The 2026-27 NBA season kicked off Sept. 22 with media days for the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks, followed by the other 28 teams. Training camps began for most teams, with new faces like Le Bron James and Jaylen Brown in Philadelphia 76ers uniforms, and Giannis Antetokounmpo at his first media day away from Milwaukee.

ESPN's Shams Charania reported the NBA is reviewing finalist bids for a new expansion team in Las Vegas, with a speculated price range of $12-13 billion including a new arena. The three final groups are Nancy Walton Laurie and Bill Laurie; Steve Apostolopoulos and Marc Lasry; Bill Foley and Jerry Colangelo.

Joel Embiid was a "full participant" in the 76ers' first practice, according to coach Nick Nurse, who said Embiid "looked great." Despite missing 150 games over the last three seasons due to injuries, Embiid averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists and 1.2 blocks per game last season. Backup big man Adem Bona did not participate due to a sprained left foot.

Anfernee Simons, who signed a two-year, $12.3 million contract with Philadelphia in July, praised Embiid's work ethic. The 76ers' opening day was described as "exciting" by several players, with Nurse emphasizing the need for daily improvement to reach the team's potential.