Primetime Powerhouses: Thunder, Warriors, Lakers & Knicks Dominate 2025-26 NBA National TV Slate
August 15, 2025
The 2025-26 NBA regular season schedule has officially been released, and the league has made one thing crystal clear: the brightest lights are reserved for the game’s biggest brands, most electric stars, and rising dynasties. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks headline the national television slate, each earning a league-high 36 nationally broadcast games on ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV.
This marks a major shift in the league’s promotional strategy—focusing not only on legacy franchises like the Lakers and Knicks but also spotlighting the youth-led resurgence of the Thunder and the Warriors’ reinvention in the post-Steph Curry era.
Thunder Strike Primetime
Oklahoma City’s rapid ascent has captivated fans and analysts alike. Led by MVP front-runner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and 2025 Defensive Player of the Year Chet Holmgren, the Thunder’s young, dynamic roster has become appointment viewing. With the addition of veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield in the offseason and the development of Josh Giddey into a true point-forward, OKC is no longer a feel-good story—they’re a legitimate Western Conference powerhouse.
Their 36 national TV games mark a franchise record, reflecting the league’s confidence in their drawing power and championship potential.
Warriors Reimagined
While Steph Curry officially retired this past July after a legendary 16-year career, the Golden State Warriors remain a hot commodity. Their new core—centered around Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and No. 2 overall pick Jalen Durham—has rejuvenated Chase Center and reignited Dub Nation.
Klay Thompson re-signed on a two-year deal, embracing a mentorship role, while head coach Steve Kerr begins a new chapter without the “Big Three” that defined the Warriors’ dynasty. The narrative of passing the torch, along with one of the league’s most loyal fanbases, ensures that Golden State remains must-watch TV.
Luka Lights Up Hollywood
Perhaps the most seismic shift of the offseason was the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Luka Dončić in a blockbuster trade that shook the NBA. Pairing Dončić with Deandre Ayton and Anthony Davis has instantly positioned the Lakers back into title contention. Dončić’s flair, footwork, and flair for the dramatic are a perfect match for the glitz of Hollywood, and the league wasted no time making the new-look Lakers a centerpiece of the national schedule.
Their 36-game spotlight includes a Christmas Day showdown against the Celtics and multiple primetime clashes with the Nuggets, Thunder, and Warriors.
Knicks Keep Climbing
In the East, the New York Knicks continue to build on last season’s Eastern Conference Finals run. Jalen Brunson has become the heart of Madison Square Garden, and with RJ Barrett flourishing and Mikal Bridges now in blue and orange, the Knicks are a serious title contender. Under head coach Tom Thibodeau, they’re a gritty, disciplined squad with one of the deepest benches in the league.
With basketball’s biggest media market behind them, the Knicks’ 36 national games—most since the Patrick Ewing era—signal their full return to the NBA’s elite.
As the NBA leans into star power, youth, and legacy, these four teams represent the past, present, and future of the league—and they’re all coming to a national screen near you.
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