When Do NBA Training Camps Start? 2025 Dates & Schedule

By Sarah Miller · June 7, 2031

NBA training camps typically start in late September, with the 2025-2026 season's camps scheduled to open on September 27, 2025. This marks the official beginning of team activities before the preseason and regular season.

When Do NBA Training Camps Start?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) sets a league-wide date for all teams to begin their training camps. These camps serve as the foundation for player evaluation, conditioning, and team strategy development ahead of the new season.

Key Dates in the NBA Preseason Calendar

Training Camp Opening: Late September
First Preseason Game: Early October
Regular Season Tip-Off: Mid to late October
Roster Deadline for Training Camp Invites: Typically one week before camp begins

Purpose of NBA Training Camps

Training camps are essential for team cohesion and player development. They allow coaches to assess talent, implement systems, and finalize rosters before the regular season.

What Happens During NBA Training Camp?

Physical conditioning and fitness testing
Team practices and scrimmages
Player evaluations and position competition
Injury rehabilitation monitoring
Integration of rookies and new signings
Tactical system installation by coaching staff

Recent NBA Training Camp Start Dates

Season	Training Camp Start Date	First Preseason Game	Regular Season Start
2024-2025	September 28, 2024	October 5, 2024	October 22, 2024
2023-2024	September 29, 2023	October 6, 2023	October 24, 2023
2022-2023	September 30, 2022	October 3, 2022	October 18, 2022
2021-2022	September 27, 2021	October 3, 2021	October 19, 2021
2020-2021	December 1, 2020	December 11, 2020	December 22, 2020

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows a consistent pattern: NBA training camps begin in late September each year, except for the 2020-2021 season, which was delayed due to the pandemic. Over the past four seasons, camps have opened between September 27 and 30, usually one week before the first preseason game.

Team Variations and Exceptions

While the NBA mandates a league-wide opening date, individual teams may schedule additional workouts or voluntary sessions earlier. International players or those recovering from injuries might report earlier for specialized programs.

Factors That Can Affect Training Camp Timing

International competitions (e.g., FIBA World Cup, Olympics)
Player participation in offseason tournaments
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) changes
Global events such as pandemics or labor disputes

Frequently Asked Questions About NBA Training Camps

When do NBA training camps start in 2025?

NBA training camps for the 2025-2026 season are scheduled to begin on September 27, 2025. This date aligns with the typical late-September start seen in recent seasons.

How long does NBA training camp last?

NBA training camps usually last about two weeks, running from late September to early October. Teams then play several preseason games before the regular season starts.

Can fans attend NBA training camps?

Yes, many NBA teams open select training camp practices to the public, often free of charge. However, availability varies by team and location, so checking official team websites is recommended.

What is the difference between NBA training camp and preseason?

Training camp focuses on practice, conditioning, and roster evaluation, while the preseason consists of official exhibition games used to test lineups and strategies against other teams.

Do rookies report earlier for NBA training camp?

Rookies often participate in the NBA Summer League and team-specific orientation programs before main camp begins, but they officially join full squad training when camp opens league-wide.

Are NBA training camp rosters final?

No, training camp rosters are provisional. Teams sign additional players on Exhibit 10 or two-way contracts and make cuts to reach the regular-season limit of 15 standard contracts plus two two-way players.

How do injuries impact NBA training camp?

Injuries during camp can delay player debuts, affect roster decisions, and influence team strategy. Medical staff closely monitor recovery progress, especially for players returning from major surgeries.