What are the key changes to the NBA's conference structure?

The NBA has evenly split all 30 teams into the Eastern and Western Conferences, with 15 teams in each. The top 6 teams from each conference will qualify directly for the playoffs, while the 7th to 10th place teams will compete in a play-in tournament for the final 2 playoff spots per conference.

How will the regular season schedule work for NBA teams?

During the 82-game regular season, teams will play their division rivals 4 times, 6 other conference opponents 4 times, and the remaining 4 conference opponents 3 times. They will also face all 15 teams in the opposing conference twice.

What is the format for the NBA playoffs?

The playoffs will be conference-specific, with all rounds being best-of-seven series. The winner of the Eastern Conference will face the winner of the Western Conference in the NBA Finals in June to determine the NBA champions.

Home / Sports / NBA Conferences Revamped for Thrilling Playoffs Ahead

NBA Conferences Revamped for Thrilling Playoffs Ahead

21 Oct

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Summary

30 NBA teams evenly split into Eastern and Western Conferences
Top 6 teams from each conference qualify directly for playoffs
Play-in tournament decides final 2 playoff spots per conference

NBA Conferences Revamped for Thrilling Playoffs Ahead

As of October 21st, 2025, the NBA has implemented a significant change to its conference structure. All 30 teams are now evenly divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences, with 15 teams in each.

During the regular season, which runs from October to April, each team will play 82 matches. The top 6 teams from each conference will automatically qualify for the NBA playoffs. The teams finishing 7th through 10th in each conference will then compete in a play-in tournament, with the winners securing the final two playoff spots.

Within each conference, there are also three divisions, with teams playing their division rivals four times during the regular season. They will also face the remaining 11 conference opponents either four or three times.

While the regular season features matchups between Eastern and Western Conference teams, the playoffs will be conference-specific. All postseason rounds will be best-of-seven series, culminating in the NBA Finals in June, where the Eastern Conference champion will take on the Western Conference winner to determine the NBA champions.

This new format promises an exciting and balanced postseason, with more teams having a chance to compete for the coveted NBA title.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.