Caption: The current NBA on ESPN logo (2022-present). Photo credit: SportsVideo.org
- The season opening doubleheader on ESPN is highlighted by Victor Wembanyama's NBA debut.
- The NBA's first-ever In-Season Tournament begins on ESPN and comprises eight group play games.
- The Tradition Continues Again: All five games on NBA Christmas Day, including Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James vs. Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum.
- Marquee Thanksgiving Eve double dip involving the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry vs. the Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant; In-Season Tournament doubleheader on Black Friday (!!).
On Thursday afternoon, ESPN jointly alongside the NBA, announced the blockbuster broadcast schedule for the 2023-24 NBA regular season. The schedule encompasses 100 games across ESPN (82 games) and ABC (18 games), incorporating at least eight games from the Inaugural In-Season Tournament, five games on Christmas Day, two Opening Week doubleheaders, NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC, ABC Sunday Showcase, Thanksgiving Eve and Black Friday games. ESPN weeknight games generally air at 7:30 p.m. (ET) and 10 p.m. (ET) and are preceded by the NBA Countdown pregame show at 7 p.m. (ET).
* Opening Week to Include Victor Wembanyama's Debut:
ESPN's 22nd NBA season will begin with a doubleheader on Wednesday, October 25, as Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks host Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics from Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. (ET). Then, all eyes turn to San Antonio, Texas, where 2023 NBA Draft top pick Victor Wembanyama is scheduled to make his highly anticipated debut when the San Antonio Spurs host Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks at 9:30 p.m. (ET).
ESPN's Opening Week coverage continues with another doubleheader on Friday, October 27, with two re-matches of seven-game playoff series from the 2023 postseason. First, Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat duel with Derrick White and the Boston Celtics in a re-match of the Eastern Conference Finals (7:30 p.m. ET). Later that evening, Klay Thompson and the Golden State Warriors visit Sacramento to play De'Aaron Fox and the Sacramento Kings in a re-match of last year's thrilling seven-game Opening Round series (10 p.m. ET).
* NBA In-Season Tournament:
The NBA In-Season Tournament begins with an ESPN doubleheader on Friday, November 3, as the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo host the New York Knicks and Jalen Brunson at 7:30 p.m. (ET). In the second game of that doubleheader (10 p.m. ET), two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets host Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.
* The Tradition Continues: ESPN and ABC's Christmas Day Coverage:
The tradition returns to Christmas Day once again in 2023. ESPN and ABC will combine to broadcast all five games scheduled for the holiday on Monday, December 25. This will consist of more than 13 hours of live basketball coverage. The action begins at Noon (ET) from the world's most famous arena - Madison Square Garden - as the New York Knicks and Julius Randle host Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks on ESPN. At 2:30 p.m., it's a showdown in the Mile High City between the last two NBA champions and NBA Finals M.V.P's as the reigning NBA Champion Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic host the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry on ABC and ESPN. At 5 p.m., the league's most historic rivalry is renewed on Christmas Day for the first since 2008, when Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics play LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on ABC and ESPN. The Christmas schedule also includes the 76ers vs. Heat and Mavericks vs. Suns matchups.
* Schedule Highlights:
- Preeminent ESPN Thanksgiving Eve doubleheader: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics; Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns.
- ESPN NBA In-Season Tournament action on Black Friday: Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks; San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors.
- NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC begins on Saturday, January 27: Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks; Philadelphia 76ers vs. Denver Nuggets; Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors -- part of "NBA Rivals Week".
- 17 appearances each by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors across ESPN and ABC, including head-to-head meetings on January 27 and March 16.
- 15 appearances by Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns and Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics across ESPN and ABC.
- 13 appearances by Jamal Murray, Nikola Jokic and the defending champion Denver Nuggets, including four games on ABC.
- Seven appearances by the San Antonio Spurs and top draft pick Victor Wembanyama.
- Two Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns games: Thanksgiving Eve and February 10 on NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC.
- Star-studded ESPN doubleheader on December 15 as Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James face Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, and the New York Knicks and Jalen Brunson square off Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns.
Studio Coverage:
As far as NBA Countdown is concerned, there is a new host this season as Malika Andrews will replace Mike Greenberg as the host of the program. On ESPN, during Wednesday and Friday games, Andrews will host the show alongside analysts Richard Jefferson, Kendrick Perkins, & Chiney Ogwumike. Adrian Wojnarowski will be reporting.
NBA Today, ESPN's daily NBA studio show, enters its third season. In addition to her new Countdown duties, Andrews will retain her role as the primary host of NBA Today. Joining Andrews on the show are analysts Jefferson, Perkins & Ogwumike, with senior writers Zach Lowe and Ramona Shelburne appearing regularly. On select days, Ogwumike will fill-in for Andrews as the host. NBA Today generally airs on ESPN from 3 p.m. (ET) - 4 pm. (ET) Mondays through Fridays.
Check out the links to this year's announcing crews and ABC schedule below.
Links Mentioned:
| NBA on ESPN -- 2023-24 Preseason & Regular Season Broadcast Schedule
- NBA on ESPN: 2023-24 Preseason Broadcast Schedule (All Times ET; Subject to Change)
* Sunday, October 8
. 76ers vs. Celtics (Preseason) - ESPN, 6:00 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, JJ Redick, Cassidy Hubbarth
* Friday, October 13
. Warriors vs. Lakers (Preseason) - ESPN2, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Doc Rivers, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude
* Sunday, October 15
. Bucks vs. Lakers (Preseason) - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) - John Schriffen, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
. Warriors vs. Kings (Preseason) - ESPN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Richard Jefferson, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude
* Tuesday, October 17
. Nuggets vs. Clippers (Preseason) - ESPN2, 10:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Bob Myers, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude
- NBA on ESPN: 2023-24 Regular Season Broadcast Schedule (All Times ET; Subject to Change)
* Wednesday, October 25 (Opening Week)
. Celtics vs. Knicks - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Doc Rivers, Lisa Salters
. Mavericks vs. Spurs - ESPN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, JJ Redick, Cassidy Hubbarth
* Friday, October 27 (Opening Week)
. Heat vs. Celtics - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
. Warriors vs. Kings - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Doc Rivers, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude
* Wednesday, November 1
. Pelicans vs. Thunder - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Monica McNutt, Katie George
. Clippers vs. Lakers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Bob Myers, Jorge Sedano
* Friday, November 3 -- In-Season Tournament (Tournament Night, Group Play)
. Knicks vs. Bucks (East Group B) - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, JJ Redick, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude
. Mavericks vs. Nuggets (West Group B) - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doc Rivers, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
* Wednesday, November 8
. Spurs vs. Knicks - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Hubie Brown, Katie George
. Warriors vs. Nuggets - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, JJ Redick, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude
* Friday, November 10 -- In-Season Tournament (Tournament Night, Group Play)
. Nets vs. Celtics (East Group C) - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, JJ Redick, Cassidy Hubbarth
. Lakers vs. Suns (West Group A) - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doc Rivers, Doris Burke, Lisa Salters
* Wednesday, November 15
. Celtics vs. 76ers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, Doris Burke, Katie George
- Note: Mike Breen was originally scheduled for play-by-play, but was replaced by Beth Mowins.
. Kings vs. Lakers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Doc Rivers, Jorge Sedano
* Friday, November 17 -- In-Season Tournament (Tournament Night, Group Play)
. Kings vs. Spurs (West Group C) - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doc Rivers, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
. Suns vs. Jazz (West Group A) - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, JJ Redick, Andraya Carter
* Wednesday, November 22 (Thanksgiving Eve)
. Bucks vs. Celtics - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Katie George
. Warriors vs. Suns - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Richard Jefferson, Jorge Sedano
* Friday, November 24 (Black Friday) -- In-Season Tournament (Tournament Night, Group Play)
. Heat vs. Knicks (East Group B) - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doc Rivers, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
. Spurs vs. Warriors (West Group C) - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, JJ Redick, Monica McNutt
* Friday, December 1
. 76ers vs. Celtics - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Bob Myers, Cassidy Hubbarth
- Replaces Grizzlies vs. Mavericks
. Nuggets vs. Suns - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doc Rivers, Monica McNutt
* Wednesday, December 6
. Spurs vs. Timberwolves - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Jorge Sedano
. Nuggets vs. Clippers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Stephanie White, Rosalyn Gold-Onwude
* Thursday, December 7 (In-Season Tournament, Semifinal)
. East Semifinal: (2) Pacers vs. (1) Bucks (Las Vegas) - ESPN, 5:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doris Burke, Reggie Miller, Lisa Salters
- In-Season Tournament Semifinal #1 -- T-Mobile Arena - Las Vegas, Nevada
* Friday, December 8
. Clippers vs. Jazz - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Monica McNutt, Andraya Carter
* Friday, December 15
. Lakers vs. Spurs - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, JJ Redick
- Note: Andraya Crater was originally scheduled to be the reporter, but was absent.
. Knicks vs. Suns - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Bob Myers, Angel Gray
- Note: Angel Gray replaced Rosalyn Gold-Onwude, who was originally scheduled to be the reporter.
* Friday, December 22
. Wizards vs. Warriors - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, Stephanie White, Andraya Carter
* Monday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
. Bucks vs. Knicks - ESPN, 12:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, Andraya Carter
. Warriors vs. Nuggets - ESPN/ABC, 2:30 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, JJ Redick, Katie George
. Celtics vs. Lakers - ESPN/ABC, 5:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doc Rivers, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
. 76ers vs. Heat - ESPN, 8:00 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Monica McNutt, Angel Gray
. Mavericks vs. Suns - ESPN, 10:30 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, Stephanie White, Jorge Sedano
* Wednesday, January 3
. Heat vs. Lakers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doc Rivers, Jorge Sedano
* Friday, January 5
. Knicks vs. 76ers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Katie George
. Grizzlies vs. Lakers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doc Rivers, Jorge Sedano
* Wednesday, January 10
. Nuggets vs. Jazz - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, JJ Redick, Andraya Carter
* Friday, January 12
. Kings vs. 76ers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Monica McNutt, Angel Gray
- Replaces Rockets vs. Pistons
. Pelicans vs. Nuggets - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Bob Myers, Katie George
- Replaces Hornets vs. Spurs
* Wednesday, January 17
. Bucks vs. Cavaliers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Hubie Brown, Monica McNutt
* Friday, January 19
. Nuggets vs. Celtics - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Katie George
. Nets vs. Lakers - ESPN, 10:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Doc Rivers, Jorge Sedano
- NOTE: Nets vs. Lakers replaces Mavericks vs. Warriors (postponement due to the tragic 😢 death of Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojevic).; Doc Rivers' final ESPN/ABC broadcast before taking the Bucks head coaching job.
* Wednesday, January 24
. Thunder vs. Spurs - ESPN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Monica McNutt, Andraya Carter
- Replaces Suns vs. Mavericks, which got elevated to ABC
* Wednesday, January 31
. Bucks vs. Trail Blazers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Stephanie White, Angel Gray
- Replaces Nuggets vs. Thunder
* Sunday, February 4
. Clippers vs. Heat - ESPN, 6:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, JJ Redick, Monica McNutt
- Replaces Grizzlies vs. Celtics
* Wednesday, February 7
. Warriors vs. 76ers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, JJ Redick, Andraya Carter
- Replaces Hawks vs. Celtics
. Pelicans vs. Clippers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Richard Jefferson, Jorge Sedano
* Wednesday, February 14
. Bulls vs. Cavaliers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Katie George
. Clippers vs. Warriors - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Richard Jefferson, Jorge Sedano
* Friday, February 16 -- 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend (Indianapolis)
. NBA All-Star Celebrity Game (Indianapolis): Team Shannon vs. Team Stephen A. - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, Monica McNutt, Cassidy Hubbarth
* Friday, February 23
. Cavaliers vs. 76ers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Hubie Brown, Monica McNutt
. Bucks vs. Timberwolves - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Richard Jefferson, Katie George
- Replaces Heat vs. Pelicans
* Sunday, February 25
. Nuggets vs. Warriors - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Stephanie White, Jorge Sedano
. Kings vs. Clippers - ESPN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, Bob Myers
* Wednesday, February 28
. Pelicans vs. Pacers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, Monica McNutt, Andraya Carter
- Replaces Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves
. Lakers vs. Clippers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, JJ Redick, Jorge Sedano
* Friday, March 1
. Mavericks vs. Celtics - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Richard Jefferson, Cassidy Hubbarth
. Bucks vs. Bulls - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Stephanie White, Katie George
* Sunday, March 3
. Knicks vs. Cavaliers - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, Stephanie White
. Thunder vs. Suns - ESPN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
* Wednesday, March 6
. Clippers vs. Rockets - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Andraya Carter
- Replaces Grizzlies vs. 76ers
. Bucks vs. Warriors - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Bob Myers, Jorge Sedano
* Friday, March 8
. Timberwolves vs. Cavaliers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, Monica McNutt, Katie George
- Replaces Hawks vs. Grizzlies
. Bucks vs. Lakers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Stephanie White, Cassidy Hubbarth
* Sunday, March 10
. 76ers vs. Knicks - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Beth Mowins, Hubie Brown, Katie George
- Replaces Nets vs. Cavaliers
. Timberwolves vs. Lakers - ESPN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Stephanie White, Jorge Sedano
* Wednesday, March 13
. Nuggets vs. Heat - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, JJ Redick, Cassidy Hubbarth
. Lakers vs. Kings - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano
* Monday, March 18
. Heat vs. 76ers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Angel Gray
. Knicks vs. Warriors - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Bob Myers, Katie George
* Wednesday, March 20
. Bucks vs. Celtics - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
. Grizzlies vs. Warriors - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Bob Myers, Katie George
* Wednesday, March 27
. Clippers vs. 76ers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Stephanie White, Katie George
. Suns vs. Nuggets - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Bob Myers, Jorge Sedano
* Wednesday, April 3
. Thunder vs. Celtics - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, JJ Redick, Katie George
- Replaces Grizzlies vs. Bucks
. Cavaliers vs. Suns - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Cassidy Hubbarth
* Wednesday, April 10
. Mavericks vs. Heat - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Doris Burke, JJ Redick, Lisa Salters
. Timberwolves vs. Nuggets - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Bob Myers, Katie George
* Sunday, April 14
. Bulls vs. Knicks - ESPN, 1:00 PM (ET) - Mark Jones, Doris Burke, Katie George
. Lakers vs. Pelicans - ESPN, 3:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Richard Jefferson, Angel Gray
- Source: ESPN Press Room.