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The NBA released the full schedule for the 2025-26 season, generating excitement around marquee matchups and national television slots.
Major franchises dominated the prime-time coverage with predictable distributions.
The Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks each secured 34 national TV slots for next season.
Current champions Oklahoma City will have the same amount, while other notable teams received substantial coverage.
The Dallas Mavericks, featuring number one pick Cooper Flagg, will have 23 national games, and the Houston Rockets with Kevin Durant landed 28 slots.
However, one historically big market received shocking treatment from the league.
Bulls relegated to only three national TV games as they enter a mediocre era
The Chicago Bulls, once a marquee attraction during the Michael Jordan era and Derrick Rose years, will appear on national television just three times next season.
The dramatic decline underscores how far the franchise has fallen from national relevance. One fan described their schedule as one of the saddest.
The situation becomes even more disappointing when considering none of those three games will occur at home.
The Bulls’ national TV appearances will be at Orlando on December 1st, at Brooklyn on January 16th, and at Toronto on February 5th.
The road-only schedule means significant moments like Derrick Rose’s jersey retirement ceremony won’t receive national television coverage.
The oversight seems particularly cruel given Rose’s importance to Bulls history and his connection to their last period of relevance.
Chicago’s three slots actually represent a decrease from last season’s five games, placing them among the league’s least televised teams alongside Toronto, Utah, Washington, Brooklyn, New Orleans, and Charlotte.
Mediocre roster offers little national appeal, with Josh Giddey future still hanging
The minimal coverage makes sense given the Bulls’ current situation and lack of compelling storylines.
The franchise remains in limbo regarding Josh Giddey, who could serve as their franchise centerpiece next season.
Former All-Star Nikola Vucevic will likely move on from the team, further depleting their limited star power.
The potential departures would leave Chicago with an even more mediocre roster lacking national drawing power.
Unlike teams with established superstars or promising young cores, the Bulls offer little beyond historical significance to attract casual viewers.
The modern NBA television landscape prioritizes current talent over past glory when determining coverage.
Teams with compelling narratives, championship aspirations, or breakout stars naturally receive preference for prime-time slots. Chicago currently possesses none of these elements that drive television ratings.
The contrast between their Jordan-era dominance and current irrelevance perfectly illustrates how bad the Bulls have been in managing situations and assets in recent years.
Without significant roster improvements or unexpected breakout performances, the Bulls face continued national television exile.
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