NBA Sets 3 p.m. ET 2026-27 Opener as European Viewership Jumps 129%

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Aug 11

Oct. 20, 2026 will open with Boston at Detroit tipping off at 3 p.m. ET, an unusually early regular-season start that puts the game in a 9 p.m. London slot.
That scheduling aligns with the NBA's push in Europe after its first season under the new 11-year media deal produced sharp overseas audience gains.
Prime said its NBA coverage outside the U.S. rose 28% year over year, while SVG Europe reported Prime's NBA viewership in Europe surged 129% and NBA Finals viewing there climbed 130%.
NBC and Peacock will carry Celtics-Pistons, with NBCUniversal already distributing games in several European markets through Sky Sports.
The opener fits a broader European expansion plan that also includes regular-season games in Paris and Manchester in January 2027.