When Is the NBA Basketball Season? 2024-2025 Schedule Explained

By Sarah Miller · May 30, 2037

The NBA basketball season typically runs from October to April for the regular season, followed by the playoffs from April to June. The 2024-2025 NBA season began on October 22, 2024, and will conclude with the Finals in June 2025.

When Does the NBA Season Start and End?

The NBA season follows a consistent annual schedule, divided into several phases: preseason, regular season, and postseason (playoffs). Understanding the timeline helps fans plan viewing, fantasy leagues, and travel around key games.

Key Dates in the NBA Calendar

Preseason: Early October – mid-October
Regular Season Start: Mid-to-late October
All-Star Break: Mid-February
Regular Season Ends: Mid-April
Playoffs Begin: Mid-April
NBA Finals: Early June

NBA 2024-2025 Season Schedule Overview

The 2024-2025 NBA season marks the league's 79th season. It features a balanced 82-game regular season per team, increased global games, and the second edition of the In-Season Tournament.

Event	Date Range	Duration	Notes
Training Camps	September 28 – October 18, 2024	3 weeks	Teams prepare for preseason
Preseason Games	October 5 – October 21, 2024	3 weeks	Includes NBA Canada Games & Global Showcase
Regular Season	October 22, 2024 – April 13, 2025	25 weeks	82 games per team
In-Season Tournament	November 4 – December 7, 2024	5 weeks	Knockout stage begins Nov 25
All-Star Weekend	February 14–16, 2025	3 days	San Francisco hosts; Warriors organize
Play-In Tournament	April 15–18, 2025	4 days	Teams ranked 7–10 in each conference
Playoffs	April 19 – June 15, 2025	8 weeks	Best-of-seven series in all rounds
NBA Finals	June 5 – June 22, 2025	Max 18 days	Finals MVP awarded after conclusion

Table data source:1, 2

The table highlights the structured pacing of the NBA season, with the regular season occupying over half the calendar year. The addition of the In-Season Tournament in November adds early-season excitement and stakes, while the play-in tournament continues to increase competition for playoff positioning.

How the NBA Schedule Has Evolved

The NBA has adjusted its calendar over decades to maximize viewership, player rest, and global outreach. Key changes include:

Shortened lockout seasons: 1999, 2012, and 2012 had reduced games due to labor disputes.
Postponements: The 2019-2020 season was paused in March 2020 due to the pandemic and resumed in July at Walt Disney World.
In-Season Tournament: Introduced in 2023, this mid-season competition adds group-stage and knockout games in November and December.
Load Management Impact: Increased player rest during regular season has influenced scheduling density and back-to-back game reductions.

Global Games and Special Events

The NBA continues expanding internationally. The 2024-2025 season includes regular-season games in Paris and Tokyo, enhancing global fan engagement and broadcasting opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions About the NBA Season

When does the 2024-2025 NBA regular season start?

The 2024-2025 NBA regular season started on October 22, 2024, with a doubleheader featuring the Lakers vs. Timberwolves and the Knicks vs. Raptors.

How many games are in an NBA season?

Each NBA team plays 82 games during the regular season—41 home and 41 away. This is followed by up to 28 additional playoff games depending on how far a team advances.

What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?

The NBA Play-In Tournament involves teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference after the regular season. The 7th and 8th seeds play for direct playoff entry, while the 9th and 10th compete for a chance to challenge the loser of the first game.

When is the NBA All-Star Game in 2025?

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game will be held on February 16, 2025, at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, home of the Golden State Warriors.

How long is the NBA Finals series?

The NBA Finals is a best-of-seven series, meaning the first team to win four games becomes champion. The series can last between 4 and 7 games, typically played every other day.

The NBA season structure balances competitive intensity with player health and global marketing. With defined start and end dates, fans can anticipate high-stakes basketball from fall through early summer each year.