El Diario Urbano

Category: Deportes

  • 10 games to watch: LeBron James’ 24th season — and 1st with 76ers

    As LeBron James prepares to become the first player to ever play a 24th NBA season, he’s doing so with a new team after signing with the Philadelphia 76ers as a free agent last month.

    After winning four titles and creating countless must-see moments while playing for the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers, the NBA’s all-time leader in points and games played will begin to write a new chapter in his unprecedented career.

    Here are 10 can’t-miss games as LeBron begins his first season in Philly, listed in chronological order:

    1. Sixers debut on Opening Night

    James will make his Sixers debut on the opening night of the 2026-27 regular season visiting the defending champion Knicks in New York. This game will not only provide our first impression of the new-look Sixers — who also added Jaylen Brown via trade in the offseason — but it will also take place on the league’s brightest stage: Madison Square Garden. In 34 career games at MSG, James is 24-10 with averages of 28.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 7.4 assists.

    2. Philly’s home opener against Cleveland

    • Cavaliers vs. 76ers — Thurs., Oct. 22 (7 ET, ESPN)

    Two days later, the Sixers play their home opener as Philly fans get to see James in a Sixers uniform for the first time in person. Expect a thunderous reception from the Xfinity Mobile Arena crowd as this new starting five is introduced for the first time. This game has the added layer of being against the Cavaliers. As he was making his “final decision,” James considered a return to Cleveland, where he began his career in 2003 and led them to a title in 2016. In the end, he chose Philly over the potential full-circle storybook ending.

    3. Playoffs rematch after seven-game series

    Over the course of James’ career, the Celtics have been both a personal and a team rival. Boston was the team that Cleveland could not overcome in 2008 and 2010, but the team James conquered in 2012 with Miami on his way to his first title. When he became a Laker, James joined the NBA’s most historic rivalry. And now, as a Sixer, he’s part of a new rivalry that has a rich history and recent matchups, including seven-game series in both the 2023 (won by Boston) and 2026 (won by Philly) playoffs.

    4. Top 5 scorers of all-time collide

    When two modern-day icons clash, it is a must-see game. That is the case when James and the Sixers visit Kevin Durant and the Rockets on Thanksgiving Weekend. It’s a matchup of two of the top-five scorers in NBA history: James enters the season No. 1 at 43,440 career points, while Durant enters at No. 5 with 32,597. That’s nearly 76,000 points between the two superstars, who are meeting for the 48th time between the regular season and playoffs. James holds a 27-20 edge in all-time head-to-head meetings.

    5. An L.A. return on Christmas Day

    After spending the past eight seasons with the Lakers, James returns to Los Angeles for the first time as a member of the Sixers — and he does so on Christmas Day. No player has played in more games (20) or scored more points (525) on the holiday than James, who will add to those records with his 21st Christmas Day appearance. There is another piece of history that can be made in this matchup. After becoming the first father-son duo to share the court as teammates with the Lakers, LeBron and Bronny James can be the first father and son to face each other in an NBA game.

    6. A birthday fit for a King

    James will celebrate his 42nd birthday in Phoenix when the Sixers visit the Suns. Playing on his birthday is nothing new for James, who has averaged 31.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.0 blocks in 38.5 minutes per game over 11 games played on his birthday. James will become only the seventh player to play an NBA game at age 42 or older, joining Dikembe Mutombo, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kevin Willis, Robert Parish, Udonis Haslem and Vince Carter.

    7. Return to Miami for AWS NBA Rivals Week

    James returns to Miami — where he played four seasons, reached four NBA Finals and won two titles in 2012 and 2013 — for the first time since joining the Sixers in the offseason. Similar to Cleveland, Miami was another former team that James considered returning to as he pondered his “final decision” in free agency. This AWS NBA Rivals Week matchup will be the third meeting of the season between James and the Sixers and Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Heat, but the first one played in South Beach.

    8. LeBron vs. Steph, Chapter 57

    This is another icon vs. icon matchup as James and the Sixers visit Steph Curry and the Warriors for the first of two meetings this season, both taking place within a single week. James and Curry have faced each other in 56 total games between the regular season (27; James leads 14-13), playoffs (28; Curry leads 17-11) and play-in (1; James leads 1-0). While there was buzz about James joining forces with Curry, Draymond Green and company in the offseason, the final decision came down to Philly, Cleveland and Miami.

    9. Three-time MVPs clash in Denver

    Only nine players in NBA history have won at least three Kia MVP awards. The only two active players on that list — James (2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013) and Nikola Jokić (2021, 2022 and 2024) — meet for the final time in the regular season in this Mile High City matchup. These two basketball savants each rank in the top five on the all-time triple-doubles list entering this season: Jokić second at 198, LeBron fifth at 125. Seeing these two masters at work against one another is must-see TV.

    10. LeBron’s regular-season finale

    Philadelphia’s regular-season finale against Charlotte has the potential to be James’ final regular-season game. While he signed a two-year deal with the Sixers, the second year is a player option, which leaves the door open to a potential conclusion of one of the greatest careers in the history of all of sports.

    When James announced his decision to join the Sixers, he said he initially thought his final game with the Lakers — a loss to OKC in the Western Conference Semifinals — was going to be the end of the road.

    “I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game,” James wrote. “I still truly love this game, and I have more to give.”

    Whether this is the last season or not, be sure to catch as many of these James games as possible. We almost certainly will not see a career like this again.

  • 10 games to watch: Cooper Flagg’s sophomore NBA season

    Check out the best moments from Cooper Flagg’s Rookie of the Year season.

    Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg is good at exceeding expectations.

    The top prospect from the 2024 high school class, and arguably the greatest player ever from his home state of Maine, Flagg arrived at Duke with sky-high potential. And he delivered, in the stat sheet and the win column, as he won National College Player of the Year and helped lead Duke to the ACC title and a Final Four run.

    The expectations continued to grow after the Mavs selected Flagg with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-9 forward delivered again with steady, season-long dominance, averaging 21 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists and winning Kia NBA Rookie of the Year. 

    If the past predicts the future, then Flagg is poised for a must-see sophomore NBA season with new coach Dusty May at the helm of Dallas, Kyrie Irving back from injury, and No. 9 overall pick Morez Johnson Jr. in the frontcourt. 

    Here are 10 key games to circle on the calendar for Flagg during the 2026-27 season.

    1. Season debut vs. Rockets & KD

    The action tips off for Flagg and the Mavericks with a matchup against Kevin Durant and the in-state rival Houston Rockets. Flagg averaged 18.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in four games last season against Durant, who praised Flagg and predicted he will be “considered one of the best of all-time.”

    2. Home opener vs. Spurs & Wemby

    After the season debut in Houston, the Mavericks host their home opener against another Texas rival – the San Antonio Spurs. Flagg faces off against the 2023 No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama, who tallied 31.1 points, 12.5 rebounds and 2.8 blocks in four wins against Flagg last season. Flagg averaged 22.3 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists in the losses, and will look to secure his first win against Wemby in the home opener. 

    3. National TV clash against OKC

    The two-time reigning MVP storms into Dallas during Week 2 as the Thunder face off against the Mavericks in Flagg’s first national TV game of the season. Last season, on Oct. 27, Flagg posted his lowest-scoring game of the season against OKC with 2 points in 31 minutes. Almost exactly one year later, Flagg hopes to flip the script against SGA and OKC under the national TV spotlight. 

    4. Emirates NBA Cup Group Play begins

    Flagg and the Mavs tip off the Emirates NBA Cup with another early-season matchup against Durant and the Rockets. The Mavs are looking for a stronger showing in the NBA Cup in 2026 after posting a 1-3 record during Group Play last season. This Group Play matchup will be the second of four games between the division rivals in 2026-27.

    5. No. 1 picks battle in San Antonio

    Every Flagg vs. Wemby matchup should be circled on your calendar. This Week 3 matchup will be the second clash of the season between the former No. 1 picks. They meet again on Feb. 9 in Dallas (8 ET, NBC/Peacock) and March 19 in San Antonio (8 ET, NBA League Pass).

    6. Return to the Northeast

    Flagg, whose hometown of Newport, Maine, is about 3 hours away from Boston, grew up a Celtics fan and he will have the chance to shine on the parquet court in November. Last season in Boston, Flagg scored 16 points with eight rebounds and six assists in a 20-point loss. This game will also be a return to Boston for Kyrie Irving. 

    7. Flagg at Madison Square Garden

    What’s a bigger challenge than facing the defending champs? Facing them under the spotlight of Madison Square Garden. Flagg tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and three assists for a win in New York last season. This will be the first matchup between the Mavs and Knicks, with the second clash scheduled for Thurs., March 4 (9:30 ET, Prime Video).

    8. Duke homecoming in Charlotte

    A return to North Carolina isn’t just a Duke homecoming for Flagg. It’s also the chance for him to clash against his former Duke teammate (and roommate) Kon Knueppel, who finished second behind Flagg in the 2025 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year chase. This matchup in Charlotte will be the second time the sophomore standouts face off during the 2026-27 season. The first matchup will take place in Dallas on Jan. 19 (8 ET, NBC/Peacock).

    9. The King visits on Presidents’ Day

    Flagg and the Mavs will host LeBron James and the star-studded Sixers for a midday matchup during the first-ever Presidents’ Day quadrupleheader. When LeBron entered the league in 2003, Flagg was still three years away from being born. Last season, Flagg made a good first impression on the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, with LeBron saying, “I love what he’s doing. I love what he’s bringing to this franchise.”

    10. No. 1 picks battle in Dallas

    Flagg will face off against another young star on March 11 when the Mavericks battle 2026 No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa and the Wizards. This will be the first matchup between Flagg and Dybantsa, who were both ranked No. 1 in their high school classes. In addition to Dybantsa, Flagg will also have the chance to go up against Anthony Davis and Deandre Ayton, the No. 1 picks in 2012 and 2018.

  • Leah Wilcox honored with the John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award

    Leah Wilcox was introduced to basketball with a bang.  

    A playful tussle with her basketball-obsessed older brother Raymond when she tried to change the TV channel sparked her curiosity about the game he loved. It was the 1970 NBA Finals, won by the hometown New York Knicks, that helped shape her future. 

    The series ignited a lifelong passion for the game, one Wilcox nurtured in the basketball-rich environment of New York City in the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. She spent countless hours at legendary summer league venues like West 4th Street, Rucker Park, City College, and I.S. 8 in Queens.  

    “I would attend all the games, so that was my buildup to the sport,” Wilcox says.  

    Now in her 41st season at the NBA, it began an extraordinary journey for Wilcox, the current Vice President, Commissioner’s Office Liaison, on her way to the 2026 John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. Aside from Enshrinement, it is the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s highest honor.  

    “Few people in the NBA are as universally beloved and respected as Leah Wilcox,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says. “Leah’s impact on the league goes far beyond any single role or responsibility. She has helped shape the very fabric of the NBA community through her ability to build genuine, lasting relationships with generations of players and their families, who have relied on her over the years for advice, mentorship and a steady source of wisdom and reassurance. I cherish my relationship with Leah and continue to marvel at the way she touches so many lives.”  

    As Director and then Vice President of Player and Talent Relations, Wilcox was the first African American female vice president at the league office. In that role, she worked closely with players and their families, helping them acclimate to the NBA.  

    “When I hear the name Leah Wilcox, I think about transition,” Hall of Famer and Emmy Award-winning Inside the NBA co-host Shaquille O’Neal says. “Not for me, but for my family. She and my mother became very close. She explained to my mother what life would be like for an NBA mom of a superstar.  

    “Leah was always there for my mom, was always there for me, and she made my transition easy. You see stuff from the outside, but you don’t know until you get here. So being the number one pick, being highly touted—[Leah would say], ‘Yes… No… Shouldn’t say that, Shaquille… Don’t wear the rope chain in this interview… Wear a suit and tie.’”  

    He adds: “She gave me the CliffsNotes on how to act as a professional athlete, and she gave my mother the CliffsNotes on how to be a professional mom [of an athlete]. Without Leah, I don’t get recognized as fast. She was that voice you always respected and listened to. She was like a first mentor to me and my family.”  

    Charles Barkley, who also went from a Hall of Fame career to Emmy-winning broadcaster on Inside the NBA, echoed those sentiments in a tribute to Wilcox that aired on the show.  

    “You know, when you first get to the NBA, it’s a shock to your system. Money, fame, and all that stuff that goes with it. She has been like a Mom to all of us for all of these years. She’s been there through the good times, the great times, the bad times, the stupid times, where I’ve done stuff. I love her with everything I’ve got.”  

    Wilcox started her NBA career after a high school internship at RKO General Inc. That led her to working with legendary WRKS broadcaster Ken Webb in developing the Kiss Cards, the station’s community-oriented basketball team that was a rival to WBLS’ Sure Shots. Wilcox worked tirelessly behind the scenes in various roles to ensure the Cards’ success.  

    But she felt pulled toward the NBA, fueled by both her love for the sport and a defining moment at the 1983 All-Star Game.  

    “Marvin Gaye sang the national anthem,” Wilcox recalls. “And I said, ‘I need to be at that event.’ My ultimate dream would be to work in the NBA. And I didn’t even know what that meant.”  

    Persistence, relationships, and a chance conversation turned into being hired as a Unit Coordinator at NBA Entertainment, a division focused on expanding the league’s reach through archival and original content. That led to the development of the groundbreaking NBC show NBA Inside Stuff, co-hosted by Ahmad Rashad and Willow Bay.  

    It aired on NBC from 1990–2002, moved to ABC from 2002–06 and later returned on NBA TV from 2013 until its final season in 2018. In the pre-social media era, it provided an intimate view of NBA players that the public had never seen before. By showcasing their charitable endeavors, hobbies and personalities, the Saturday morning show became must-see viewing for a generation of NBA fans.  

    In 2024, NBA Inside Stuff was awarded the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Transformative Media Award.  

    Wilcox was at the center of it. She helped secure the talent and provide insight into players’ hobbies, interests and off-court pastimes, whether it was taking Hall of Fame player Dikembe Mutombo bowling for the first time, or following New York Knicks icon and Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing Christmas shopping at FAO Schwarz.  

    “On Inside Stuff, we had guests no one else could get,” Rashad says. “We’d be sitting there and Leah would say, ‘I got ’em.’ Next thing you know, they’re in the office, ready to shoot. It’s about teamwork, getting something done and putting that show together. There was no show quite like that on television, and Leah was a superstar.”  

    Wilcox has also played a role in mentoring the next generation of sports executives. Kori Davis Porter, Senior Vice President of Business Operations, has worked for the NBA for more than three decades. Wilcox encouraged her aspirations as a college student looking for a role in the sports industry, then worked side by side with her as a producer on Inside Stuff.  

    “I looked at her as an inspiration,” Davis Porter says. “At the time, not just as the first Black female vice president, but I saw her as a strong woman leading in the space on the only magazine show profiling players and their stories. Leah was somebody that we worked with daily on good story ideas for the players and to keep us abreast of all the exciting events that were happening. We really looked to her as a lead on the players we should profile and the stories that we should do. I could have never predicted [when I was in college] that I’d be her coworker.”  

    Forging relationships with the music and entertainment industry helped Inside Stuff expand beyond the league. In the ‘80s, hip hop was fast becoming a global phenomenon, and the NBA was on a similar trajectory. The two entities, along with film and TV, converged on Inside Stuff and Wilcox was the connective thread between them.  

    “When MTV was first getting started and they were looking to get into the NBA, they wanted to bring the camera crews in with Downtown Julie Brown and everyone,” Detroit Pistons star and Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas recalls. “Leah was right there with us making sure that everything was done right. And not only was NBA Entertainment launched but MTV was launched also, so it was good times.”  

    Her influence extended to NBA All-Star Weekend, which included securing talent for initiatives including the Stay in School Jam, Team Up and Read to Achieve. And true to her reputation as a facilitator with strong relationships in the entertainment community, she provided them with special experiences, too. Wilcox not only booked Grammy Award-winning singer Brandy to perform for the Stay in School Jam at the 1995 NBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, but she also helped plan her 16th birthday party that happened the same weekend.  

    “Leah was the main person telling you what to do, where to go,” says Chrissy Murray, the former Vice President of Media and Artist Relations for Atlantic Records. “She knew everybody and effortlessly, seamlessly, ushered us around the whole weekend until we were comfortable.”  

    Celebrity fans who attended games were no match for Wilcox’s warm demeanor, access to NBA-branded merchandise and shared love of the game. She bonded with Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta over team affinities during the Lakers’ Showtime era. That helped her convince Washington to host and narrate the NBA at 50 special.  

    “They didn’t have courtside seats then,” she laughs. “They used to sit near the tunnel at the Forum. I’d be rooting for the opponent and they would yell at me, which I thought was great, because now we have dialogue!”  

    Even for an icon like Michael Jordan, Wilcox was able to make a difference. She once surprised Jordan with his sister, Roslyn, who flew in to support him while he was shooting the Michael Jordan’s Playground documentary in 1991.  

    Wilcox also helped establish the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players Inc. and Fathers & Men of Professional Basketball Players Inc., organizations that began as support networks and evolved into charitable groups.  

    “When I met Leah, she was so full of energy,” says Flora Allen-Hopson, the mother of Hall of Famer Ray Allen. “It was like, I’ve known her forever, because she comes in with so much energy and hype and this big ole smile, you know? Once she meets you, she never leaves you. She was the glue that held us together.”  

    As Wilcox’s influence grew, so did the league’s approach to player support. She was influential in the NBA expanding its role in developing its players off the court. Now, each team in the league has its own player development department.  

    “Everything that I seemed to initiate, I watch how my colleagues take it to the next level,” she says. “It was a wonderful opportunity to help fill the gap between the league, the players, and the entertainment industry. And now when I see the fusion of music and game highlights, I know Inside Stuff and the NBA Entertainment producers are a template for that.”  

    Her career has also made her a witness to some of the league’s most defining moments.  

    “When you talk about The Dream Team I, II, and III—I was there. I was at the 1998 NBA Finals with the Chicago Bulls, and I got to see the Knicks win the 2026 NBA Finals,” Wilcox says. “I feel like a female version of Forrest Gump. I was there for it all.”  

    For her contributions to the league, she was named to the Sports Illustrated list of 101 Most Influential African Americans in Sports in 2003. Wilcox currently serves on the Board as Vice President of the NBA Players Legacy Fund.  

    In recent years, Wilcox has focused on connecting retired players to resources and advocating for their health. Her work with the National Basketball Retired Players Association’s Cardiac Health Screening initiatives has helped save lives, addressing a critical issue among former basketball players who are disproportionately impacted by heart issues.  

    “I’ve cried when we’ve lost so many players in 2015,” Wilcox says. “It hurts. But it helps to know we’re making a difference.”  

    Among her many accomplishments, she is most proud of being a mother. Her daughter, Millisa, is a Social Media Manager at Universal Epic Universe, reflecting the same values of connection and service.  

    Despite the recognition, Wilcox remains grounded in what has guided her all along.  

    “We’re built to serve,” she says. “It’s in our DNA. I don’t see anyone as a stranger. I treat everyone equally. It doesn’t matter. Whether you’re the gentleman working the front desk, a member of the office cleaning crew or a senior league executive, we’re all in this together. Kindness goes a long way!”  

    She adds, “I enjoy watching people’s reaction to this league. Something I’m extremely blessed to be a part of. Even after 40-plus years, when I walk into the office, I still get excited as though it’s my first day. I’m greeted by the Larry O’Brien Trophy, the Jerry West logo man and the energy of my coworkers. How lucky am I? I was a unique individual placed here by God, in a unique position, nine months after my mother died. And now I am receiving the prestigious John W. Bunn Lifetime Achievement Award. Who knew? God knew.” 

    * * *

    This story originally appeared in the 2026 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame program. 

    Tonya Pendleton is an accomplished journalist, cultural critic and early contributor to Slam, ESPN and Jordan Magazines whose multimedia career has spanned the gamut from sports, news and entertainment. 

  • El Barcelona bajó de la nube a Luis Suárez, delantero de la Selección Colombia: descartó el interés por ficharlo tras la negativa por Julián Álvarez

    Al colombiano Luis Javier Suárez rápidamente le pincharon la
    nube de un posible fichaje por el Barcelona de España. El samario, de gran
    temporada en el Sporting de Portugal, fue vinculado con el conjunto Culé, pero
    desde Cataluña salieron al paso de las versiones y cerraron cualquier opción
    para contratarlo.  

    En la mañana de este viernes, el periodista especializado en
    el mercado de fichajes Fabrizio Romano soltó el bombazo al señalar que el
    delantero de la Selección Colombia era una opción que estaba barajando el Barcelona
    para completar su ataque, si la operación Julián Álvarez no llegaba a buen
    puerto.

    Luis Suárez Foto:Getty Images via AFP

    “El Barcelona contempla al delantero del Sporting Luis
    Suárez como una de las opciones, en caso de que no se concrete el fichaje de
    Julián Álvarez.     No es una operación sencilla, dado que es un jugador clave para
    el Sporting”, dijo el periodista italiano.

    Desde Barcelona desmienten a Romano

    La información fue desmentida rápidamente por la alta
    cúpula del cuadro azulgrana, que le filtró a la prensa de Cataluña que Luis
    Javier     no era una opción. De acuerdo con el diario Sport, el samario fue
    ofrecido hace algunos meses, pero el campeón de LaLiga de España no lo
    consideró una opción viable.

    Luis Javier Suárez Foto:AFP

    “El
    delantero colombiano Luis Suárez parece que no jugará en el Barça.     Fuentes
    oficiales del club blaugrana desmintieron a Sport que el goleador del Sporting
    de Lisboa     entre en los planes hoy por hoy, del equipo blaugrana para el nuevo
    proyecto deportivo a pesar de las informaciones que lo relacionaban con el
    Barça”, dijo el medio citado.

    “Luis Suárez sí fue ofrecido hace unos dos meses a la
    dirección deportiva blaugrana, pero el Barça no ha realizado ningún paso al
    frente por este futbolista     y, en principio, no está en la lista de posibles
    alternativas a Julián Álvarez. De hecho, el delantero argentino sigue siendo el
    único objetivo para reforzar la delantera que se está barajando”, agregó.

    Luis Suárez Foto:EFE

    Carrera por el delantero

    El Barcelona busca con urgencia en el mercado de fichajes un
    artillero para suplir la salida del polaco Robert Lewandowski hacia el Chicago
    Fire de la MLS    . El gran sueño de Deco, director deportivo del club, y del DT Hansi
    Flick     es el argentino Julián Álvarez, pero la negociación con el Atlético de
    Madrid no avanza. Ahí fue cuando apareció la versión de un posible interés por
    el colombiano.

    Luis Javier firmó una primera temporada magnífica en el
    Sporting de Portugal. Llegó para reemplazar al sueco Viktor Gyökeres, y en
    53 partidos anotó 38 goles. Su buen rendimiento ha llamado la atención de
    Europa, pero su salida de Lisboa es compleja.

    Luis Suárez y gol contra Torrense Foto:AFP

    El artillero samario, con pasado en España tras vestir
    las camisetas de Granada, Real Zaragoza y Almería, tiene contrato con los
    portugueses hasta junio del 2030 y su cláusula de rescisión es de 80 millones
    de euros, cifra prohibida para varios gigantes viendo que tiene 28 años de
    edad.

    “Sí que es cierto que el futbolista, como muchos otros, se ha analizado en las últimas semanas aunque se ha llegado a la conclusión que no es la pieza que pueda reforzar al equipo en estos momentos. No hay duda de su calidad, pero por el precio y por motivos deportivos este nombre estaría ahora mismo descartado”, completó el diario Sport.

    DEPORTES

  • Jhon Lucumí está a escasos detalles de ser nuevo jugador de la Juventus: un colombiano fue clave para el acuerdo en el millonario negocio

    Jhon Jáner Lucumí tiene todo encaminado para ser nuevo jugador de la Juventus y está a escasos detalles de ponerse a las órdenes del DT Luciano Spalletti. La Vecchia Signora tiene todo acordado con el Bolonia por el fichaje del colombiano y lo espera en las próximas horas en Turín para la revisión médica y la firma del contrato.

    La novela por Jhon Lucumí se resolvió demasiado pronto. De acuerdo con La Gazzetta dello Sport, la Juventus y el Bolonia llegaron a un acuerdo para que el zaguero central se mude a Turín y sea nuevo jugador del cuadro Bianconero.

    Jhon Lucumí Foto:LUIS ACOSTA

    “Una nube blanca que se esperaba, pero no era algo seguro. Jhon Lucumí se convertirá en jugador de la Juventus a finales de semana porque el deseo del defensa colombiano ha cambiado el rumbo del partido y porque los encuentros han sido testigos de un choque entre clubes cuyos dirigentes están unidos por una relación basada en el conocimiento y el respeto: Giovanni Carnevali y Claudio Fenucci”, escribió el diario italiano en sus páginas.

    Negociación por Lucumí

    La Juventus activó su maquinaria por hacerse con el caleño que brilló en la Copa del Mundo con la camiseta de la Selección Colombia. Hace algunos días entabló negociaciones con el Bolonia para llegar a un acuerdo que se desbloqueó gracias al colombiano Juan David Cabal.

    Jhon Lucumí Foto:AFP

    El Bolonia pidió cerca de 25 millones de euros por Lucumí, a quien solo le restaba un año de contrato con el cuadro de Emilia-Romaña. La Vecchia Signora aprovechó las condiciones favorables e hizo una oferta inicial de 17 millones de euros.

    Tras varios días de trabajo en las oficinas, la Juventus alcanzó un acuerdo con el Bolonia. Pagará cerca de 20 millones de euros por el caleño y cederá al colombiano Juan David Cabal, quien llegó hace dos temporadas procedente del Hellas Verona y se marchará al cuadro Rossoblu para sumar minutos.

    Jhon Lucumí marcó el gol de Colombia Foto:Federación Colombiana de Fútbol

    “El acuerdo está sobre la mesa, el contrato se está ultimando: el anuncio se realizará en las próximas horas, como ya se ha mencionado, antes del domingo. Lucumí está en plena carrera, con la mira puesta en alcanzar su máximo potencial, y en su opinión, eso podría suceder precisamente en blanco y negro y con un entrenador, el exseleccionador de Italia, que sabe cómo potenciar a sus jugadores y llevarlos al límite”, dijo el diario rosa.

    Lucumí es esperado en Turín

    Spalletti tendrá bajo sus órdenes al jugador que tanto quería. Había posado sus ojos en Lucumí por su gran experiencia en la Serie A de Italia, la personalidad que mostró con la Selección Colombia y el Bolonia, y su habilidad técnica.

    Jhon Lucumí Foto:AFP

    El futbolista colombiano es esperado este sábado en Turín para los chequeos médicos, la presentación oficial y la firma de contrato, que sería hasta junio de 2031. Lucumí cobraría en la Juventus cerca de 2,5 millones de euros al año.

    DEPORTES

  • Neymar dio dos asistencias y lideró la remontada del Santos en los octavos de final de la Copa Sudamericana contra Macará

    Con dos asistencias de Neymar Jr., el Santos venció este jueves por 2-1 a Macará en el estadio Vila Belmiro, en el partido de ida por los octavos de final de la Copa Sudamericana.

    El uruguayo Franco Posse adelantó a la visita a los 3 minutos, pero luego llegaron los tantos de la remontada paulista por obra de Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa, quien firmó su gol número 100 con el club a los 43 minutos, y de Willian Arão a los 75 de juego, ambos tras pases de Neymar.

    Neymar Foto:efe

    El inicio fue difícil para el equipo paulista. El equipo dirigido por Cuca entró desconectado al terreno de juego y con serias dificultades para tomar el control de las acciones.

    El mediocampo del Santos tardó en conectar la defensa con el ataque, situación que el cuadro ecuatoriano supo aprovechar y dio el primer golpe de la noche.

    Santos de Brasil Foto:EFE

    Mateo Viera recibió de espaldas, giró y sacó un centro preciso para que el atacante uruguayo Franco Posse, la gran figura de la visita, se anticipara y empujara el balón al fondo de la red.

    Con la desventaja, Santos sufrió durante toda la etapa inicial. No solo por el fútbol, sino por la mala fortuna.

    Neymar Foto:efe

    Gabriel Menino y Gabriel Bontempo cayeron al césped con molestias y tuvieron que abandonar el campo prematuramente, lo que obligó a Cuca a quemar cambios. En sus lugares entraron Davizinho y Benjamín Rollheiser, respectivamente.

    Neymar encendió las alarmas al salir del campo por un fuerte dolor en el tobillo derecho y dejó a su equipo con diez hombres mientras era atendido en el banquillo.

    Neymar Foto:efe

    El astro, que volvió al césped luciendo un par de botines nuevos, se mostró incómodo minutos después, pero con el transcurso del partido no volvió a manifestar dolor.

    En esa primera mitad accidentada, ‘Gabigol’ también requirió atención médica, se mostró errático y dejó pasar un par de ocasiones claras de gol.

    Santos de Brasil Foto:EFE

    Cuando el primer tiempo agonizaba, a los 43 minutos, la dupla protagonista se encendió: Neymar frotó la lámpara y, de primera, filtró un pase hacia el área. Allí estaba Barbosa, que definió al primer toque y consiguió el empate con el que ambos equipos se fueron al descanso.

    Santos salió a jugar la segunda mitad con otra actitud. Cerca del inicio, ‘Gabigol’ protagonizó dos conexiones con Neymar que acabaron con el balón al fondo de la red, pero ambas jugadas fueron invalidadas.

    Santos de Brasil Foto:EFE

    Sin embargo, a los 75 minutos, llegó la redención. Neymar cobró un tiro de esquina venenoso al corazón del área, y allí apareció Willian Arão, el mismo que había quedado señalado en el gol tempranero de Macará, para mandar el balón hacia la portería. El esférico traspasó la línea de cal y el árbitro validó la anotación.

    Esta trabajada victoria dejó al Santos con una escueta ventaja, por lo que el boleto a cuartos se definirá el próximo jueves en los 2.580 metros de altitud de la ciudad de Ambato.

    DEPORTES

    Con EFE.

  • El infierno de Lucas Torreira en Turquía: pidió salir del Galatasaray tras un nuevo episodio de agresiones y amenazas contra su entorno

    El futbolista uruguayo Lucas Torreira, mediocentro y figura
    del Galatasaray de Turquía y compañero del colombiano Dávinson Sánchez,
    solicitó a su agente, Pablo Bentancur, que gestione su salida inmediata de ese
    país.

    La decisión, según el periodista uruguayo Sebas Giovanelli,
    fue tomada tras registrarse una nueva agresión por parte de
    Burak Doğan, un hombre con antecedentes de acoso hacia la pareja del jugador,
    la actriz y modelo Devrim Özkan.

    LEA TAMBIÉN

    James Rodríguez

    El sujeto, que había sido enviado a prisión tras golpear al
    futbolista e insultarlo con amenazas de muerte en un centro comercial de
    Beyoğlu (Estambul) el pasado 12 de mayo, recuperó la libertad e interceptó de
    inmediato al conductor de Torreira para amedrentarlo. Actualmente, la policía
    turca se encuentra tras sus pasos.

    Devrim Ozkan, actriz turca y pareja de Lucas Torreira. Foto:Instagram

    La agresión inicial en un centro comercial de Beyoğlu

    El primer episodio violento se produjo el 12 de mayo en un centro
    comercial del distrito de Beyoğlu, en Estambul. Torreira, exjugador del
    Atlético de Madrid que ha conquistado cuatro de cinco torneos posibles con el
    Galatasaray, fue abordado por el agresor mientras se encontraba en el
    establecimiento.

    En declaraciones ofrecidas a la cadena CCN Türk, el
    propio jugador uruguayo detalló cómo ocurrió el ataque físico: “Un hombre
    se acercó diciendo que quería una foto conmigo. Después apareció otro individuo
    y pensé que también quería hacerse una fotografía. Sin embargo, cuando se
    acercó me golpeó de repente en el lado izquierdo de la cabeza”.

    Lucas Torreira Foto:AFP

    Según reportes de la prensa turca, el agresor fue
    identificado como Burak Doğan, quien contaba con antecedentes por lesiones
    intencionadas y había acosado previamente a Özkan, pareja de Torreira desde
    2023.

    Liberación del sospechoso y reincidencia

    Tras el ataque de mayo y las amenazas directas contra la
    vida de Torreira, Doğan fue procesado y puesto tras las rejas. Sin embargo, el individuo recuperó la libertad este miércoles y se dirigió directamente a
    arremeter contra el conductor del jugador uruguayo.

    Durante el hecho, el agresor pronunció una advertencia
    directa hacia el entorno del deportista: “Vengo a terminar lo que
    empecé”.

    Tras este suceso, las fuerzas policiales de Turquía
    activaron un nuevo operativo para dar con su paradero. Ante el riesgo
    persistente para su integridad física y la de sus allegados, Torreira instruyó
    a su representante para rescindir su contrato o negociar su salida definitiva
    de la entidad turca.

    DEPORTES

    Este contenido fue elaborado con la ayuda de una inteligencia artificial, con información de Sport y Sebas Giovanelli. Contó con la revisión de un periodista.  

  • Cienciano firma una goleada histórica por 6-1 contra Botafogo en los octavos de la Copa Sudamericana

    El club peruano Cienciano venció este jueves por 6-1 al Botafogo de Brasil en el partido de ida correspondiente a los octavos de final de la Copa Sudamericana.

    El encuentro se disputó ante aproximadamente 35.000 espectadores en el estadio Inca Garcilaso de la Vega del Cusco, ubicado a más de 3.300 metros sobre el nivel del mar, y contó con el arbitraje del ecuatoriano Augusto Aragón. 

    LEA TAMBIÉN

    James Rodríguez

    La victoria del equipo local se estructuró a través de un triplete del delantero peruano Matías Succar, dos tantos del argentino Neri Bandiera y una anotación de Marcos Martinich, mientras que Matheus Martin descontó para la visita.

    Un primer tiempo de dominio y contundencia para el equipo cusqueño

    A pesar de que el conjunto brasileño intentó disputar la posesión en los instantes iniciales, Cienciano asumió el control del juego y abrió el marcador al minuto 18 mediante un remate de cabeza de Matías Succar.

    Cienciano vs. Botafogo, Copa Sudamericana Foto:EFE

    Dos minutos más tarde, a los 20, Neri Bandiera amplió la ventaja con una definición de rodilla. La jugada fue revisada por el VAR ante los reclamos del cuadro visitante por una presunta posición adelantada, pero el sistema de videoarbitraje descartó la infracción y validó la anotación.

    El tercer gol de la jornada llegó a los 30 minutos, cuando Succar convirtió tras un remate que superó al guardameta Warleson. 

    Cienciano vs. Botafogo, Copa Sudamericana Foto:EFE

    Cinco minutos después, a los 35, el argentino Marcos Martinich ejecutó un disparo cruzado desde el borde del área para colocar el 4-0 provisional. 

    Ante la diferencia en el marcador, el director técnico de Botafogo, Franclim Carvalho, realizó dos modificaciones tácticas a los 37 minutos con el ingreso de Kauan Toledo por Álvaro Montoro y de Arthur Cabral por Kadir Barría.

    Reacción del conjunto visitante y cierre del marcador en la segunda mitad

    En la etapa complementaria, Botafogo descontó a los 49 minutos por medio de un tiro libre ejecutado por Matheus Martin que superó al arquero Ítalo Espinoza. 

    No obstante, Cienciano retomó la iniciativa en la ofensiva y anotó el quinto gol a los 62 minutos con una nueva intervención de Bandiera.

    Cienciano vs. Botafogo, Copa Sudamericana Foto:EFE

    Finalmente, a los 64 minutos, Succar completó su registro personal de tres goles con un remate de cabeza que estableció el 6-1 definitivo. 

    La llave entre ambas escuadras se resolverá el próximo 20 de agosto en el partido de vuelta, el cual se disputará en el estadio Nilton Santos de Río de Janeiro.

    La de este jueves fue la peor goleada en contra de un club brasileño en toda la historia de la Copa Sudamericana, que comenzó a disputarse en 2002.

    El antirrécord lo tenía Fluminense, que cayó 5-1 contra Liga de Quito el 25 de noviembre de 2009, en el partido de ida de la final de esa edición. 

    DEPORTES

    Este contenido fue reescrito con la asistencia de una inteligencia artificial, basado en información de EFE.

  • Video | James Rodríguez envía mensaje de solidaridad a las víctimas del terremoto en Colombia y anuncia ayuda para la reconstrucción

    James Rodríguez, el jugador con más partidos en la Selección
    Colombia en toda la historia y goleador del Mundial de Brasil 2014, se
    solidarizó con las víctimas del terremoto de 7,4 grados     que afectó al país el
    pasado 10 de agosto y que tuvo como epicentro a San José del Palmar (Chocó).

    A través de un video publicado en sus redes sociales, James
    anunció además que, a través de su fundación, Colombia somos todos, entregará
    aportes para la reconstrucción de las ciudades afectadas, entre las que se
    encuentran Cali, Pereira, Manizales y Quibdó.

    James Rodríguez Foto:James Rodríguez

    LEA TAMBIÉN

    Juan Fernando Quintero

    Este es el texto completo del mensaje de James Rodríguez:

    Hola a todos. Han pasado algunos días desde la catástrofe
    que afrontamos en nuestro país. Y quiero antes que nada enviar un mensaje de
    solidaridad y valor a todos aquellos que hoy, en medio del dolor, siguen
    batallando sin pausa en esta lucha por la vida.

    Para mí, el único camino es nunca desistir. A los organismos
    de socorro, a los voluntarios y a todos los que están ayudando de una u otra
    manera en este difícil momento, quiero darles las gracias.

    De esta tragedia solo nos queda levantarnos y ustedes son el
    verdadero motor para salir adelante. De corazón, muchas gracias.

    James Rodríguez Foto:AFP

    Se vienen retos inmensos, tanto durante la emergencia como
    después de ella. Y ahí es donde quiero enfocar mi mensaje. Debemos levantarnos,
    pero eso va más allá de las palabras. La etapa de reconstrucción requiere
    hacerse de la manera más organizada y eficiente para volver a ser los mismos.
    No tengo duda que lo lograremos, porque somos colombianos, somos resilientes y
    somos berracos. Nada nos va a detener.

    Por eso, a través de mi fundación, Colombia Somos Todos,
    seré el primero en entregar apoyos importantes para levantar a los
    damnificados. Hemos decidido canalizar los esfuerzos por medio de especialistas
    en el restablecimiento y condiciones de vida y reconstrucción, como lo es la
    Corporación Presentes.

    Es de suma importancia que las ayudas tengan el mayor
    impacto, que la reconstrucción sea efectiva. Hoy invito a toda la comunidad del
    fútbol, a mis compañeros, a mis excompañeros y a todos aquellos de buen corazón
    que quieran estar con la Colombia que todos amamos. Todo aporte es valioso.
    Somos un pueblo valiente y lo demostraremos en la inmensa capacidad que tenemos
    para volver a levantarnos.

    DEPORTES

  • How to watch NBA games in 2026-27: Everything you need to know

    In Year 1 of the league’s new media deals, the NBA regular season delivered its most viewers in 24 years, garnering 170 million viewers for games on ABC/ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, NBC/Peacock and NBA TV in 2025-26.

    With Year 2 of that deal set to begin in October, here’s a guide to make sure you don’t miss any of the must-see matchups from Opening Week through the NBA Finals.

    Overview

    The 2026-27 NBA season marks the second of the 11-year media agreements with Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBCUniversal (NBC/Peacock) and Amazon (Prime Video).

    • ABC/ESPN: Entering its 25th straight season of NBA coverage, ABC and ESPN will broadcast 80 regular-season games, including the NBA on Christmas Day five-game slate. In addition to its regular season coverage, ESPN platforms are the exclusive home of the NBA Finals on ABC and the 2027 Western Conference Finals, while also broadcasting first- and second-round NBA Playoff games.
    • NBC/Peacock: The 81st NBA season tips off with the first-ever season-opening tripleheader on NBC/Peacock on Oct. 20. NBC/Peacock will broadcast 100 regular-season games, including a marquee collection of national ‘Holiday Hoops’ games in late December, the first-ever quadrupleheader on Presidents’ Day, the second-annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day quadrupleheader, 2027 All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, and comprehensive playoff coverage.
    • Prime Video: Beginning its second season as a partner for the NBA, Prime Video will stream 66 regular-season games, including the Knockout Rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup before the Championship Game of the fourth-annual in-season competition on Dec. 11 from Indianapolis’ historic Hinkle Fieldhouse. Prime will be the exclusive home for all six games of the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament and will culminate its postseason coverage as the exclusive home of the 2027 Eastern Conference Finals.
    • NBA League Pass: Broadcasting all games that are not available on a national platform or in a user’s local market, NBA League Pass will continue to be available via traditional cable and satellite distributors. It is also available for purchase and viewing via the NBA App and NBA.com, while Amazon will be its primary third-party digital distributor.
    • Tap to Watch: A digital initiative that simplifies how fans find and access live NBA game telecasts was introduced during the 2025-26 season and returns for 2026-27. Tap to Watch helps fans around the world quickly access live national, local, international and NBA League Pass game telecasts through the NBA App, NBA.com, team digital platforms and participating partner sites.  Fans can now add the NBA schedule to their digital calendars via nba.ecal.com, with Tap to Watch links that take them directly to where each game is available to watch.

    Daily schedule

    The 2026-27 schedule of national games will generally feature Mondays on Peacock, Tuesdays on NBC/Peacock, Wednesdays on ESPN, Thursdays on Prime Video, Fridays on Prime Video and ESPN, Saturdays on Prime Video in the afternoon and ABC at night, and Sundays on ABC in the afternoon and NBC/Peacock at night.

    Every national game will be available on broadly distributed streaming services – the ESPN App for all ABC/ESPN games, Peacock for all NBCUniversal games and Prime Video for all Amazon games.

    Season-long national games:

    • Monday: Peacock/NBCSN
    • Tuesday: NBC/Peacock
    • Wednesday: ESPN
    • * Thursday: Prime Video
    • Friday: Prime Video & ESPN*
    • * Saturday: Prime Video (afternoon games) & ESPN/ABC (night games)
    • * Sunday: ESPN/ABC (afternoon games) & NBC/Peacock (night games)

    * = starting midseason

    Let’s dive deeper into each of the three broadcast partners for more on their game schedules and presentations, from studio show hosts and analysts to who will call the action on play-by-play and in-game analysis.

    NBC, Peacock & NBC Sports Network

    Cue the iconic “Roundball Rock” theme song for a new season of the NBA on NBC, beginning with a season-opening tripleheader on Oct. 20. The 2026-27 campaign tips off with a matinee matchup between East rivals Boston and Detroit, followed by banner night at Madison Square Garden as the 2025-26 champion Knicks celebrate their title before taking on LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and the new-look 76ers.

    Capping off the opening night of the season is a rematch of last year’s thrilling seven-game Western Conference Finals between the Spurs and Thunder. Tune in early as NBC will air live team introductions, bringing the excitement of the arena right into every fan’s home.

    • Regular game nights: Monday, Tuesday and Sunday (beginning Jan. 24)
    • Marquee games: Season-opening tripleheader, Holiday Hoops series, MLK Day quadrupleheader, Presidents’ Day quadrupleheader
    • Marquee event: NBA All-Star (Rising Stars, All-Star Saturday Night, All-Star Game)
    • Full schedule: Every NBA game on NBC & Peacock in 2026-27

    Peacock NBA Monday: Starting Oct. 26, Peacock will stream up to two games on Monday nights throughout the regular season, concluding April 5. A 30-minute studio program will lead into game coverage each Monday night, with all games featuring the critically acclaimed “On the Bench” production format. These exclusive matchups will also be available on NBC Sports Network.

    Coast 2 Coast Tuesday: Beginning Oct. 27, Tuesday nights will feature doubleheaders on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be presented to NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game to NBC stations in the Pacific and Mountain time zones. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock with a 30-minute studio program leading into coverage on Peacock.

    Sunday Night Basketball: Launching Jan. 24, Sundays will feature primetime hoops on NBC and Peacock through April 4 – except for Feb. 14 and 21 – and include seven doubleheaders. A one-hour, on-site studio program will lead into game coverage each week on NBC and Peacock.

    Holiday Hoops: NBC Sports will present seven games across four nights during the holiday season from Dec. 21-29. Six games will be on NBC/Peacock, with doubleheaders on Tuesday, Dec, 22, Monday, Dec. 28 and Tuesday, Dec. 29. Holiday Hoops begins on Dec. 21 with an Eastern Conference Finals rematch between the Knicks and Cavaliers exclusively on Peacock/NBCSN.

    NBA All-Star 2027: As the exclusive home of NBA All-Star (Feb. 19-21), Peacock will stream the Castrol Rising Stars, while NBC/Peacock will present State Farm All-Star Saturday Night and the NBA All-Star Game from Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix.

    NBC and Peacock’s coverage will feature some new and some familiar voices on game calls and the studio shows breaking down all of the action.

    • Play-by-play announcers: Mike Tirico, Noah Eagle, Terry Gannon, Michael Grady, and Jason Benetti
    • Game analysts: Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Robbie Hummel, Austin Rivers, Brad Daugherty, and Derek Fisher
    • Studio show hosts: Maria Taylor and Ahmed Fareed
    • Studio show analysts: Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Brian Scalabrine
    • Courtside reporters: Zora Stephenson, Ashley ShahAhmadi, Jordan Cornette, and John Fanta
    • NBA Insiders: Grant Liffmann and Chris Mannix

    ABC & ESPN

    NBA coverage on ESPN and ABC returns for a 25th straight season, beginning with a pair of Opening Week doubleheaders.

    On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the Wolves will visit the Heat in the debut games of LaMelo Ball and Giannis Antetokounmpo with their respective new teams, followed by the Lakers hosting the Warriors. On Thursday, Oct. 22, LeBron’s new team faces his first team when the Sixers host the Cavs, followed by a clash of the last two players to earn Kia MVP honors as Denver’s Nikola Jokić visits OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

    • Regular game nights: Wednesday & Friday* (ESPN), Saturday* & Sunday* (ESPN & ABC)
    • Marquee games: NBA on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Eve tripleheader
    • Marquee event: Home of the NBA Finals and Western Conference Finals
    • New platform: All games will be available on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service
    • Full schedule: Every NBA game on ABC & ESPN in 2026-27
      * = Beginning midseason

    Wednesday ESPN doubleheaders: The NBA on Wednesday nights have been a staple on ESPN for years and will continue with doubleheaders throughout the regular season. The network will also air three Emirates NBA Cup 2026 Group Play games the day before Thanksgiving on Nov. 25: Heat at 76ers, Timberwolves at Thunder and Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers. On Feb. 3, the Pistons will host the Knicks in the second-annual NBA Pioneers Classic, honoring the legacy of the league’s first Black players.

    Friday ESPN doubleheaders: Beginning in January, ESPN will air select Friday night doubleheaders. The Jan. 22 doubleheader will showcase two 2026 playoff rematches as the Knicks visit the Atlanta Hawks and the Spurs host the Timberwolves . On Jan. 29 during AWS NBA Rivals Week, the Cavaliers will visit the Toronto Raptors in a rematch of their 2026 First Round series, followed by the Timberwolves hosting the Hornets.

    NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC: Entering its 12th season, NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC presents the premier national game of the week, beginning on Saturday, Dec. 12 when the defending champion New York Knicks visit the Miami Heat. The marquee franchise will also feature a Rivals Week quadrupleheader on Jan. 30 featuring 76ers at Heat, Nuggets at Thunder, Spurs at Warriors and Lakers at Knicks.

    NBA Sunday Showcase on ABC: ABC is the destination for marquee matchups during three Sunday afternoon doubleheaders in February and March. The first will take place on Feb. 28, when the Spurs host the Nuggets at Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and the Lakers visit the Dallas Mavericks.

    Information regarding ESPN’s NBA studio pre- and postgame programming lineup, including “Inside the NBA,” “NBA Tip-Off” and “NBA Countdown” will be announced at a later date.

    Prime Video

    Prime Video opens its second season of NBA coverage at TD Garden on Friday, Oct. 23 when the Celtics host the defending champion Knicks in the opening game of a doubleheader, followed by the Rockets visiting the Spurs in Austin, Texas.

    • Regular game nights: Friday, with Thursday* & Saturday* coming in January
    • Marquee games: NBA Cup Knockouts & Championship, Black Friday doubleheader, NBA Global Games
    • Global Games in Europe (Jan. 14 in Paris, Jan. 17 in Manchester)
    • Marquee events: Home of the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament and Eastern Conference Finals
    • Full Schedule: Every NBA game on Prime Video in 2026-27

    * = Beginning midseason

    Emirates NBA Cup Group Play: Prime Video will stream 66 regular-season games this season, including 10 during Group Play of the Emirates NBA Cup – with doubleheaders on five consecutive Fridays beginning on Oct. 30 through Nov. 27.

    Emirates NBA Cup 2026 Knockout Rounds: Once Group Play is complete with eight teams advancing to the Knockout Rounds, coverage will be exclusive to Prime Video featuring the single-elimination Quarterfinals (Dec. 4 & 5) and Semifinals (Dec. 8 and/or Dec. 9), culminating in the NBA Cup Championship Game on Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

    Global Games: Prime Video will stream the NBA Paris Game 2027 presented by Tissot on Thursday, Jan. 14 and the NBA Manchester Game 2027 on Sunday, Jan. 17, both between the Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans. After Victor Wembanyama’s homecoming in Paris, the teams will play in the NBA’s first regular-season game in Manchester, England.

    Thursday Doubleheaders: Beginning in January, Prime Video will stream Thursday night doubleheaders, including a pair of must-see return games as Jaylen Brown returns to Boston to face the Celtics with the 76ers on Jan. 21, and Giannis Antetokounmpo returns to Milwaukee to meet the Bucks with the Heat on Jan. 28 during AWS NBA Rivals Week.

    Saturdays On Prime: Select Saturday afternoon games will stream on Prime Video beginning in February. Marquee games include Ja Morant returning to Memphis to face the Grizzlies with the Blazers on Feb. 6, as well as the first regular-season matchup between the top two picks in the 2026 NBA Draft with No. 1 AJ Dybantsa and the Wizards visiting No. 2 Darryn Peterson and the Utah Jazz.

    SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament: Prime Video is not only home to the conclusion of the Emirates NBA Cup, it is also the exclusive home of the beginning of the NBA postseason, with all six games of the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament 2027, which will determine the seventh and eighth playoff seeds in each conference.

    Wraparound coverage begins 30 minutes before every game night with “NBA on Prime Pregame” live from Amazon MGM Studios in Culver City, followed by “The Half” at halftime. Each night will culminate with “NBA Nightcap,” a one-hour postgame show. Between doubleheaders, Prime will bridge games with “The Crossover.”

    NBA League Pass

    Out-of-market and non-nationally broadcast games are available to watch on NBA League Pass, which is available for subscription purchase and viewing on NBA.com and via the NBA App. Check out all of the available plans here.