NBA Returns to NBC, Draws 600M+ Views

The NBA opened the 2025-26 season with its first “NBA on NBC” broadcast since 2002, featuring a pre-recorded Michael Jordan halftime interview and a doubleheader. The Thunder beat the Rockets 125-124 in double overtime while Kevin Durant debuted for Houston with 23 points and Alperen Şengün scored 39; the Warriors beat the Lakers 119-109 as Luka Dončić had 43 points and LeBron James sat out with sciatica. The league said opening night generated more than 600 million views across owned and third-party social accounts. The NBA also announced it will restore Finals court visuals, including a painted Larry O’Brien Trophy at center court and the classic “Finals” script logos. The Lakers, coached by JJ Redick, picked up Dalton Knecht’s 2026-27 scale option, will debut their 2025-26 Statement Edition jerseys on Nov. 3, and will manage Maxi Kleber’s roughly two-week absence due to an oblique strain while handling LeBron’s sciatica.