The NBA set updated schedules, roster notes and broadcast details for the 2026 Summer League with the California Classic running July 3–6 in San Francisco and Sacramento, the Salt Lake City Summer League in Utah, and the main Las Vegas showcase on July 9–19. The California Classic features seven teams across the Chase Center and Golden 1 Center, followed by six teams in Salt Lake City and all 30 teams in Las Vegas.
This matters because the Summer League is a live testing ground for new rules and a first look at rookies, two-way signees and undrafted standouts who can earn contracts before training camp. Updated viewing options on ESPN platforms, NBA TV League Pass and Prime Video expand access as key matchups roll out from July 3 through July 19. Last updated: July 4, 2026.
California Classic schedule and matchups (July 3–6)
The California Classic opened with headline games including Heat vs. Spurs on July 3 and a prime-time Lakers vs. Warriors meeting on July 3 at 7:30 p.m. PT. Additional fixtures highlighted Lakers vs. Warriors Gold later that evening, Bucks vs. Warriors Blue on July 4, plus Nets vs. Kings and Heat vs. Lakers on July 5, giving scouts and fans a compact slate across the two Bay Area and Sacramento arenas.
Seven franchises are competing in this phase, with games split between San Francisco’s Chase Center and Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. The event serves as a ramp-up to Las Vegas and a live environment for testing simplified free throws and connected basketballs. The focus is on early chemistry and role definition as lineups rotate through development minutes across the four-day slate.
Rosters and players to watch: Lakers, Warriors, Heat and more
The Los Angeles Lakers’ summer roster brought together returnees and newcomers: Adou Thiero made his summer debut after last year’s injury, alongside first-round pick Cameron Carr and two-way additions Peter Suder and AK Okereke. The group is being coached by Ty Abbott, an assistant to JJ Redick, with an eye on earning roles either with the Lakers’ system or a two-way slot as the evaluation window progresses.
Golden State’s entry featured NCAA champion Yaxel Lendeborg, while the Sacramento Kings introduced guard Darius Acuff Jr. The Brooklyn Nets showcased Mikel Brown Jr., and the Atlanta Hawks brought Kingston Flemings. The Miami Heat highlighted Myron Gardner and rookie Ryan Conwell, with Jahmir Young, Tre Donaldson and Keyshawn Hall also in the mix. Additional Heat names included Vlad Goldin, Meechie Johnson, Ian Schieffin, Tre White and Trevor Keels.
Salt Lake City Summer League: prospects, venue and rule tests
In Utah, the Salt Lake City Summer League staged games at the University of Utah’s Jon M. Huntsman Center with six teams participating. The field included top prospects such as Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 draft pick, and Ace Bailey, last year’s No. 5 pick, alongside Oklahoma City’s 7-foot-3 rookie Aday Mara and Memphis wing GG Jackson. The event’s track record includes future NBA contributors, making it a key stop for front offices.
Salt Lake City continued the league’s controlled trials of the simplified free-throw rule—a single attempt counting for multiple potential points—and connected basketballs that feed officiating data. The feedback loop from these controlled environments is used to refine future refereeing and timing protocols ahead of any regular-season consideration, with players adapting to tempo and decision-making under the modified conditions.
Las Vegas main event (July 9–19) and broadcast guide
All 30 NBA teams converge in Las Vegas from July 9 to 19 for the primary Summer League tournament, extending the evaluation window with consecutive games that crystallize depth charts and two-way decisions. This is where rotations tighten, rookie usage scales up, and coaching staffs stress-test plays and matchups against a full league cross-section.
Coverage spans ESPNESPN2ESPNUNBA TV the ESPN app, DIRECTV and fubo, with select games on Prime Video. For the California Classic specifically, games are available on NBA TV, League Pass and Prime Video, complementing the broader ESPN portfolio. Fans can track tip times across these platforms, with national feeds balancing marquee rookies and competitive pairings.
Why this stretch matters for teams and players
For rookies and undrafted invitees, these games are a first controlled test of NBA pace length and scheme discipline. For teams, the two weeks provide live data on lineup combinations, defensive communication and spacing under the shot clock. Early reads from California and Salt Lake City inform role prioritization in Las Vegas, where the volume of possessions offers a stronger sample for personnel decisions.
The integrated rules testing also shapes organizational planning. If the single free throw and connected ball implementations scale, front offices will adjust late-game math, substitution patterns and challenge strategies. The Summer League’s structure—short turnarounds, neutral floors and diverse opponents—accelerates that learning curve while showcasing prospects under consistent broadcast scrutiny.
Key dates, venues and participation overview
California Classic dates run July 3–6 across Chase Center (San Francisco) and Golden 1 Center (Sacramento), featuring seven teams and multiple back-to-backs. The Salt Lake City Summer League follows in the Utah mountains at the Jon M. Huntsman Center with six teams and a condensed slate tailored to prospect evaluation. Las Vegas completes the circuit July 9–19 with all 30 teams participating in a comprehensive competition format.
Among the notable names: Yaxel Lendeborg (Warriors), Darius Acuff Jr. (Kings), Mikel Brown Jr. (Nets), Kingston Flemings (Hawks), and Lakers prospects Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, Peter Suder and AK Okereke under coach Ty Abbott. Miami’s pool includes Myron Gardner, Ryan Conwell, Jahmir Young, Tre Donaldson and Keyshawn Hall, with additional depth from Vlad Goldin, Meechie Johnson, Ian Schieffin, Tre White and Trevor Keels. These rotations will continue to evolve as the calendar moves to Las Vegas.
