Following a sensational year that saw the New York Knicks claim their first championship in more than half a century, the NBA is back for the 2026/27 season.
After defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games at the 2026 NBA Finals the Knicks claimed their first championship since 1973, and just the third in their history.
Here's everything you need to know about the 2026/27 NBA season.
NBA 2026/27 dates
The NBA regular season will begin in October 2026 and will conclude in April 2027.
Teams ranked 7th to 10th will then compete in the Play-In Tournament from April 2027, before the NBA Playoffs commence in May.
The NBA Finals will take place from June 2027.
NBA 2026/27 schedule
The schedule for the upcoming campaign sees each team play 82 games across the regular season and 16 of those matches will consist of fixtures against their divisional rivals.
At the end of the season, the top eight teams from each conference advance to the Playoffs. Those that progress from the first round of the Playoffs will then play in the Conference Semifinals for a chance to reach the Conference Finals, and the winner of that will feature in the NBA Finals.
2023/24 saw the introduction of the NBA Cup, which is an in-season competition where results will count towards the regular season standings.
NBA 2026/27 teams
The same 30 teams remain for the 2026/27 NBA season.
Atlantic
- Boston Celtics
- Brooklyn Nets
- New York Knicks
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Toronto Raptors
Pacific
- Golden State Warriors
- LA Clippers
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Phoenix Suns
- Sacramento Kings
Central
- Chicago Bulls
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Detroit Pistons
- Indiana Pacers
- Milwaukee Bucks
Southeast
- Atlanta Hawks
- Charlotte Hornets
- Miami Heat
- Orlando Magic
- Washington Wizards
Northwest
- Denver Nuggets
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Utah Jazz
Southwest
- Dallas Mavericks
- Houston Rockets
- Memphis Grizzlies
- New Orleans Pelicans
- San Antonio Spurs
NBA history
The New York Knicks enter the new season as defending champions after a resounding 4-1 series triumph over the San Antonio Spurs.
Oklahoma City Thunder had claimed their first-ever title in 2025, defeating the Indiana Pacers 4-3.
By claiming a third NBA championship the Knicks drew level with the 76ers, Pistons and Heat, although they all significantly trail both the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics, who hold 17 and 18 NBA titles respectively.
Chicago Bulls are the only team to have played in more than one NBA Finals without losing, with the famous 90s dynasty romping to six titles from 1991 to 1998.
NBA records and stats
- Most points - 42,184, LeBron James
- Highest scoring average - 30.12 ppg, Michael Jordan
- Most field goals - 15,387, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Most rebounds - 23,924, Wilt Chamberlain
- Most assists - 15,806, John Stockton
- Most starts - 1,560, LeBron James
- Most points in a season - 4,029, Wilt Chamberlain (1961/62)
- Most points in a game - 100, Wilt Chamberlain
- Most points in a half - 59, Wilt Chamberlain
- Most points in a quarter - 37, Klay Thompson
NBA previous winners
- 2026 - New York Knicks (4)
- 2025 - Oklahoma City Thunder (2)
- 2024 - Boston Celtics (18)
- 2023 - Denver Nuggets
- 2022 - Golden State Warriors (7)
- 2021 - Milwaukee Bucks (2)
- 2020 - Los Angeles Lakers (17)
- 2019 - Toronto Raptors
- 2018 - Golden State Warriors (6)
- 2017 - Golden State Warriors (5)
- 2016 - Cleveland Cavaliers
- 2015 - Golden State Warriors (4)
- 2014 - San Antonio Spurs (5)
