2026-27 NBA Schedule Release Timeline Updated by League After LeBron James to 76ers

After LeBron James chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers this past weekend, the NBA can get back to business as usual.

Per The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov, James' decision opened the door for the NBA to release the 2026-27 season schedule on its usual timeline.

"With James choosing Philadelphia on Friday, the NBA can get to work in finalizing its 2026-27 schedule. Even at 41 years old, he remains a key component of the NBA's broadcast plans," Vorkunov wrote. "While James' delayed decision slowed down NBA business, the league still expects to announce its schedule in mid-August as it historically has, according to a league spokesperson. But it seems that it has at least impacted the process."

NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed earlier this month that James' delayed decision was hindering the league from finalizing its schedule.

"We have to finish up the schedule and where LeBron plays affects the schedule... It will influence how we set the schedule — opening week, Christmas," Silver said at the time. "So I need him to make a decision."

Now that James is taking his talents to the City of Brotherly Love, it's safe to expect the Sixers to be under the spotlight this season. Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports reported that Philadelphia is expected to receive the maximum 34 national television broadcasts during the upcoming year.

Fans will officially learn the slate for the 2026-27 season next month, so patience will be needed until the schedule is released.