The NBA is targeting Tuesday, December 22nd for the start of the 20-21 season with a 72-game regular season that finishes before the 2021 Olympics begin on July 23rd. The league has started the season on a Tuesday in recent years with a doubleheader on TNT. Christmas Day falls on a Friday this year and would likely feature a full slate of games throughout the day on ABC, ESPN and TNT.
Beginning the 20-21 season around Christmas Day would allow the league to return to a semi-normal schedule while potentially allowing stars to play in the Olympics.
“It may be too quick, but it also makes too much sense,” one high-ranking team official told The Athletic.
The NBA still prefers in-market play for the 20-21 season instead of a bubble or multiple bubbles.
There has been more support for a quicker than previously planned turnaround because it allows the league to return to its typical schedule and will generate more revenue.
