Look, we've all been there. You're sitting around with your friends, maybe the playoffs have already started, and someone asks the inevitable question: "Wait, when does the actual championship start?" You'd think it would be a simple answer, but with the way the league shuffles the calendar every few years, it’s easy to lose track.
If you’re hunting for the exact date, here is the deal: The first NBA Finals game of the 2025-26 season is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026.
That date is basically etched in stone by the league's front office, though we obviously won't know who is playing until the dust settles on the Eastern and Western Conference Finals. Usually, Game 1 tips off around 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM Eastern Time. It's that classic Thursday night slot that the NBA loves because it builds the hype perfectly for the weekend.
Breaking Down the Road to June 4
You can't just look at the Finals in a vacuum. The whole postseason is this massive, grinding machine that starts way back in April. Honestly, the regular season feels like a lifetime ago by the time June rolls around.
The regular season actually wraps up on April 12, 2026. After that, things get chaotic. You've got the Play-In Tournament from April 14 to April 17—which is basically a high-stakes heart-attack for teams on the bubble. Then the "real" playoffs start on April 18.
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- Regular Season Ends: April 12
- Play-In Chaos: April 14–17
- Playoffs Round 1: April 18
- The Big Dance (Game 1): June 4
If the series goes the full seven games—which, let's be real, is what every fan secretly wants—the whole thing could wrap up as late as June 21, 2026. That’s a lot of basketball.
Why the June 4 Start Date Matters
So, why Thursday? The NBA is obsessed with rhythm. By starting on a Thursday, they get Game 2 on Sunday night. It’s prime-time gold. If you’re trying to plan a watch party or, I don't know, a wedding (don't be that person), you need to account for the fact that these games usually happen every three days or so.
Historically, the league used to play around with the dates a bit more, but they’ve settled into this early-June groove. It gives the finalists enough time to breathe after the Conference Finals, but not so much time that they get "rusty." We saw that happen a few years back where a team had ten days off and looked like they forgot how to shoot a layup in the first quarter of Game 1.
TV and Streaming: Where to Watch
Since this is the 80th anniversary season, the broadcast landscape is a bit of a mix. You’re looking at ABC as the primary home for the Finals. That's been the standard for a while. However, with the new media deals kicking in, you'll likely see a lot of chatter about streaming on platforms like Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
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Basically, if you have a pair of rabbit ears or a basic cable package, you’re usually good for the Finals. But for the earlier rounds, you’ll be bouncing between ESPN, TNT, and potentially NBC/Peacock depending on the specific night.
The Cooper Flagg Factor and Current Favorites
We can't talk about the 2026 Finals without mentioning the landscape of the league right now. The Dallas Mavericks made a massive splash by landing Cooper Flagg as the top draft pick. Whether a rookie can actually lead a team to a June 4 tip-off is a huge question mark, but the hype is real.
Right now, the "smart money" is looking at the heavy hitters. The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently the odds-on favorites (+225) according to most Vegas books. They’ve got the depth, the youth, and that annoying habit of never losing at home. Other teams in the hunt include:
- Denver Nuggets: You can never bet against Jokic.
- Cleveland Cavaliers: They’ve been surprisingly dominant this season.
- New York Knicks: Fresh off an NBA Cup win, they look like they finally have the "it" factor.
It’s kinda wild to think about how much can change between January and June. One rolled ankle or a weird trade deadline move in February can completely flip the script.
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Preparation for the Finals
If you're planning to attend in person, start saving now. Tickets for Game 1 are notoriously expensive, often starting in the high hundreds just for the "nosebleed" sections. If the series involves a big-market team like the Knicks or the Lakers, double those prices.
Pro Tip: If you're looking for gear, buy it before the Finals start. Once the matchup is set, prices for "Finals Bound" jerseys and hats skyrocket, and shipping times become a nightmare.
Actionable Steps for NBA Fans
To make sure you don't miss the tip-off on June 4, here is what you should actually do:
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official NBA site or use a sports app to "follow" the postseason schedule. It'll automatically update as teams are eliminated.
- Check your local listings: If you've cut the cord recently, verify that your streaming service (YouTube TV, Hulu Live, etc.) actually carries ABC/ESPN.
- Plan the "Game 7" contingency: Mark June 21 on your calendar just in case. There is nothing worse than having a "must-attend" event during a deciding championship game.
- Monitor the injury report: Follow beat writers on social media during the Conference Finals. Usually, the team that is "healthier" on June 4 ends up taking the trophy.
The energy of the first NBA Finals game is unlike anything else in sports. Whether you're a die-hard or just there for the snacks, June 4 is the date to circle.