The NBA 2K26 Summer League schedule has officially kicked off in Las Vegas, bringing together all 30 teams for one of basketball’s most exciting showcase events. The New Orleans Pelicans opened their NBA Summer League schedule Thursday afternoon with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Las Vegas, marking the beginning of what promises to be an electrifying competition featuring the league’s top prospects and rising stars.
Basketball fans across the globe are eagerly following this year’s action, which runs from July 10-20 at the UNLV campus. All 30 teams play at least four games in the Las Vegas Summer League, providing ample opportunities for rookies and second-year players to prove their worth on the professional stage.
Table of Contents
Key Matchups Highlight Summer League Schedule
The summer league schedule features several marquee matchups that have captured the attention of basketball enthusiasts. There are plenty of intriguing matchups on the schedule, which includes a face-off between the No. 1 and 2 picks from the 2025 NBA Draft (Flagg and Dylan Harper) when the Mavericks face the San Antonio Spurs. This highly anticipated showdown between Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper represents a clash between two generational talents who entered the league with immense expectations.
Additional notable games include the Charlotte Hornets versus the Utah Jazz, scheduled for July 11, providing another opportunity for fans to witness emerging talent in action. Phoenix Suns vs. Atlanta Hawks, 3:30 p.m. (NBA TV, ESPN+) Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets, 4 p.m. (ESPN2) New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics, 5:30 p.m. (NBA TV, ESPN+) Toronto Raptors vs. Orlando Magic, 6 p.m. (ESPN2) Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. (NBA TV, ESPN+) represent just a sampling of the extensive programming available across multiple networks.
The comprehensive television coverage ensures that fans won’t miss any of the action, with games broadcast on NBA TV, ESPN2, and ESPN+ throughout the tournament duration.
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
A new generation of prospects gets ready to showcase its skill sets in the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for recently drafted players to demonstrate their abilities and adapt to the professional game’s pace and intensity.
Cooper Flagg, the highly touted No. 1 overall pick, headlines a talented field of newcomers looking to make their mark. His performances will be closely scrutinized as he begins his professional journey with the Boston Celtics organization. Meanwhile, Dylan Harper, selected second overall, brings his own set of skills and expectations to the Dallas Mavericks’ summer roster.
Fans will get their first look at the Pelicans’ three 2025 NBA Draft picks — Jeremiah Fears, Derik Queen, and Micah Peavy, representing the excitement surrounding fresh talent entering the league. These young players face the challenge of transitioning from college basketball to the professional level while competing against seasoned veterans and fellow rookies.
Notable Players Across All Teams
Each franchise has assembled rosters featuring a mix of recent draft picks, undrafted free agents, and returning players seeking to establish themselves in the league. There are six former Golden Eagles that we’re tracking at 2K26 Summer League, demonstrating how college programs continue to produce NBA-caliber talent.
Teams utilize the summer league schedule as an evaluation tool, assessing not only individual player development but also how new additions fit within their organizational systems. Coaching staffs experiment with different lineups and strategies, providing valuable insights for the upcoming regular season.
The Boston Celtics, fresh off their championship success, have announced their summer league roster, balancing the development of young talent with maintaining their winning culture. Similarly, the Toronto Raptors have compiled a comprehensive primer outlining their approach to the summer league schedule, emphasizing player development and organizational growth.
Broadcast Coverage and Fan Engagement
Every game is broadcast nationally, ensuring maximum exposure for participating players and teams. This comprehensive coverage reflects the NBA’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent and providing fans with extensive access to developmental basketball.
The tournament’s structure allows for sustained evaluation periods, with each team guaranteed multiple games regardless of their performance. This format benefits both players and organizations, providing sufficient opportunities for assessment and improvement throughout the competition.
Key Summer League Schedule Details:
- Duration: July 10-20, 2025
- Location: UNLV Campus, Las Vegas
- Teams: All 30 NBA franchises
- Minimum Games: Four per team
- TV Coverage: NBA TV, ESPN2, ESPN+
Tournament Structure and Format
The summer league schedule follows a carefully designed format that maximizes both competition and player development opportunities. Teams navigate through group play before advancing to elimination rounds, creating meaningful stakes while maintaining the developmental focus that defines summer basketball.
This structure allows coaching staffs to experiment with rotations and evaluate talent in various situations, from close games to blowout scenarios. Players benefit from extended playing time and diverse competitive environments that mirror different aspects of the regular season experience.
The Las Vegas setting provides a neutral environment where teams can focus exclusively on basketball development without the distractions of home markets. This concentrated format accelerates the evaluation process and allows for rapid adjustments based on performance and potential.
Looking Forward: Impact on Regular Season
The summer league schedule serves as a crucial bridge between the draft and training camp, providing immediate feedback on personnel decisions and roster construction. Teams use these games to identify potential contributors for the upcoming season while also evaluating coaching staff and support personnel.
For players, successful summer league performances can translate into training camp invitations, two-way contracts, or even guaranteed roster spots. The stakes extend beyond individual achievement, as strong showings can significantly impact career trajectories and earning potential.
Organizations also benefit from the extended evaluation period, gaining insights into player chemistry, system fit, and developmental priorities. These observations inform training camp preparations and early-season roster decisions, making the summer league schedule an integral part of the basketball calendar.
The tournament’s influence extends to international scouting, as global prospects showcase their abilities against American competition. This exposure helps bridge the gap between international and domestic talent evaluation, contributing to the league’s continued globalization.
Ready to catch all the action? Follow your favorite teams and players as they compete in the NBA Summer League schedule, where basketball’s future stars write their professional stories on the Las Vegas stage.