How to Watch the 26/27 NBA Season in New Zealand
20 October 2026
The new season tips off October 21, streaming live and on demand with ESPN on Disney+
Thirty teams, one championship trophy, and a season full of big plays. Follow the dunks, the drama, and the buzzer-beaters on ESPN and Disney+ all the way to the 26/27 NBA Finals in June 2027.
Stream the NBA 26/27 Season with ESPN on Disney+
Stream NBA Games Live & On-Demand on Disney+ New Zealand
ESPN is Australia and New Zealand's home court for NBA coverage, providing fans with the most comprehensive NBA offering throughout the season, including an average of seven live games every week of the season, and marquee moments such as the NBA Boxing Day marathon, NBA All-Star Weekend, NBA Playoffs and the NBA Finals.
Keep reading to find out when the 26/27 NBA Season starts in New Zealand.
NBA 26/27 Season Schedule & Key Dates
Mark your calendar, because the 26/27 NBA season has a lot to look forward to:
Key Dates at a Glance
October 21, 2026: Opening Night, regular season begins
Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons
Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
December 26, 2026: Christmas Day games
San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks
Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors
February 20-22, 2027: NBA All-Star 2027
April 12, 2027: Regular season ends
April 14-17, 2027: Play-In Tournament
April 18, 2027: Playoffs begin
June 2027: NBA Finals
What Time are the NBA Games in New Zealand?
NBA games are played from late morning to early afternoon for Aussie and Kiwi fans.
Full replays stay available on demand after each live game, so you have a few days to catch up if you miss the action.
What NBA Games Will I Have Access To With a Disney+ Subscription in New Zealand?
NBA regular season, playoff, and NBA Finals games will be available to stream with ESPN on Disney+.
Can I Watch the NBA Playoffs with a Disney+ Subscription?
Yes. The playoffs begin on April 18, 2027, and stream with ESPN on Disney+. Check back for the full playoff schedule and key dates.
What is an NBA Mini?
An NBA Mini Game is a condensed replay, perfect for fans hungry for highlights or just need to catch up quickly.
They’ll be available after every ESPN game with ESPN on Disney+, along with a Play of the Week Mini that spotlights the standout moments.
How to access an NBA Mini?
You can stream NBA Mini Games and Player of the Week with ESPN on Disney+.
You’ll also find them across the NBA league pages:
Key Players & Storylines of the 26/27 NBA Season
The 26/27 NBA season tips off on October 21 in New Zealand, with no shortage of storylines to follow. LeBron James begins a new chapter in Philadelphia, New York sets out to defend its title, and a stacked Eastern Conference raises the stakes.
Add Wemby’s redemption mission and Giannis’ fresh start, and there’s plenty to watch.
New Zealander Player to Watch
Steven Adams is the Kiwi flag-bearer in the NBA. A centre for the Houston Rockets, he’s played for four NBA teams since his debut in 2013, and the one to watch for New Zealand fans this season.
Will Ben Simmons be playing this season?
Ben Simmons was set to return with the Sacramento Kings after sitting out last season. However, Simmons is expected to miss the 2026-27 season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon during Sacramento Kings practice in October 2026.
Additional Basketball Content To Watch on Disney+
The NBA experience extends beyond the court, with Nothing But Net providing an Australian perspective on the league's biggest stories, complemented by ESPN's signature programming including NBA Today, SportsCenter, First Take, and Inside the NBA. Watch full episodes or a curated selection of the biggest stories and hottest debates.
You can also watch exclusive NBA highlight shows such as Plays of the Week on Disney+.
For more sports, dive into 10 Essential ESPN 30 for 30 Documentaries.
Start Watching NBA in New Zealand with Disney+
The 26/27 NBA season is almost here. With superstars changing teams, new rivalries emerging and championship expectations rising across the league, the season is set to deliver compelling drama from opening night through to the NBA Finals.
Stream the NBA 26/27 Season with ESPN on Disney+
*Schedule is subject to late change. Visit Disney+ for the most up-to-date information on what is streaming
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The information in this article is correct as at the time of publication.
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