The NBA and the Cleveland Cavaliers announced the schedule for the 2026-27 season Thursday, Aug. 13 echoing the strategy of another league.
Like the NFL, the NBA has had incremental releases of the schedule to create hype and build anticipation.
In previous announcements earlier this week, the Cavs received the national spotlight. They open their season on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James (never say the NBA schedule makers have no sense of humor) Oct. 22 and those schedulers have another laugh by having the Cavs open Emirates Cup play against the 76ers at home, Nov 6.
Cavs opinion: LeBron James chose 76ers over Cavaliers. Don't boo him for it
They are also part of the league’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. showcase on Jan. 18, 2027, tipping off at noon at Rocket Arena against the Detroit Pistons, whom they defeated in the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.
The national TV window is open for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Despite no opening night or Christmas games on national TV, there is still some modicum of respect for the Cavaliers based on the number of appearances. They will be on 17 times across assorted broadcast and streaming platforms.
The have eight games on NBC or Peacock. They appear on ESPN six times and Prime Video three times. There is currently no word on local TV/streaming broadcasts, but a recent report said the Cavs were among a number of teams who could eventually end up streaming on DAZN.
Who will the Cleveland Cavaliers play in the 2026 Emirates Cup?
For cup play, the Cavs are in East Group B with: the Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, 76ers. The in-season tournament runs on Fridays from Oct. 30 to Nov. 27. The quarterfinals are played Dec. 4-5. The semifinals with be played on Dec. 8 and/or Dec. 9 with the championship on Dec. 11.
Where do the Cavs stand this offseason?
After missing out James, the Cavaliers have been largely radio silent this offseason. Guard James Harden remains unsigned, presumably to allow the team some room to make moves. While there has been speculation around those potential transactions, nothing has materialized. Keep in mind, however, a trade for Donovan Mitchell didn’t materialize until Sept. 1, 2022. Their only signing thus far: Mario Hezonja, who returns to the NBA after playing overseas.
When do tickets go on sale for the Cavs upcoming season?
Ticket information for the upcoming season will be announced later.
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs schedule has 17 national TV games, including marquee games vs LeBron James