The NBA has yet to release its schedule for the upcoming season, and Commissioner Adam Silver says LeBron James’ free-agency decision is one of the main reasons.
Speaking at the 2026 CNBC Sport and Boardroom Game Plan Summit during Fanatics Fest in New York, Silver explained that James’ next team will help determine some of the league’s biggest games.
“We have to finish up the schedule and where LeBron plays affects the schedule… It will influence how we set the schedule – opening week, Christmas. So I need him to make a decision,” Silver said.
James became the biggest name on the free-agent market after informing the Los Angeles Lakers he would not return for the 2026-27 season.
The Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers have all been mentioned as possible landing spots for the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Last season, the 41-year-old averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists while shooting 51.5 percent from the field.
James also attended Fanatics Fest, where he confirmed that a decision on his future is expected soon, although he did not reveal which team he plans to join.
Adam Silver says LeBron James free-agency stall affects NBA schedule https://t.co/k8xHb3pcEK pic.twitter.com/GNlJlt9jQ7
— New York Post (@nypost) July 17, 2026
