Kristian Ferrell
The start of the fall basketball season varies depending on the league and level of competition. For the National Basketball Association (NBA), the 2024-25 regular season is set to begin on October 22, following the conclusion of the preseason. In college basketball, the non-conference portion of the season typically takes place from early November through late December, with conference play beginning in the new year.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Start of the NBA regular season | October 22 |
| NBA G League Draft | October 26 |
| NBA Mexico City Game 2024 | November 2 |
| All 30 teams in action | November 4 |
| Election Day (no games) | November 5 |
| Start of the college basketball season | First week of November |
| End of the non-conference portion of the college basketball season | Last week of December |
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What You'll Learn
The 2024-25 NBA season starts on October 22
The 2024-25 NBA season will tip off on October 22, 2024, marking the start of the regular season across the league. This opening day will see all 30 NBA teams in action, with games staggered throughout the day, from 7 p.m. ET onwards.
The NBA preseason will have already concluded by this point, with the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement Weekend taking place on October 12-13, and the final preseason games occurring on October 4 and 6, with the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024. The NBA Canada Series will also be held on October 6, featuring the Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards in Montreal, QC.
The 2024-25 season will be the 79th season of the National Basketball Association and will feature a mix of returning and new broadcasters for specific teams. The Chicago Bulls, for example, will be launching the Chicago Sports Network, replacing NBC Sports Chicago as their regional broadcaster.
The regular season will run until April 13, 2025, with the NBA Playoffs beginning on April 19, 2025. The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will take place just before the Playoffs, from April 15-18, 2025, and will feature the 7th to 10th-ranked teams in each conference competing for the final playoff seeds.
The NBA season will also include the Emirates NBA Cup, an in-season tournament, and the NBA All-Star Game, which will be held on February 16, 2025, in San Francisco. The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25-26, 2025, with the NBA Summer League games taking place in July and August, leading into the start of the next NBA season in October 2025.
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College basketball starts in November
The college basketball season typically starts in November, with the non-conference portion of the season stretching from the first week of November through to the last week of December. The 2024-25 NCAA Division I men's basketball season began on November 4, 2024, and will end on March 16, 2025, with the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament commencing two days later.
The start of the college basketball season in November marks the beginning of an exciting period for fans and players alike. It is a time when teams lay the foundation for their campaigns, aiming to build momentum and gain an early advantage in the standings. The non-conference games in the first month provide an opportunity for teams to test their mettle against a variety of opponents, fine-tune their strategies, and make any necessary adjustments before conference play begins.
November often sets the tone for the rest of the season, and teams aim to hit the ground running. It is a month of intense competition, with each team striving to establish their dominance and set themselves apart from the rest. The early weeks of the season are crucial for players to gel as a unit, implement their coaches' game plans, and build the foundation for a successful campaign.
During this period, fans eagerly anticipate the action, scrutinize their teams' performances, and revel in the excitement of a new season. It is a time of high hopes and fierce rivalries, with each team aiming to make a statement and assert their championship credentials. The first few weeks of college basketball offer a glimpse into the potential of each team, and the performances in November can often be indicative of the trajectory of a team's season.
College basketball in November provides a platform for individual players to showcase their talents and make a name for themselves. It is a time when stars are born, and standout performances can propel players into the spotlight, earning them recognition and admiration from fans and pundits alike. The early season is a critical period for players to make an impression, whether they are seasoned veterans or promising newcomers, as they strive to leave their mark on the court and contribute to their team's success.
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Preseason ends in October
The NBA preseason ends in October, specifically on October 18, ahead of the start of the 2024-25 NBA regular season. This is when the NBA season truly begins, with the excitement of the games and the anticipation of what the new season will bring. The preseason is an important period for teams to evaluate their rosters, try out new strategies, and give young players a chance to shine. It's also a great opportunity for fans to get a first look at their favorite teams and players in action.
As the preseason comes to a close, the final rosters for each team will be set on October 21, giving fans a clear picture of the players they can expect to see on the court throughout the regular season. This is a highly anticipated moment, as trades and signings during the offseason can shape the landscape of the NBA, impacting the balance of power between teams and divisions.
The end of the preseason also means the beginning of the Kia NBA Tip-Off, which will take place from October 22 to 26. This annual event marks the official start of the NBA season, with a series of games and events that showcase the league's top talent and build excitement for the months of basketball action to come. It's a celebration of the sport, with fans eagerly awaiting the first tip-off of the new season.
With the preseason ending in October, the NBA season truly begins in earnest. Fans can look forward to a packed schedule of games, thrilling matchups, and the rise of new stars as the league kicks off another year of world-class basketball competition. This is when the hard work of the preseason pays off, and the journey towards the NBA Finals begins for all 30 teams.
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World Basketball Day is on December 21
The date December 21 marks World Basketball Day, an annual celebration of basketball's unifying power and its ability to foster connections and bring people together from diverse communities and backgrounds. The day was established in 2023 by the United Nations and is observed on the anniversary of the game's introduction by Dr. James Naismith at the Springfield YMCA in 1891.
World Basketball Day is about more than just the sport itself; it acknowledges the positive influence that basketball has on individuals, families, and communities worldwide. It is a day to honor the game and the values it represents, such as teamwork, determination, inclusivity, and global unity. Basketball has grown to become a major sensation and one of the most popular and widely played sports in the world, with an estimated 450 million players worldwide.
On World Basketball Day, people are encouraged to join in the celebrations by playing basketball, attending games, or participating in community events. It's a day to pick up a basketball and join others in the basketball community, whether it's for a pickup game in the park or an official community league. Many places, such as the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts, open their doors to visitors on this day.
The NBA, WNBA, and other basketball organizations also join in the celebrations with special events and initiatives. For example, the NBA holds youth basketball clinics, special theme nights at games, and themed content rollouts on its digital platforms. The WNBA and NCAA also recognize the day as an opportunity to inspire people, especially young girls and women, and to unite the global basketball community.
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The NBA All-Star break is in February
The NBA All-Star break is a highly anticipated event in the basketball calendar, and in 2025, it will take place from February 14 to 16. This mid-season break is a chance for fans to celebrate the league's biggest stars and enjoy a variety of exhibitions and competitions. The All-Star break also provides an opportunity for players to rest and recover before the remainder of the season.
The NBA All-Star Weekend is a showcase of the best talent in the league, with a range of events designed to entertain and excite fans. One of the highlights is the Rising Stars Challenge, which has undergone several format changes over the years. Originally called the "Rookie Game", it featured only first-year players. Later, it became the "Rookie Challenge", pitting rookies against second-year players or "sophomores". More recently, the format changed to a USA vs. the World competition, with participants selected by honorary captains.
The NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is another popular attraction, featuring retired NBA players, WNBA stars, actors, musicians, and athletes from other sports. This game was first introduced in 2003 and has become a fan favourite. The main event, the NBA All-Star Game, is played on Sunday and features the league's top players. The starting lineup is selected by a combination of fan, player, and media voting, while head coaches choose the reserves.
The All-Star break also includes a dunk contest, a three-point contest, and the Skills Challenge, showcasing the skills and athleticism of the league's stars. The 2025 All-Star Game introduced a new format, with teams named Team Chuck, Team Shaq, and Team Kenny, representing the vibrant cultures of San Francisco and Oakland. The All-Star Weekend is not just about basketball; it also celebrates music and fashion, with star-studded performances and unique uniforms designed specifically for the event.
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Frequently asked questions
October 22, 2024.
October 18, 2024.
Generally, the non-conference portion of the college basketball season starts in early November and ends in late December.
January 10.
February 14-19.
