2026 NBA Summer League Schedule: Your Ultimate Guide
Summer is the time for pools, BBQ, and… basketball? You bet. When the NBA Finals end, the NBA Summer League schedule drops. It’s the league’s loudest, proudest rookie showcase. The 2026 schedule is out, and it’s packed with can’t-miss games.
I’ve got all the deets right here. From the NBA Summer League Las Vegas schedule to the smaller warm-ups, we are covering it all.
This is not your grandpa’s basketball. This is raw, unpolished, and full of hustle.
We will break down the NBA Summer League July 2026 schedule. We will give you the NBA Summer League TV schedule so you don’t miss a second. Get ready for the future of the NBA.
The Main Event: The 2026 NBA Summer League Schedule in Vegas
Let’s get into the big one. The NBA Summer League Las Vegas schedule is the crown jewel of the summer. This year, it runs from July 9 to July 19 .
All 30 teams play in this massive event. It’s the main stage for the NBA draft picks debut. The energy at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion is just different . You feel the buzz.
The NBA Summer League full schedule features a ton of games. In fact, there will be 76 games over those 11 days . That is a lot of basketball.
Every team plays at least five games total. The first four games happen between July 9 and July 16 . These games decide who moves on. It’s a mini-tournament inside the big event.
How the Vegas Tournament Works
So, how do they pick a winner? It’s simple. After the first four games, the top four teams move on to the playoffs .
- The NBA Summer League Semifinals schedule is set for Saturday, July 18.
- The winners face off in the NBA Summer League Championship schedule on Sunday, July 19 .
If your team doesn’t make the cut? No worries. They still play a fifth game. The 26 teams that don’t advance will play on either Friday, July 17, or Saturday, July 18 . It’s a consolation prize. But it still gives fans a chance to see the young stars.
All 30 teams · 76 games · July 3–19
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fri, Jul 3 | Miami Heat vs. San Antonio Spurs | 8:00 PM | ESPNU · Prime Video |
| Fri, Jul 3 | Lakers vs. Warriors Gold | 10:30 PM | ESPNU · Prime Video |
| Sat, Jul 4 | Bucks vs. Warriors Blue | 3:00 PM | ESPN app · Prime Video |
| Sat, Jul 4 | Nets vs. Sacramento Kings | 5:00 PM | ESPN app · Prime Video |
| Sun, Jul 5 | Nets vs. Bucks | 3:00 PM | ESPN app · Prime Video |
| Sun, Jul 5 | Miami Heat vs. Lakers | 4:30 PM | ESPN · Prime Video |
| Sun, Jul 5 | Warriors Blue vs. Kings | 5:00 PM | ESPN app · Prime Video |
| Sun, Jul 5 | Spurs vs. Warriors Gold | 7:00 PM | ESPN app · Prime Video |
| Mon, Jul 6 | Lakers vs. Spurs | 7:30 PM | ESPNU · Prime Video |
| Mon, Jul 6 | Warriors Blue vs. Nets | 8:00 PM | ESPN app · Prime Video |
| Mon, Jul 6 | Heat vs. Warriors Gold | 10:00 PM | ESPN app · Prime Video |
| Mon, Jul 6 | Bucks vs. Kings | 10:00 PM | ESPNU · Prime Video |
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat, Jul 4 | Grizzlies vs. Thunder | 3:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Sat, Jul 4 | Hawks vs. Utah Jazz | 5:00 PM | ESPNU · Prime Video |
| Mon, Jul 6 | Hawks vs. Thunder | 7:00 PM | ESPN · Prime Video |
| Mon, Jul 6 | Grizzlies vs. Utah Jazz | 9:00 PM | ESPN · Prime Video |
| Tue, Jul 7 | Hawks vs. Grizzlies | 7:00 PM | ESPNU · Prime Video |
| Tue, Jul 7 | Thunder vs. Utah Jazz | 9:00 PM | ESPNU · Prime Video |
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV / Stream |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Jul 9 | Pelicans vs. Timberwolves | 3:30 PM | Prime Video |
| Thu, Jul 9 | Hornets vs. Orlando Magic | 7:30 PM | ESPN · Prime Video |
| Thu, Jul 9 | Utah Jazz vs. Washington Wizards | 9:00 PM | ESPN · Prime Video |
| Fri, Jul 10 | Cleveland vs. Indiana | 4:30 PM | ESPN2 · Prime Video |
| Fri, Jul 10 | Chicago Bulls vs. Memphis Grizzlies | 5:00 PM | ESPN · Prime Video |
| Fri, Jul 10 | Raptors vs. Boston Celtics | 9:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Sat, Jul 11 | Hornets vs. Pelicans | 4:00 PM | ESPN · Prime Video |
| Sat, Jul 11 | Raptors vs. Houston Rockets | 9:30 PM | Prime Video |
| Sun, Jul 12 | Cleveland vs. Detroit Pistons | 4:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Sun, Jul 12 | Pelicans vs. Phoenix Suns | 3:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Mon, Jul 13 | Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz | 8:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Mon, Jul 13 | Raptors vs. Indiana | 4:30 PM | Prime Video |
| Mon, Jul 13 | Cleveland vs. Miami Heat | 8:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Tue, Jul 14 | Chicago Bulls vs. Washington Wizards | 10:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Tue, Jul 14 | Lakers vs. Clippers | 10:00 PM | ESPN · Prime Video |
| Wed, Jul 15 | Cleveland vs. New Orleans | 5:30 PM | Prime Video |
| Wed, Jul 15 | Pelicans vs. Cleveland | 5:30 PM | Prime Video |
| Thu, Jul 16 | Chicago Bulls vs. Lakers | 10:00 PM | Prime Video |
| Thu, Jul 16 | Raptors vs. Miami Heat | 9:00 PM | Prime Video |
After four games (July 9–16), the top 4 teams advance to the semifinals.
Semifinals: Saturday, July 18 · Championship: Sunday, July 19 · 8:00 PM ET on ESPN.
All 76 games air on Prime Video or ESPN platforms.
Key Dates for Your Calendar
Mark these dates down. The action kicks off on Thursday, July 9.
That’s the NBA Summer League Opening Night. The Charlotte Hornets face the Orlando Magic at 7:30 PM ET . That is one of the big NBA Summer League Opening Games.
Friday, July 10, is the first full day of action. For example, the Chicago Bulls play the Memphis Grizzlies . The Toronto Raptors play the Boston Celtics . The Cleveland Cavaliers play the Indiana Pacers .
The NBA Summer League Daily Schedule is stacked. If you want the NBA Summer League Live Schedule, check the official NBA app. They update it in real-time.
Must-See Matchups in Vegas
You want matchups? We got matchups. The NBA Summer League match list is fire.
- Bulls vs. Wizards (July 14): This is the big one. Number one pick AJ Dybantsa leads the Wizards against the Bulls . This is a huge NBA rookie matchup.
- Bulls vs. Jazz (July 13): Watch Darryn Peterson, the number two pick, suit up for Utah .
- Bulls vs. Grizzlies (July 10): Cameron Boozer, the number three pick, makes his debut .
- Hornets vs. Pelicans (July 11): A divisional rivalry. This game is on ESPN at 4:00 PM ET .
- Lakers vs. Clippers (July 14): The battle for LA happens in the summer league! It tips off at 10 PM ET .
These are the games where NBA prospects schedule their coming-out party. Keep an eye on the NBA Summer League results. They often surprise you.
The Warm-Up Acts: California Classic & Salt Lake City
Before the big show in Vegas, there are two smaller events. These are like the opening bands for a concert. They give us a taste of summer league basketball.
First up is the California Classic. It runs from July 3 to July 6 . The games are split between the Chase Center in San Francisco and the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento .
This event is chill. It gives teams a chance to test their players. The NBA Summer League California Classic schedule usually includes local teams.
Then there is the Salt Lake City Summer League. This one runs from July 4 to July 7 . It features just four teams. This year, it’s the Jazz, Hawks, Grizzlies, and Thunder .
If you want to see Darryn Peterson play in his new home, check the Salt Lake City Summer League Schedule. He is the #2 pick for the Jazz. The fans are already losing their minds.
The Salt Lake City Summer League is short and sweet. The games are intense. It is a great preview of the NBA preseason development league.
What to Watch: The Rookies and the Rosters
Summer League is all about the new guys. It is the ultimate NBA rookie showcase. You get to see where these college stars fit in the pros.
The 2026 NBA Draft was stacked. The top three picks are all playing.
- AJ Dybantsa (Wizards): The #1 pick. All eyes are on him. He has the weight of the city on his shoulders. Can he live up to the hype? We will find out on July 14.
- Darryn Peterson (Jazz): He is a scorer. He can fill it up. Salt Lake City is ready to embrace him.
- Cameron Boozer (Grizzlies): The Duke kid. He is a beast in the paint. He is expected to dominate summer league play.
But it’s not just about the draft picks. Look at the rosters.
- The Chicago Bulls Summer League Roster includes #4 pick Caleb Wilson and #15 pick Dailyn Swain .
- The Spurs Summer League Schedule features a mix of rookies and sophomores .
- The Lakers Summer League Schedule is always a draw. Fans want to see the new role players .
These games are the first step for NBA young stars. It’s the first time we’ve seen them in an NBA jersey.
How to Watch: TV and Streaming
Do not worry. You don’t need a satellite dish to watch. The NBA has made it easy. There are tons of ways to catch the NBA Summer League TV schedule.
Here is the breakdown for the Las Vegas games:
- Prime Video: Many games will stream here . It is the primary home for the early games.
- ESPN Family (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU): These networks will carry the big matchups. If you have cable, you are set .
- ESPN App: You can stream the ESPN games on the app .
For the Salt Lake City and California games, it’s the same deal. You can find games on ESPN, ESPNU, and Prime Video .
The NBA Summer League live schedule is easy to find online. Just search for the “NBA Summer League fixtures today.” You will get times and channels.
Pro tip: If you have a smart TV, you can get the ESPN app. You can also get Prime Video. It makes watching the NBA Summer League basketball schedule a breeze.
Conclusion: Get Ready for the Future
The 2026 NBA Summer League schedule is more than just dates. It is a promise. It is the promise of the future of basketball.
You get to see the NBA draft picks’ debut. You get to see intense competition. Every player is fighting for a spot.
So, mark your calendars for July 9. The NBA Summer League Las Vegas schedule starts. Don’t miss the opening night. Check the NBA Summer League Tip-Off Times and set your DVR.
It is raw, it is real, and it is happening. Who will be the next superstar? Tune in to find out.
When does the 2026 NBA Summer League start?
The 2026 NBA Summer League starts on July 9, 2026, in Las Vegas . The California Classic and Salt Lake City Summer League start earlier, on July 3 and 4 .
What teams are in the NBA Summer League?
All 30 NBA teams will be in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas . The event features a full NBA Summer League team roster.
Where is the NBA Summer League played in Las Vegas?
The Las Vegas games are played at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the campus of UNLV . These are the main venues for the NBA Summer League Las Vegas schedule.
How can I watch the NBA Summer League?
You can watch the NBA Summer League on Prime Video and the ESPN family of networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU) . You can also stream the games on the ESPN app.
What is the format for the Las Vegas Summer League?
Each team plays four games between July 9 and July 16. The top four teams with the best records advance to the semifinals on July 18 and the championship game on July 19 . All other teams play a fifth consolation game.
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