NBA Summer League

Next dates: Not yet published by the organiser
Venue: Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion on the UNLV campus, 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy., Las Vegas, NV 89154
Organiser: National Basketball Association (NBA)
Who can attend: Open to the public with a ticket
Tickets: Sold through NBAEvents.com. For 2026, single-day tickets started at $40 for kids and seniors at the box office and $50 for adults.
Format (2026): 76 games over 11 days; every team plays at least five games, with semifinals and a championship game at the end
First held: 2004, with six teams playing 13 games
Attendance (2026): More than 156,000, a Summer League record according to the NBA
Official site: nba.com/summerleague

About

NBA Summer League is the league's July showcase for its newest talent, with players competing for opportunities and trying to make a name for themselves. Every NBA team takes part in Las Vegas, and games are played on the UNLV campus at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion.

The NBA says Summer League debuted in Las Vegas in 2004 with six teams playing 13 games, and has been held every year since except 2011 and 2020. The 2026 edition was the 21st, and the eighth straight with all 30 teams. A championship game was added in 2013.

Many of the league's biggest names played there before their rookie seasons. The NBA lists Kia MVP winners Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander among past Summer League players. The 2026 edition set records for attendance, at more than 156,000, and for merchandise sales.

What to expect

In 2026 each team played four games between July 9 and 16. The top four teams on record then met in semifinals on July 18 and the championship game on July 19, while the other 26 teams played a fifth consolation game between July 17 and 19. All 76 games were shown live on Prime Video or ESPN platforms.

Summer League games are shorter than regular-season games, with four 10-minute quarters, and players foul out on their 10th personal foul except in the semifinals and final.

The Thomas & Mack Center is on UNLV's Maryland campus, and UNLV lists the Gray Lot, the Scarlet Lot and the Tropicana Parking Garage nearby. Before Las Vegas, the NBA also runs smaller summer leagues in California and Salt Lake City; in 2026 those were July 3-6 and July 4-7.

More Las Vegas events

Plan the trip

Good to know

Bag policy at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion: clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags no larger than 12 x 6 x 12 inches, a one-gallon clear freezer bag, or a small clutch no larger than 8 x 11 inches. Backpacks, cinch bags, camera bags and computer bags are not allowed.
Fans with a bag that does not meet the policy are turned away before they reach the entrance, so leave other bags in the car or hotel.
Medically necessary items are allowed after inspection, and diapers can be carried in a clear bag.
Buy through the NBA's official channel, NBAEvents.com, or the box office; the 2026 kids and seniors price of $40 applied at the box office.

Questions about NBA Summer League

When is NBA Summer League 2027?

The NBA had not announced dates for the 2027 Las Vegas Summer League when this page was checked. The 2026 edition ran July 9-19 at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion on the UNLV campus. Check nba.com/summerleague for the 2027 announcement and schedule.

Where is NBA Summer League played in Las Vegas?

Games are played at the Thomas & Mack Center and the Pavilion on the University of Nevada, Las Vegas campus; UNLV gives the Thomas & Mack address as 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. UNLV lists nearby parking including the Gray Lot and the Tropicana Parking Garage.

How much are NBA Summer League tickets?

For the 2026 Las Vegas Summer League, the NBA said single-day tickets started at $40 for kids and seniors at the box office and $50 for adults. Tickets are sold through the NBA's official channel, NBAEvents.com. Prices for 2027 will be published once the NBA announces next year's dates and schedule.

Do all NBA teams play in Summer League?

Yes. All 30 NBA teams have played in Las Vegas every year since 2018, apart from the cancelled 2020 event. In 2026 each team played at least five games: four in the opening days, then either a playoff game for the top four or a consolation game for the other 26 teams.

When did NBA Summer League start in Las Vegas?

The NBA's Las Vegas Summer League debuted in 2004 with six teams, the Celtics, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Magic, Suns and Wizards, playing 13 games. It has been held every year since except 2011 and 2020, and the 2026 edition was the 21st. A championship game was introduced in 2013.

What bags can I bring to the Thomas & Mack Center?

The arena allows one clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bag up to 12 x 6 x 12 inches, or a one-gallon clear freezer bag, plus a small clutch up to 8 x 11 inches. Backpacks, cinch bags, briefcases, coolers, camera bags and computer bags are prohibited. Medically necessary items are allowed after inspection.