LeBron James will make his Philadelphia 76ers home debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in an early reunion with the franchise that selected him first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft.
ESPN’s Malika Andrews announced the matchup Tuesday, August 11, 2026, as the league began unveiling its 2026-27 opening schedule.
Philadelphia will open the season on the road against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20, making the Cleveland fixture James’ first game in front of the 76ers’ home crowd.
The 41-year-old joined Philadelphia after announcing his decision on July 24 to leave the Los Angeles Lakers. The move became official on July 27, ending his eight-year spell in Los Angeles and taking him into his 24th NBA season with a fourth franchise.
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James spent his first seven seasons with Cleveland before joining the Miami Heat in 2010. He returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 and led the team to its first NBA championship two years later, overcoming a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the Finals.
He left Cleveland again in 2018 for the Lakers, winning his fourth championship with Los Angeles in 2020.
His arrival in Philadelphia comes as the 76ers reshape their roster, including the addition of Jaylen Brown alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
The October 22 meeting will add another chapter to James’ long relationship with Cleveland while launching his home career in Philadelphia.