The NBA is set to kick off its 2026-27 regular season on Tuesday, October 20, with the Detroit Pistons hosting the Boston Celtics. The game is scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. ET, which may seem unusual given that most of the league’s North American fanbase will be working at that time.
NBA’s Global Reach
The NBA’s decision to start the season on a Tuesday afternoon could be an attempt to cater to its growing European fanbase. The league has seen a significant increase in viewership from fans across the pond, with a 28% year-over-year increase in coverage outside of the U.S. and a 129% increase in viewership of NBA games on Prime across Europe.
The Celtics-Pistons game will be broadcast on NBC/Peacock, and it is likely that European fans will tune in to watch the game, which will tip off at 9 p.m. local time in London. The NBA is also set to host regular season games in Paris, France, and Manchester, England, in January 2027.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.