What happened: Philadelphia opens the 2026-27 season on Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden, where LeBron James is set for his first regular-season game with the 76ers. The opener against New York is scheduled for NBC and Peacock as James begins a record 24th NBA season.
Why it matters: New York enters the night after ending a 53-year title drought in 2026, giving Philadelphia's first game with James an immediate marquee stage. The opener also puts James' record 24th season in Philadelphia in one of the league's biggest early TV windows.
By the numbers: 24: James is opening his 24th NBA season. 53: Years between Knicks championships before New York's 2026 title. 20: The season opener is set for Oct. 20.
What to watch: Training camp and preseason will show how Philadelphia plans to build around James before the Garden debut. The rest of opening week should also clarify how heavily the league leans on the 76ers and Knicks in its early national windows.