The NBA will pause its game schedule on Election Day, November 3, 2026, continuing a practice of keeping the night free of games to encourage civic participation. The NHL, by contrast, will proceed with its regular slate of games on the same day.
The decision reflects differing approaches by the two major North American professional leagues regarding the federal election calendar. The NBA has previously cleared its schedule for Election Day in recent cycles, while the NHL has typically maintained its normal programming.
No games are scheduled for the NBA on Tuesday, November 3, while NHL teams will play as usual. The NBA's pause applies to the entire league for the day.
