As reported, in 2027 the UK will get its very own NBA teams as part of the new NBA Europe competition. It is certainly possible that Birmingham receives one of those franchises, which would be a boon for the second city, given the fast-growing popularity of basketball in the country.
For now, though, Britain and Birmingham’s legions of NBA fans will still be looking across the Atlantic for the best basketball action. The 2025/26 NBA season is heading toward its climax, so we thought we would provide a primer for UK fans as the action heats up.
Where are we in the season?
We are coming toward the end of the regular season, with a handful of games left to play. Yet, it just so happens that the Playoff positions are almost done and dusted, so we have a fair idea of who will be there. The likes of the Oklahoma City Thunder (the defending champions), Detroit Pistons, LA Lakers and Boston Celtics stamped their passports weeks ago.
Playoff dates and structure
The NBA Playoffs are now split into two due to the introduction of the Play-In Games, which are basically playoffs to get into the Playoffs. The postseason proper will get underway on the 18th of April
Notable stories
There is a sense of “as you were” with many of the teams and players this season, with the likes of the Thunder and star player Shai Gilgeous Alexander drawing the eye in NBA betting and play player props bets, but there have been some other stories bubbling away: the arrival of the San Antonio Spurs to the elite; the Detroit Pistons surprising everyone in the Eastern Conference; the Boston Celtics defying predictions of a downturn.
Star Players
Gilgeous-Alexander is the toast of the NBA and looks a lock to win back-to-back MVPs, but there are others who can make a dent in the Playoffs. Lebron James has been rolling back the years recently, and he would love to guide the Lakers to a Championship. Jayson Tatum is back from injury and could be key to the Celtics’ hopes. And there is Cade Cunningham, who has truly emerged as a top-level star this season.
UK broadcasting
Sky Sports is the home of the NBA in the UK. It will be showing the majority of the Playoffs and NBA Finals. If you don’t want to add Sky, you can get Sky Sports content with NOW TV Passes. For fans who want all the action, the NBA Pass is the way to go, as it is a dedicated subscription service that shows every game live. Prices vary, but they can be affordable later in the season.
UK interest?
There aren’t too many Brits in the NBA, but some are making a splash. Most notably, there is OG Anunoby for the New York Knicks. The Londoner is a former NBA champion and is part of an exciting Knicks team that could go deep into the Playoffs.
One prediction for the Playoffs
Well, everyone expected the OKC to dominate again this season, yet we have a sneaking suspicion that they won’t make the Finals. Perhaps it will be the ultra-exciting young Spurs team that scuppers their chances of a repeat, or it might be the experienced Lakers, but it feels like something is needed to shake up this season, and a shock in the Western Conference might be it.