season is scheduled to begin on October 21, 2025, following a preseason that starts in early October.

What month does college basketball start?

College basketball for NCAA Division I teams typically starts in early November. The 2025–2026 season will begin on November 7, 2025.

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

No, the WNBA plays during the summer months, from May to September, to avoid overlapping with the NBA's October-to-June schedule.

How long is the NBA regular season?

The NBA regular season lasts approximately six months, from mid-October to mid-April, with each team playing 82 games.

When is March Madness in 2026?

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, also known as March Madness, is scheduled to begin on March 17, 2026, with Selection Sunday occurring on March 15, 2026.