Tournament Kickoff in Las Vegas

The 2026 NBA Summer League officially begins today in Las Vegas, featuring an highly anticipated opening night highlight: a duel between the top two selections of the 2026 draft, Washington's AJ Dybantsa and Utah's Darryn Peterson. This 11-day event serves as the premier stage for rising talent to prove their worth on the professional circuit.


Event Details

  • Dates: July 9 – July 19
  • Venues: Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Broadcast Channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and Prime Video

Format and Structure

All 30 NBA franchises are participating in this year's showcase. Each organization is guaranteed a minimum of five games throughout the tournament. The path to the title is structured as follows:

  1. Each team plays four initial games.
  2. The top four organizations, determined by their records and tie-breaking procedures, move into the playoff bracket.
  3. Semifinal games take place on July 18.
  4. The championship final is scheduled for July 19.

Teams that do not qualify for the playoff bracket will compete in a fifth consolation game scheduled between July 17 and July 19.


Key Players to Watch

The tournament offers a crucial platform for both high-profile rookies and second-year players looking to solidify their roles in the NBA rotation. Analysts are closely tracking the top 50 prospects participating in this year's Vegas circuit.


Tournament Schedule Highlights

The event opens on July 9 with a packed slate, including the headline matchup between the Jazz and Wizards at 9:00 p.m. ET. The preliminary games run daily through July 16, followed by the playoff and consolation rounds.

«The Summer League remains the most vital developmental experience for young players, providing a unique environment to test their skills against peers and potential teammates in a high-intensity professional setting».

Fans are encouraged to check local listings for the specific regional broadcast times of these games, as the schedule remains subject to adjustments as the bracket develops toward the championship round.