New York Knicks Opening Night 2026: Date, Tickets, Time and More
The New York Knicks opening night 2026 is Tuesday, October 20, at 7 p.m. ET. The Knicks will host the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden and raise their championship banner before tip-off.
This is a big night for Knicks fans. The team won its first title in 53 years last season. Now they get their rings in front of the home crowd. And they open against a new-look Sixers team featuring LeBron James. Here is everything you need to know.
New York Knicks Opening Night 2026 Tickets
Tickets are expensive. The cheapest seats started at over $1,000 on Ticketmaster .
Here is what prices looked like when tickets went on sale:
| Section | Price |
|---|---|
| Section 418 (upper deck) | $1,039.50 |
| 300 level | Around $1,550 |
| 200 level | Over $2,000 |
| Courtside | $27,000 to $53,000 |
The average ticket price is over $2,500 . Some resale sites had get-in prices near $2,000 before the team released its own tickets . This is the most expensive opening night in NBA history .
Where to buy: Ticketmaster is the official seller. Resale sites like StubHub and SeatGeek may have options too. But expect to pay a premium.
Read More: New York Knicks Latest News Today: Offseason Updates
What Happens on Opening Night?
- The Knicks will hold a championship banner ceremony before the game .
- They will receive their NBA championship rings .
- The banner will go up in the rafters at MSG. This is the first time since 1973 the Knicks have done this .
- Then they play the 76ers. It is a real game. Not just a celebration .
Why This Game Matters?
The Knicks are the defending champions. They beat the Spurs in five games last June .
- Now they open against a team that got a lot better. The 76ers added LeBron James in the offseason . They also have Jaylen Brown .
- So this is not an easy first game. The Knicks want to start the season with a win. But the Sixers want to spoil the party.
- Jalen Brunson is back. So are Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby . The starting five returns intact.
How to Watch?
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
- Radio: Knicks radio network (check local listings)
The game is nationally televised. You do not need a cable subscription to watch on Peacock. But you do need an account.
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Other Key Knicks Home Games
Opening night is not the only big game. Here are other dates to mark on your calendar:
| Date | Opponent | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 20 | 76ers | Ring night. LeBron's debut |
| Nov. 22 | Pacers | Haliburton's return to MSG |
| Nov. 27 | Heat | Giannis visits with Miami |
| Dec. 25 | Spurs | NBA Finals rematch |
| Jan. 18 | Timberwolves | MLK Day game |
| March 14 | Celtics | Mitchell Robinson returns |
Final Thoughts
Knicks opening night 2026 is a celebration. The team waited 53 years for a title. Now they get to raise the banner in front of the home crowd.
The date is October 20. The time is 7 p.m. ET. The opponent is the Sixers. Tickets are costly. But if you can afford it, it is a night you will not forget.
If you cannot make it to the Garden, watch on NBC or Peacock. The ceremony alone is worth tuning in for. Then stick around for the game. The Knicks have a title to defend.
FAQs
1. When is Knicks opening night 2026?
Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden .
2. Who do the Knicks play on opening night?
The Philadelphia 76ers. It is LeBron James's first game with Philly .
3. How much are Knicks opening night tickets?
The cheapest tickets started around $1,000. Average prices are over $2,500 .
4. What time does the game start?
7 p.m. ET. The banner ceremony happens before tip-off .
5. How can I watch the game?
It airs on NBC and streams on Peacock .
6. Will the Knicks get their rings that night?
Yes. The championship ring ceremony happens before the game .
7. Is the banner going up?
Yes. Right into the rafters. First time since 1973.
8. What channel is it on?
NBC. You can stream it on Peacock too.
9. Do I need cable to watch?
No. Peacock works without cable. Just make an account.
10. Why does this game matter so much?
The Knicks waited 53 years for a title. Now they get to celebrate in front of the home crowd. That does not happen often. Fans have waited their whole lives for this.
