If you're looking for the NBA draft time 2025, you've probably realized by now that the league doesn't make things as simple as they used to. Gone are the days when you'd sit down for one long, grueling night of fashion choices and Commissioner handshakes.
Seriously.
The NBA has officially leaned into the two-night format, mirroring the NFL's approach to the draft. It’s a polarizing move. Some fans love the extra breathing room, while others think it’s just a massive ad-revenue grab that drags out the inevitable. Regardless of where you stand, if you don't have the schedule right, you're going to miss the most anticipated prospect since Victor Wembanyama.
The Exact NBA Draft Time 2025 Schedule
The 2025 NBA Draft is slated for Wednesday, June 25, and Thursday, June 26.
Both nights are scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Wait.
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Don't just set your DVR for 8:00 and walk away. If you’ve watched a draft before, you know the first 20 minutes are usually filled with highlight reels, Adam Silver’s opening remarks, and analysts arguing over wingspans. The actual "on the clock" action for the Dallas Mavericks—who shockingly secured the No. 1 pick despite slim lottery odds—won't likely happen until about 8:15 p.m. ET on Wednesday.
Round 1: Wednesday, June 25
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Channels: ABC and ESPN
- Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn
Round 2: Thursday, June 26
- Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: ESPN (Note: Round 2 is usually not on ABC)
- Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn
One weird detail: There are only 59 picks this year. The New York Knicks had to forfeit a second-round pick due to a tampering violation involving Jalen Brunson’s signing. It’s a small thing, but it throws off the usual 60-pick rhythm.
Why the Two-Night Format Changes Everything
Moving the NBA draft time 2025 across two days wasn't just about selling more tickets at Barclays Center. Front offices were basically begging for more time. In the old single-night format, the second round felt like a frantic fire drill. Teams had two minutes to make a pick. Trades were happening so fast the TV broadcast couldn't even keep up. You’d see a guy wearing a hat for a team that had traded him three minutes ago.
It was a mess.
Now, teams have four minutes per pick in the second round. That’s a massive jump from the two minutes they used to have. It gives GMs a chance to actually work the phones, regroup after the Round 1 chaos, and maybe even get a decent night's sleep before finding the next Nikola Jokić in the 40s.
Honestly, it makes the second round more watchable. You actually get to hear the backstories of these players instead of just seeing a name scroll across the bottom of the screen during a Taco Bell commercial.
The Cooper Flagg Factor
Let’s be real. Most people searching for the NBA draft time 2025 are really just waiting for the moment Cooper Flagg puts on a jersey.
The Duke standout is the undisputed prize of this class. He’s 6-foot-9, defends like a veteran, and has a competitive streak that scouts are drooling over. Seeing him go to the Dallas Mavericks is going to be fascinating, especially with how he'll fit alongside a roster that already features Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving.
But it’s not just a one-man show.
Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey—the Rutgers duo—are right there. Harper is a big, physical guard with an incredible feel for the game, while Bailey has the kind of shot-making ceiling that screams "future All-Star." Then you have VJ Edgecombe out of Baylor, who might be the most explosive athlete in the entire group.
How to Watch Without Losing Your Mind
If you're a cord-cutter, you have options, but you need to be smart about them.
ABC is great for Round 1 because you can catch it with a simple digital antenna. However, if you want Round 2, you must have access to ESPN. This means streaming services like YouTube TV, Fubo, or Hulu + Live TV are your best bets.
Pro tip: The "NBA Draft time" listed on your guide is the broadcast start. If you’re only interested in the picks and hate the fluff, you can safely tune in 15 minutes late. But if you love the drama of the "Woj bombs" and the trade rumors flying on social media, you’ll want to be there the second the clock starts.
What Most People Miss About the Draft Process
Everyone focuses on the two nights in June, but the draft is actually won in May.
The NBA Draft Combine, which took place in Chicago from May 11–18, is where the real movers and shakers emerged. We saw guys like Kon Knueppel and Tre Johnson solidify their spots in the top 10 by showing out in shooting drills and scrimmages.
Also, don't ignore the international flare. Noa Essengue and Nolan Traoré are names that might not be household staples in the U.S. yet, but they represent the massive scouting shift toward Europe. Traoré, in particular, has been tearing up the French league and could be a top-10 steal for a team like the Brooklyn Nets or the San Antonio Spurs.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to stay ahead of the curve before the NBA draft time 2025 rolls around, do these three things:
- Check the Final Order: Remember that trades happen right up until the commissioner walks on stage. The Nets and Jazz currently hold a massive amount of draft capital (four picks each), so expect them to be aggressive movers.
- Verify Your Streaming Login: Don't be the person trying to reset their ESPN password at 8:05 p.m. while the first pick is being announced.
- Follow Local Reporters: National guys like Woj and Shams give you the "what," but local beat writers for teams like the Spurs or Hornets often give you the "why" regarding specific player interests.
The 2025 draft is a franchise-altering event. Whether you’re a Mavs fan waiting for Flagg or a Jazz fan hoping for a rebuild miracle, being ready for that 8:00 p.m. ET start is the only way to catch the drama in real-time.