The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament takes place from Tuesday 14 April to Friday 17 April, with eight teams across both conferences battling for the final two playoff spots. Broadcast exclusively on Prime Video, the Play-In pits the 7th to 10th seeds in each conference against one another in a high-stakes mini-tournament that determines who advances to the NBA Playoffs proper.
What is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The NBA Play-In Tournament is a postseason competition that determines the 7th and 8th seeds in each conference’s playoff bracket. Teams finishing the regular season ranked 7th through 10th in the Eastern and Western Conference standings qualify for the Play-In, which uses the Page-McIntyre system to give higher-seeded teams a double chance at advancement.
The format works as follows in each conference: the 7th seed hosts the 8th seed, with the winner securing the No. 7 playoff spot outright. Separately, the 9th seed hosts the 10th seed in an elimination game. The loser of the 7-vs-8 matchup then hosts the winner of the 9-vs-10 game for the final remaining playoff berth as the No. 8 seed. This creates six games across both conferences over four days.
When is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament runs from Tuesday 14 April to Friday 17 April 2026. Games take place on 14, 15, and 17 April, with the first round of the NBA Playoffs beginning on Saturday 18 April. Tip-off times are typically scheduled in the evening (Eastern Time), with two games per broadcast night.
Where is the NBA Play-In Tournament?
Play-In games are hosted by the higher-seeded team in each matchup, meaning venues vary depending on the final regular season standings. In the 7-vs-8 and 9-vs-10 games, the higher seed has home court advantage. For the decisive third game in each conference, the loser of the 7-vs-8 contest hosts. All games take place at the home arenas of the respective NBA franchises involved.
Key Contenders
Based on current 2025-26 standings, the Eastern Conference Play-In features the Philadelphia 76ers (7th), Charlotte Hornets (8th), Orlando Magic (9th), and Miami Heat (10th). In the West, the Phoenix Suns (7th), Portland Trail Blazers (8th), LA Clippers (9th), and Golden State Warriors (10th) are set to contest the final playoff places.
The Miami Heat have the most Play-In experience of any franchise, with four wins across six appearances since the tournament’s inception. They famously reached the 2023 NBA Finals after entering as a Play-In qualifier, and in 2025 became only the second 10th seed ever to advance through the entire tournament. The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, have previous Play-In pedigree from Stephen Curry’s memorable 2021 performance. All eight teams will be desperate to secure postseason basketball, making this one of the most competitive Play-In fields to date.
How to Watch
The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament is broadcast exclusively on Prime Video in the United States, covering all six games across the three matchdays. This is part of Amazon’s landmark 11-year global media rights agreement with the NBA, which began in the 2025-26 season.
Internationally, Prime Video holds exclusive Play-In broadcast rights in most territories worldwide, with exceptions for Greater China, Poland, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands. In the UK and Ireland, viewers can stream all Play-In games through Prime Video, which is included with an Amazon Prime membership. NBA League Pass remains available as an alternative for comprehensive NBA coverage, though blackout restrictions may apply to certain games.
History and Records
The Play-In Tournament debuted during the 2019-20 season as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 bubble, initially involving only the 8th and 9th seeds. The expanded format featuring seeds 7 through 10 was introduced for the 2020-21 season and made permanent on 22 July 2022. Jayson Tatum holds the single-game scoring record with 50 points against Washington on 18 May 2021. Historically, 7th seeds have the strongest record at 8-2, while 10th seeds have managed just one successful run through the entire tournament. The 2022-23 Miami Heat remain the most successful Play-In qualifier in NBA history, reaching the Finals despite entering through the tournament.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for each Play-In game are sold through the host team’s official channels and via Ticketmaster, the NBA’s official ticketing partner. Prices vary significantly depending on the market, with entry-level tickets typically starting from around $80-$100 and premium courtside seats commanding considerably higher prices. Secondary market platforms such as SeatGeek and TickPick also list Play-In tickets. As venues are only confirmed once the regular season concludes, fans should monitor their team’s official website for on-sale dates and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the NBA Play-In Tournament start?
The 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament begins on Tuesday 14 April, with games also scheduled for 15 and 17 April.
Where is the NBA Play-In Tournament being held?
Games are held at the home arenas of the higher-seeded teams in each matchup, with venues confirmed after the regular season ends.
How can I watch the NBA Play-In Tournament?
All six Play-In games are broadcast exclusively on Prime Video in the US and most international markets, including the UK.
Who won the NBA Play-In Tournament last year?
In 2025, the Miami Heat notably advanced as a 10th seed, becoming only the second team at that seeding to make it through the entire Play-In Tournament.