NBA schedule expected on time after LeBron commits to 76ers
nba-schedule-release-remains-on-track-after-lebron-decision
The NBA still plans to publish its full 2026-27 regular-season schedule in August after LeBron James confirmed Friday he will join the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources said.
The announcement removes the final obstacle to locking in high-profile matchups, including opening week and the traditional Christmas Day slate. Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged on July 16 at the CNBC Sport x Boardroom Game Plan Summit that networks and teams were awaiting James’s decision before finalizing broadcast windows.
James’s move to Philadelphia ends nearly a month of speculation and gives the league another marquee Eastern Conference draw to showcase nationally. He will team with Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey in the Atlantic Division, which already features the defending champion New York Knicks.
The NBA traditionally releases its schedule in August; last season’s 2025-26 calendar was unveiled on Aug. 14 with opening night set for Oct. 21. Despite the brief holdup, sources do not anticipate any deviation from that timetable.
James’s new destination also sets up highly anticipated meetings with his former clubs—the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers—which are expected to command prime national television slots.
Eight days before Friday’s announcement, Silver half-jokingly urged James to “hurry up.” With the four-time MVP’s plans now public, schedule makers can finalize the league’s showcase nights as usual.
Source: Hoops Wire
