The NBA released the 2025–26 schedule last Thursday — and the Cavs landed 24 nationally televised games, including the season opener and a Christmas Day matchup against the New York Knicks.
Why it matters: This is the debut season of the NBA's new 11-year media rights deal with NBCUniversal, Amazon and ESPN, which reshuffles who shows what and when.
It also marks the end of "NBA on TNT" after 36 seasons.
By the numbers: The Knicks, Thunder and Lakers top the league with 34 nationally televised or streamed games each.
Yes, but: The Cavs are projected to be a major contender in the Eastern Conference and are getting recurring national spotlights not seen since the LeBron James era.
📆 Mark your calendars: James and the Los Angeles Lakers will be in town Jan. 28 — the 7pm game will air on ESPN.
The reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder visit Cleveland for a matinee showdown on MLK Day (Monday, Jan. 19), in a game televised on NBC/Peacock.
How it works: The national TV schedule varies by day.
Mondays: Peacock
Tuesdays: NBC/Peacock
Wednesdays: ESPN
Thursdays: Prime
Fridays: Prime and ESPN
Saturdays: Prime (afternoon games) and ABC/ESPN App (night games)
Sundays: ABC/ESPN App (afternoon) and NBC/Peacock (night)
