Kristian Ferrell
The National Basketball Association (NBA) has a preseason, which usually takes place in October. For example, the 2024–25 NBA season began on October 22, 2024, and ended on April 13, 2025. Preseason scheduling is one of the last redoubts for teams, as they get to arrange their own schedules, pick their opponents, and decide how many games to play (up to a maximum of six). The NBA usually hosts neutral site preseason games in non-NBA markets, foreign markets, or against non-NBA teams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | Teams arrange their own schedules, pick their opponents and decide the number of games to play (up to a maximum of six). |
| Purpose | Preseason is an opportunity for teams to make money and prepare for the regular season. |
| Venue | Preseason games are hosted at NBA teams' arenas or at neutral sites, including foreign markets. |
| Timing | Preseason games are played in the months leading up to the regular season, which typically starts in October. |
| Teams | All NBA teams participate in the preseason, including the Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, and Philadelphia 76ers. |
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What You'll Learn
NBA preseason scheduling
Preseason scheduling in the NBA is a unique process, with teams relishing the freedom to arrange their own calendars, choose their opponents, and determine the number of games they play, up to a maximum of six. This process involves a delicate balance between the business and basketball sides of franchises, with geography playing a crucial role.
The NBA did briefly centralise the preseason schedules in 2011 and 2020, but quickly relinquished control, recognising the importance of allowing teams to manage their own preseason scheduling. This process is often likened to college athletics rather than professional sports, with each franchise having its own approach and quirks. Some teams view the preseason as a mere formality, while others embrace the opportunity to be creative with their arrangements.
Preseason scheduling in the NBA typically involves teams negotiating and forming agreements with each other. Each team strives for a home-and-home contract, ensuring a guaranteed home preseason game. However, there is room for flexibility, with agreements sometimes specifying a mutually agreed-upon venue outside of the team's home arena. This flexibility allows franchises to explore alternative options, such as playing at their G League arena, provided the visiting team consents.
The NBA preseason schedule for the 2025-26 season includes international games in Abu Dhabi, Melbourne, and Macao. For instance, the Knicks and 76ers faced off in Abu Dhabi on October 2 and 4, while the Pelicans competed against NBL teams in Melbourne on October 3 and 5. The Nets and Suns participated in the NBA China Games in Macao from October 10 to 12. These preseason games provide teams with valuable preparation for the regular season while also catering to the business aspect of generating revenue.
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Preseason games
The NBA preseason typically begins in October, with teams allowed to play up to six games each year. For example, the 2024-25 preseason featured the Nets and Suns playing on October 10 and 12 at The Venetian Arena. The NBA China Games are also a notable part of the preseason, with the 2025 preseason schedule including a game between the Nets and Suns in Macao.
The preseason is not just about the games themselves, but also about the business side of the franchise. Teams aim to generate revenue during the preseason while also using these games to prepare for the regular season and fine-tune their strategies. Preseason scheduling involves a delicate balance between the needs of the business and the basketball side of the franchise.
In addition to the preseason games, the NBA also hosts various other events and tournaments before the regular season begins. These include the California Classic Summer League, the Salt Lake City Summer League, and the USA Basketball Showcase, which provide additional opportunities for teams and players to prepare and showcase their talents.
Overall, preseason games in basketball are a crucial period for teams to get ready for the upcoming competitive season, experiment with strategies and lineups, and satisfy the business and logistical considerations that come with professional sports.
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Preseason as a business
The NBA preseason is an important period for basketball teams, not only from a sporting perspective but also as a business. During the preseason, teams aim to balance their business objectives, such as generating revenue and managing relationships, with the basketball operations that are crucial for a successful regular season.
From a business standpoint, the preseason is an opportunity for franchises to generate revenue and drive commercial activities. While the preseason games might not be as lucrative as the regular season, they still contribute to the team's overall financial performance. Each franchise aims to maximise revenue during this period, leveraging preseason games and associated activities to boost their bottom line.
Scheduling plays a significant role in preseason business strategies. Teams have the autonomy to arrange their own schedules, select opponents, and manage the number of games played, with a maximum of six games per year mandated by the NBA. Geography is a crucial factor in scheduling, as teams consider the locations of their opponents and the potential impact on attendance and revenue.
The preseason also allows teams to focus on relationship management. Franchise point people or representatives work to maintain positive relationships with other teams, negotiate deals, and determine mutually beneficial dates and venues for preseason games. This aspect of the preseason is often described as a "fascinating, not well-known part of the NBA ecosystem."
Additionally, the preseason offers opportunities for international exposure and expansion of the NBA brand. In recent years, preseason games have been held in various international locations, such as Abu Dhabi, London, and China. These international games not only attract new fans and sponsors but also contribute to the league's global presence and revenue streams.
In conclusion, the NBA preseason is a critical period for basketball teams to address business objectives alongside basketball operations. By generating revenue, managing relationships, and exploring international opportunities, teams can strengthen their financial position and set the stage for a successful regular season on the court.
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Preseason as preparation
Preseason is an important time for basketball teams to prepare for the regular season. During this period, teams can arrange their own schedules, pick their opponents, and focus on specific areas they want to improve on. The NBA usually hosts neutral site preseason games in non-NBA markets, foreign markets, or against non-NBA teams. Teams also have the opportunity to play in their own arenas during the preseason.
The preseason is a time for experimentation and creativity, with teams trying out new strategies and tactics. It allows players to build chemistry and work on their coordination and communication. Coaches may also use this time to evaluate their roster and make any necessary adjustments before the start of the regular season.
For example, the 2025 preseason schedule for the NBA included games in Macao and Mexico City. The Nets and Suns played preseason games on October 10 and 12, 2025, at The Venetian Arena. The preseason allows teams to travel to different locations and test their skills against a variety of opponents.
Additionally, the preseason is a crucial period for the business side of basketball franchises. They aim to generate revenue during this time while also preparing for the regular season, where the focus shifts primarily to performance on the court. Preseason games provide an opportunity for teams to balance commercial interests with competitive ones.
Overall, the preseason in basketball serves as a vital preparation period for both players and team management. It offers a unique blend of freedom and structure, allowing teams to tailor their schedules while also providing a platform to build momentum and refine their gameplay ahead of the official start of the season.
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Neutral site preseason games
Neutral-site preseason games have been a part of the NBA since its formative years. Teams would play in multiple "home" arenas, with some games taking place in neutral venues. For instance, the Minneapolis Lakers played most of their home games at the Minneapolis Armory, but also at the St. Paul Auditorium, and in neutral sites like Moorhead and Hibbing, Minnesota, as well as cities in neighbouring states.
In the modern era, the Boston Celtics have played preseason games in Rome, Spain, and Worcester, as well as Abu Dhabi, where they faced the Denver Nuggets. The Celtics' first overseas preseason game was in 1988, when they took part in the McDonalds Open in Madrid, Spain, facing off against Real Madrid and Scavolini Pesaro of Italy. The Celtics have also played preseason games in Istanbul, Turkey, facing Fenerbahce Istanbul, and in other locations around the world.
Neutral-site preseason games allow teams to arrange their own schedules, pick their opponents, and prepare for the regular season. Teams usually seek home-and-home contracts, which guarantee a home preseason game for each side, and can also play in their G League arenas or other venues with the visiting team's agreement. Preseason scheduling provides an opportunity for creativity, with teams free to play up to six games without any mandate from the NBA on the minimum number of games.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, basketball has a preseason. For example, the NBA has a preseason where teams arrange their own schedules, pick their opponents, and decide how many games to play (up to a maximum of six).
During the preseason, NBA teams have the freedom to arrange their own schedules and pick their opponents. Teams usually look for home-and-home contracts, which guarantee each team a home preseason game. The preseason is also an opportunity for the basketball side of the franchise to prepare for the regular season.
The NBA preseason usually takes place in October, with teams playing up to six games. For example, in 2024, the Nets and Suns played preseason games on October 10 and 12.
Yes, other basketball leagues besides the NBA also have a preseason. For instance, the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia and the EuroLeague in Europe both feature preseason games for their teams.
