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NBA Announces Exciting Date Before 25-26 Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 1:18 PM ET

The NBA season is coming quickly, and all eyes remain on the Oklahoma City Thunder after their dominant 2024-25 campaign.

The new season tips off on Oct. 21 at Paycom Center, where the Thunder will host the Houston Rockets in the opening game. Later that night, the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers square off in the second game of the doubleheader.

Preseason action begins Oct. 2 when the Philadelphia 76ers face the New York Knicks at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. That game will kick off the buildup to a busy month of exhibition basketball before the real competition begins.

To generate excitement, the NBA has announced a special event the day before opening night. Monday, Oct. 20, has been declared NBA Jersey Day. Fans are encouraged to wear their favorite jerseys whether heading to work, school, or simply enjoying the anticipation of a new season. The league is also promoting social media participation, encouraging fans to post their jerseys as part of a partnership with American Express.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NBA JERSEY DAY

Wear your favorite jersey on Monday, October 20 to celebrate a new NBA season! Share your jersey on social on NBA Jersey Day and tune-in for American Express NBA Tip-Off on Tuesday, October 21. pic.twitter.com/KCw4OOEUfu
— NBA (@NBA) September 22, 2025

Maybe the jersey is a throwback to Kevin Garnett, a current star like LeBron James, or even a rookie phenom such as Cooper Flagg. The NBA just wants fans to show their pride and share their favorite threads.

Last season, Luka Doncic topped the league’s list of best-selling jerseys, becoming the first player outside of Steph Curry and LeBron James to lead since 2012-13. Curry ranked second, James third, followed by Jayson Tatum and Jalen Brunson. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off his 2025 MVP award, placed ninth but is expected to climb higher in the next release.

The season’s second night of action also brings plenty of intrigue. On Oct. 22, top overall draft pick Cooper Flagg will make his NBA debut as the Dallas Mavericks face Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs in a nationally televised matchup on ESPN.

Sunday, April 12, is the final day on the 2025-26 NBA regular season schedule. The 2025 NBA Cup will get started on Halloween night. The finals are projected to be played on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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