OKC Thunder Tied for Most National TV Games in 2025-26 NBA Season

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2025-26 NBA season as reigning champions with high expectations to defend their title, led by star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and supported by a talented roster including Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. The NBA schedule highlights the Thunder's prominence, featuring them in 34 nationally televised games—the most in the league—tied with the Lakers, Warriors, and Knicks, and including marquee dates such as opening night, Christmas Day, and Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Their rivalry with the Denver Nuggets, featuring top MVP candidates Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, will receive significant national attention with all four regular-season matchups broadcast on major platforms. The Thunder also benefit from a favorable schedule with a slight home-game advantage and competitive NBA Cup group play, positioning them well in the Western Conference against tough opponents like Dallas, Minnesota, and the Lakers. Despite Oklahoma City's small market size, the Thunder's recent historic performance and commitment to excellence have earned them a rare status as a polarizing and highly marketable team for the NBA’s new media partnerships. This strategic spotlight reflects both the team's current dominance and the league's confidence in their sustained competitive and commercial appeal.