New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- NEW YORK - The season hasn't started. The schedule hasn't been released. But the NBA's 2026-27 campaign already has its defining question, one answered in July when LeBron James agreed to accept $3.8 million to play for the Philadelphia 76ers. That sum is less than the $4 million he earned as a 19-year-old in his first professional season.

Everything in Thursday's schedule announcement flows from that financial decision.

The NBA confirmed it will release the 2026-27 regular season schedule Thursday, with the Christmas Day slate and opening night matchups among the most anticipated reveals. Oklahoma City circulated its preseason schedule Monday, and teams across the league have autumn itineraries in hand. What the r...