LeBron James is expected to make his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, October 20, at Madison Square Garden, where the Sixers will face the defending champion New York Knicks on the opening night of the 2026 NBA season.
The four-time NBA champion announced his decision to go to Philadelphia in July, signing a two-year, $8 million deal.
“This is my last decision. I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family. What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win, and to have a chance at the feeling of winning another championship,” James said in a thread on X on July 24.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time.”
The 2026 NBA season tips off with a tripleheader on NBC and Peacock, featuring a star-studded lineup. First at 3:00 PM ET, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics face Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons. Then at 7:00 PM, Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks receive their championship rings before hosting James, Jaylen Brown, and the 76ers at the Garden. At 9:30 PM, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder go head-to-head with Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in a rematch of the 2026 Western Conference Finals.
See below for additional information on how to watch the 2026 NBA season on NBC and Peacock.
When is NBA Opening Night?
The 2026 NBA season tips off on Tuesday, October 20.
2026 NBA Opening Night Schedule:
- Boston Celtics vs Detroit Pistons - 3:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
- Philadelphia 76ers vs New York Knicks - 7:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs - 9:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock
How do I watch NBA Basketball games on Peacock?
NBA basketball games will be available on Peacock throughout the 2026-2027 season. Sign up here.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
