NEW YORK — The NBA G League will double its postseason field next year, allowing eight teams from each conference to reach the 2025-26 playoffs instead of six.
The league’s updated format was announced alongside the full 2025-26 schedule. Action opens Nov. 7 with the Tip-Off Tournament, a fall competition that feeds into the Winter Showcase. Each club will play 14 tournament games before the top 16 advance to a single-elimination bracket in Orlando from Dec. 19-22.
Immediately after the Showcase, the 36-game regular season begins and runs through March 28. The larger playoff bracket follows, giving more players a chance to compete in high-stakes minutes.
For the second consecutive season, every NBA franchise will operate a dedicated G League affiliate, leaving the Mexico City Capitanes as the lone independent team.
No new expansion clubs are joining the circuit, but Indiana’s affiliate is undergoing a makeover. The former Indiana Mad Ants will compete as the Noblesville Boom and play home games at The Arena at Innovation Mile.
All other affiliates remain unchanged, including the Cleveland Charge, Maine Celtics, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Stockton Kings, South Bay Lakers and Sioux Falls Skyforce.
The league said the adjustments are designed to match its continued growth and provide additional opportunities for player development.
Source: Hoops Wire
