LeBron James’ arrival set to max out 76ers’ national TV schedule

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NBA fans are going to be seeing a lot more of the 76ers whether they like it or not.

Philadelphia is expected to get the maximum amount of national television games allowed after the team signed LeBron James to a two-year, $8 million deal, sources have told Front Office Sports.

The 76ers played in 14 national TV games last season — a total they’ll more than double in 2026-27 at 34 games.

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) dribbles with the ball around Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Following along the NBA’s current 11-year, $76 billion media right deal, each of the league’s 30 teams is given at least two national game broadcasts per season.

Each year those with the biggest stars see more come their way, including hitting the 34-game maximum.

In 2025, one of those teams proved to be the eventual NBA champion Knicks, who play in the country’s biggest TV market. Behind them were James’ former team, the Lakers, Steph Curry and the Warriors and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s defending champion Thunder.

At the bottom of the barrel with the minimum two-game requirement sat the Nets, Raptors, Wizards, Jazz and Pelicans.

Additionally, the 76ers should be at the forefront of big events throughout the season including opening week and in the NBA’s five-game slate on Christmas Day.

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers smile before the game on February 5, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NBAE via Getty Images
VJ Edgecombe #77, Tyrese Maxey #0, Justin Edwards #11, and Adem Bona #30 of the Philadelphia 76ers react against the Orlando Magic at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 27, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Getty Images

At a CNBC press conference, league commissioner Adam Silver stated the NBA couldn’t nail down the upcoming schedule without knowing where James would land.

The 41-year-old made his long-awaited decision to head to Philly on Friday, calling it his “last decision” and one that he made because he wanted to “work” and “sacrifice” towards another championship with a fourth team.

Last year, the 76ers finished with a 45-37 record and were swept by the Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Now with James, the 76ers have elevated their threat level in the East, adding Jaylen Brown to a core of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe.

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