The NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 will officially kick off in a few days, bringing all 30 NBA teams to a big 11-day event in Las Vegas, from July 10 to July 20. This tournament means a big deal for new players, those in their second year, and those yet to be signed.
New stars may find in this event their opportunity to shine and to show the world what they can do, and it is a key watch for fans looking to see the NBA’s new faces and future players.
Schedule and format
The Summer League will begin on July 10 and will go on until July 20, ending with a big final game at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN. Each team will face off in at least five games. The first four games will sort teams for the playoffs. The four teams with the best record will quaify to the semifinals, which are expected to take place on July 19, and the other 26 teams will have a fifth game between July 18 and 20.
Allt he games will be held at UNLV’s Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion, located at the campus of the University of Nevada, in Las Vegas.
How to watch
You can watch all 76 games live:
- On ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+, and ESPN3
- On NBA TV
- Or stream them on the ESPN App
ESPN will show 35 games across the nation, with big games that bring in the top draft picks.
Games you must not miss
The first night will privide two massive games:
- Cooper Flagg (first pick, Dallas Mavericks) vs. Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers – July 10, 8 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Dylan Harper (second pick, Spurs) vs. VJ Edgecombe (third pick, 76ers) – July 10, 10 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Other important matches:
- Flagg vs. Harper – July 12, 4 p.m. ET (ESPN)
- Kon Knueppel (fourth pick, Hornets) vs. Edgecombe – July 14, 6:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV)
- Ace Bailey (fifth pick, Jazz) vs. Harper – July 14, 8:30 p.m. ET (NBA TV)
Teams and rising players
Teams are made up of rookies, G League players, and undrafted free agents. Some big new players are:
- Cooper Flagg (Mavericks): Top pick and big name from Duke
- Bronny James (Lakers): Back for more Summer League play
- Dylan Harper (Spurs): A fast guard from Rutgers
- VJ Edgecombe (76ers): A top scorer who can jump high
- Kon Knueppel (Hornets): Great shooter from Marquette
- Ace Bailey (Jazz): A strong forward good at both ends
Full team lists can be found on NBA.com and in ESPN’s Summer League center.
The Summer League is not a tournament made just for fun, it is key for teams’ evaluation period so all the staff and coaches can get to know the players and remember who is who. For players, on the other hand, it is their best shot in their aspirations to make the team, land a two-way deal, or just make their mark before camp starts.
The event is also a fan favorite, giving everyone a first look at the newest NBA stars and a sneak peek of the next NBA season.
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