Spurs Schedule: Christmas Finals Rematch & an Austin Twist
The San Antonio Spurs’ 2025-26 Schedule: A Simple Guide for New Fans
Welcome to your easy-to-read guide to the San Antonio Spurs’ upcoming season! Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just getting into basketball, this breakdown will help you understand the big games, the travel adventures, and the drama surrounding the team. Think of this as your season roadmap.
The Big Picture: What’s New This Year?
The NBA released the full schedule on Thursday, and for the Spurs, it’s packed with exciting matchups, international trips, and lots of national TV time. Here are the headlines:
- Opening Night Showdown: Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder — one of the league’s hottest new rivalries.
- Christmas Day Special: A finals rematch against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
- World Tour: Games in Paris and Manchester, England.
- Austin Takeover: Three games in the Texas capital, including one during Formula 1 weekend.
- National TV Darlings: The Spurs are on national TV 34 times — tied for the most in the league.
- Arena Drama: A big vote in San Antonio could decide the team’s long-term home.
Key Matchups You Can’t Miss
1. Opening Night: Spurs vs. Thunder
- When: Opening night, 9:30 p.m. ET on NBC
- Why it matters: These two young, exciting teams battled hard last year. Now they kick off the season in the late national spotlight.
- Other meetings: Feb. 11 (away), March 14 (away), plus a possible NBA Cup game in December if both teams get eliminated early.
2. Christmas Day: Spurs vs. Knicks
- When: Dec. 25, 12:00 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden (New York)
- Why it matters: Rematch of the NBA Finals! The Spurs won the title last year, and this is the first time they face the Knicks since.
- Second meeting: March 7 in San Antonio.
3. The "Wemby vs. Draymond" Rematch
- When: Nov. 13 (NBA Cup game in San Antonio)
- Backstory: Last year, Victor Wembanyama threw a massive alley-oop dunk over Draymond Green, then they stared each other down. It went viral.
- Bonus: They play again Jan. 30 during "NBA Rivals Week." The league officially calls this a rivalry now.
The Spurs Go Global: Paris & Manchester
After a game in Atlanta on Jan. 10, the Spurs fly across the Atlantic for the NBA Global Games:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Jan. 14 | New Orleans Pelicans | Paris, France |
| Jan. 16 | New Orleans Pelicans | Manchester, England |
Fun Fact: This helps the NBA grow internationally — and gives Spurs fans in Europe a chance to see Victor Wembanyama (a French superstar) play "at home."
Three Games in Austin — Including F1 Weekend!
The Spurs are playing three games at the Moody Center in Austin this year — part of their push to grow fans in Central Texas.
Game 1: Oct. 23 vs. Houston Rockets — During F1 Weekend!
- What’s happening: The Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix is in Austin on Oct. 25.
- Also that weekend: University of Texas football hosts Ole Miss.
- Star power: Kevin Durant (Rockets) is a UT legend. Matthew McConaughey might be courtside.
- Why it matters: Huge crowds, big energy, major exposure.
Games 2 & 3: After All-Star Break (Feb. 26 & 28)
- Feb. 26 vs. Memphis Grizzlies
- Feb. 28 vs. Denver Nuggets — on ABC at noon CT
Important Context: These Austin games happen while San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is pushing to reapprove $489 million for a new Spurs arena. The City Council votes Monday on putting it on the November ballot. Some worry a "no" vote could push the team to Austin — but CEO RC Buford says: "San Antonio is home."
National TV Kings: 34 Games on Big Networks
The Spurs are tied for the most national TV games in the NBA (34), matching the:
- New York Knicks (defending champs)
- Philadelphia 76ers (LeBron James’ new team)
- Los Angeles Lakers (Sandro Mamukelashvili’s new team)
The Second-Half Surge
- 25 of their last 41 games are nationally televised.
- Only team with two separate stretches of 4 straight national games.
- Networks: ABC, NBC, Prime Video — so you can watch almost anywhere.
NBA Cup Schedule: Familiar Foes, Tough Group
The Spurs are in a deep, competitive group — but they’re favored to reach the knockout stage.
| Date | Opponent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 13 | Golden State Warriors | Rematch of Wemby-Draymond staredown |
| Nov. 25 | Portland Trail Blazers | Spurs beat them in Cup last year; Wemby led playoff sweep |
| TBD | Los Angeles Lakers | Home game vs. Luka Dončić & LeBron’s new team |
What is the NBA Cup? A mid-season tournament where teams play group games, then top teams advance to single-elimination knockout rounds. It counts toward the regular season record and has a separate trophy + prize money.
The Brutal February: Rodeo Road Trip
Every year, the Spurs leave San Antonio for weeks because the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo takes over their arena. This year’s trip is especially rough:
6 Games in 2 Weeks (All on the Road)
| Date | Opponent | Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb. 9 | Dallas Mavericks | NBC | Texas rivalry |
| Feb. 11 | Oklahoma City Thunder | Prime Video | 2nd meeting of year |
| Feb. 13 | Orlando Magic | — | |
| Feb. 15 | Miami Heat | NBC | Presidents’ Day vs. Giannis Antetokounmpo |
| Feb. 17 | Memphis Grizzlies | — | |
| Feb. 18 | Minnesota Timberwolves | — | Back-to-back (two nights in a row) |
Only 2 home games in February: vs. Magic (Feb. 4) and vs. Lakers (Feb. 6, ABC Saturday primetime).
Post-All-Star: Austin, Then More Travel
After the All-Star break (where Spurs coaches can’t coach again — league rule prevents back-to-back years):
- Straight to Austin for 2 games (Grizzlies, Nuggets)
- Road trip: Denver → Houston
- First home game in a month: March 7 vs. Knicks (finals rematch!)
- Then: March 11 vs. 76ers (Prime), March 14 at Thunder (ABC Sunday), then at Rockets.
Important Callouts
ARENA FUNDING VOTE MONDAY
The San Antonio City Council votes Monday on whether to put the $489M arena reauthorization on the November ballot. A "no" vote could risk relocation talks — but the team insists San Antonio remains home.WEMBY IS THE FACE OF THE LEAGUE
Victor Wembanyama’s popularity = max national TV games, global trips, and prime-time showcases. The schedule is built around him.NBA CUP = EXTRA STAKES
These games count in standings and for a separate trophy. The Warriors & Blazers games are must-watch.
Summary: What You Need to Know
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Season Opener | vs. Thunder, Opening Night, 9:30 ET on NBC |
| Christmas Game | at Knicks, 12:00 ET, MSG (Finals rematch) |
| International Games | Jan. 14 (Paris) & Jan. 16 (Manchester) vs. Pelicans |
| Austin Games | Oct. 23 (vs. Rockets, F1 weekend), Feb. 26 & 28 |
| National TV Games | 34 total (tied for most), 25 in last 41 games |
| NBA Cup | vs. Warriors (Nov. 13), Blazers (Nov. 25), Lakers (home) |
| Toughest Stretch | Feb. 9–18: 6-game Rodeo Road Trip |
| Arena Vote | City Council decides Monday on $489M ballot measure |
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
1. Why does the Spurs play in Austin?
To grow their fanbase in Central Texas. The Moody Center (UT Austin’s arena) is modern and central. It’s also leverage in arena negotiations with San Antonio.
2. What is the NBA Cup? Is it real?
Yes! It’s an in-season tournament (groups → knockout). Games count in standings. Winners get a trophy, banner, and $500K per player. It’s become a big deal.
3. Why so many national TV games?
Victor Wembanyama. He’s a global superstar. Networks want him. The Spurs are must-watch TV.
4. Could the Spurs really move to Austin?
Technically possible if funding fails, but CEO RC Buford said "San Antonio is home." The Austin games are about expanding the brand, not replacing the home.
5. When’s the best time to see them live in San Antonio?
- Feb. 6 vs. Lakers (ABC, Saturday night)
- March 7 vs. Knicks (Finals rematch)
- March 11 vs. 76ers (Prime Video, LeBron’s new team)
Final Thought
This schedule tells a story: The Spurs are back on top, and the world wants to watch. From Paris to Austin, Christmas to the Rodeo Road Trip — it’s a season built for Victor Wembanyama’s rise and San Antonio’s pride.
Grab your calendar. Mark the big games. And get ready — the Silver & Black are must-see TV.
Go Spurs Go!