Pro Merch · NBA 2026–27 Season · Opening Night
The NBA Preseason Is Over.
Opening Night Is Tuesday.
The 2026–27 NBA regular season tips off October 20 with a nationally televised doubleheader. Roster cuts are being finalized league-wide. Here is everything you need to know before Tuesday night’s opening tip.
Oct 20 Tip-off from 7:30 PM ET
Roster Cuts & Deadline Window — All 30 Teams Acting Now
The conclusion of the preseason triggers the most consequential organizational deadline of the NBA offseason. Front offices across all 30 teams are making final decisions right now on which players earn one of the 15 standard contract spots and which get waived or converted to Two-Way deals. For players on the bubble, the next 48 hours determine their season.
The waiver system means no released player disappears quietly. Every team in the league has the opportunity to claim a waived player before they become a free agent, which creates a secondary market of transactions that can meaningfully reshape depth charts league-wide in the final 48 hours before Tuesday’s tip-off.
Opening Night Schedule — Tuesday, October 20
Wednesday, October 21 — The Rest of the League Tips Off
26 Teams. One Night. The Season Fully Underway.
The remaining 26 franchises not featured in Tuesday’s doubleheader will all tip off on Wednesday, October 21, in a massive league-wide slate that brings the full NBA schedule to life simultaneously. Every team in both conferences will have played at least one game by Wednesday night, and the race for the playoffs officially begins.
Wednesday’s slate represents the true opening of the NBA regular season in scope — a 13-game night covering every time zone, every conference rival, and every contender and challenger in the league. Set your reminders now.
Every NBA Team Is Ready at Pro Merch
The Pro Merch NBA collection covers all 30 franchises — the Cavaliers, Knicks, Timberwolves, Lakers, and every other team tipping off this week. Licensed gear for every fanbase, ready to ship before the first jump ball.
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