Ben Cafardo of ESPN MediaZone reported Thursday that "Saturday Night NBA on ABC" will begin January 23, 2016.
The traditional Christmas Day doubleheader will precede the brand-new schedule, which can be viewed in the table below:
Friday, Dec. 25 2:30 p.m. NBA on Christmas Day
Friday, Dec. 25 5 p.m. NBA on Christmas Day
Saturday, Jan. 23 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night NBA
Saturday, Jan. 30 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night NBA
Sunday, Jan. 31 3:30 p.m. NBA Sunday Showcase
Sunday, Feb. 7 2 p.m. NBA Sunday Showcase
Saturday, Feb. 20 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night NBA
Sunday, Feb. 21 3:30 p.m. NBA Sunday Showcase
Saturday, Feb. 27 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night NBA
Saturday, Mar. 5 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night NBA
Sunday, Mar. 6 3:30 p.m. NBA Sunday Showcase
Saturday, Mar. 12 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night NBA
Sunday, Mar. 13 3:30 p.m. NBA Sunday Showcase
Saturday, Mar. 19 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night NBA
Sunday, Apr. 3 3:30 p.m. NBA Sunday Showcase
Saturday, Apr. 9 8:30 p.m. Saturday Night NBA
Thursday’s news release also featured a statement from ESPN president John Skipper:
"The creation of Saturday Night NBA on ABC is an important moment in the long, successful relationship between ESPN and the NBA. The NBA’s massive popularity continues to open doors for new, collaborative opportunities, and this new series demonstrates ESPN’s commitment to showcase the NBA as often – and across as many platforms – as possible. Saturday night games will be highlighted by the NBA’s biggest stars, top rivalries and most compelling storylines. We expect to establish this series as a big-game destination for NBA fans, along the lines of what we’ve accomplished in college football with Saturday Night Football on ABC."
It’s an exciting time in the NBA, with several teams entering next season as championship hopefuls.
By Glenn Erby
