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The countdown to tip-off is officially underway as the NBA prepares to celebrate the start of the 2026-27 NBA season with an NBA Fan Box activation at Nelson Mandela Square in Sandton.
The NBA Fan Box has transformed parts of Nelson Mandela Square into an immersive basketball destination where fans can showcase their team pride, participate in challenges and celebrate the start of the new season. Open through opening night on Tuesday, Oct. 20, the activation features interactive basketball experiences, including shooting challenges, gaming and Old School merchandise.
This season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory, featuring All-Star players on new teams, championship contenders reloaded with new talent, emerging young stars ready to take center stage, and more opportunities than ever for African fans to follow the action live – 75 games this season are scheduled in African primetime viewing windows, providing fans across the continent with unprecedented access to live NBA action.
Fansin South Africa can catch opening-night action live on SuperSport, beginning at 9 p.m. CAT when Jayson Tatum and the 18-time NBA champion Boston Celtics visit Cade Cunningham and the three-time NBA champion Detroit Pistons.
The opening night will also feature other marquee matchups, with Jalen Brunson and the defending NBA champion New York Knicks hosting LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers at 1 a.m. CAT, followed by Victor Wembanyama and the five-time NBA champion San Antonio Spurs taking on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the 2025 NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder at 3:30 a.m. CAT.
Fans can join the celebration by posting a photo wearing an NBA jersey from any era and tagging their favorite NBA team or player for a chance to be featured across league and team social media channels. NBA Jersey Day has become a global fan tradition that celebrates the passion, culture and community connecting NBA fans in South Africa and around the world.
Fans in Johannesburg will also have the chance to secure access to an exclusive NBA Tip-Off Watch Party in Sandton on Tuesday, Oct. 20. To enter:
- Visit the NBA Start of Season activation at Nelson Mandela Square.
- Take a photo at the activation.
- Post the photo on Instagram.
- Tag @NBAAfricaOfficial and use #NBAAfricaSOSJoburg.
Head of NBA South Africa Zeph Masote: “Basketball culture continues to grow in South Africa, and the start of the NBA season is a great opportunity to bring that community together,” said Zeph Masote, NBA South Africa Head. “We’re excited to welcome fans to Nelson Mandela Square to celebrate their favorite teams and players, connect with other fans and experience the excitement of NBA Tip-Off.”
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