Hornets NBA Summer League 2026 Schedule Announced

The Hornets open play on Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. against a Southeast Division rival in the Orlando Magic, with the game broadcast on Prime.

2025 NBA Summer League - Memphis Grizzlies v Portland Trail Blazers — Source: Ethan Miller / Getty

Hornets NBA Summer League 2026 Schedule Announced

The Charlotte Hornets are heading back to Las Vegas with a title to defend. Fresh off their 2025 Summer League championship which was an 83-78 win over the Sacramento Kings behind rookie Kon Knueppel; the Hornets now know exactly who stands between them and a repeat.

The Hornets open play on Thursday, July 9, at 7:30 p.m. against a Southeast Division rival in the Orlando Magic, with the game broadcast on Prime. From there, Charlotte faces the Pelicans at Thomas & Mack Center on Saturday, July 11, at 4 p.m. on ESPN, before a quick turnaround brings a matchup with Boston on Sunday, July 12, at 5 p.m. on ESPN2. The Hornets close their four-game slate on Wednesday, July 15, at 7:30 p.m. against the Bucks, also airing on Prime.

Charlotte’s Schedule (Eastern Time):

July 9 vs. Orlando, 7:30 p.m. (Prime)
July 11 vs. New Orleans, 4:00 p.m. (ESPN)
July 12 vs. Boston, 5:00 p.m. (ESPN2)
July 15 vs. Milwaukee, 7:30 p.m. (Prime)

Every team plays at least five games at 2026 NBA Summer League, with the first four running July 9-16, followed by a semifinal doubleheader on July 18 and a championship game to close out the event on July 19. The full event returns to the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on the UNLV campus and features all 30 NBA teams over 11 days.

With Knueppel back in the fold and a full slate of divisional and marquee matchups on tap, Charlotte’s summer run should offer an early look at how last year’s breakout pieces fit into the bigger picture for 2026-27.