Starting 5: 2026 NBA Summer League tips off today

The Association crew debates how quickly AJ Dybantsa can help the Wizards return to the playoffs.

The wait is over

– Vegas hoops is here.

The 2026 NBA Summer League

tips today with seven games, highlighted by a showdown between No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa and No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson as the Wizards face the Jazz (

9 ET, ESPN

).

Also tonight?

The always-electric

PlayStation NBA Creator Cup

to finish the night in Vegas (8:30 PT, NBA App, NBA YouTube, NBA Facebook).

5 STORIES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀

2026 NBA Summer League Guide:

Thirty teams. Eleven days. One city. One champion

Top Two Picks Clash:

Wizards vs. Jazz, Dybantsa vs. Peterson and two parallel journeys

Watch List:

More top Lottery picks take the floor in Vegas over the next two days

Meet The Creators, Pt. I:

Get to know Pierre Andresen’s star-studded Creator Cup roster

Meet The Creators, Pt. II:

Darrick Miller’s Creator Cup squad is loaded with talent, too

BUT FIRST … ⏰

The

2026 NBA Summer League

from Las Vegas begins with

seven games today

across Prime, ESPN & ESPN2, beginning with Wolves-Pelicans at 3:30 ET (Prime), before AJ Dybantsa and the Wizards face Darryn Peterson and the Jazz at 9 ET (ESPN).

1. 2026 NBA SUMMER LEAGUE IN 2 MINUTES

The 21st edition

of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas tips off today, bringing all 30 teams together for an 11-day, 76-game showcase that culminates with a winner-take-all championship game on July 19.

Acclimate to the desert circuit

with everything you need to know below:

What’s the format?

The Slate:

A total of 76 games will be played in the 11-day tournament, with all 30 teams playing at least five times

The Playoffs:

After each club plays four games, the top four teams advance to a single-elimination semifinals, followed by the championship on Sunday, July 19 (9 ET, ESPN)

The Seeding:

The four playoff teams will be determined by record in their first four games, with head-to-head matchups and point differential serving as the first two tiebreakers

More Action:

The 26 teams that do not advance to the four-team playoff will play a fifth consolation game on either July 17, 18 or 19

Which players are participating

in the 2026 NBA Summer League – and why is it important?

Why It Matters:

Since its inception in 2004, the Summer League in Las Vegas has established itself as a main stage for emerging talent, annually showcasing future NBA stars

Why It’s Special:

That includes seven active Kia NBA MVPs, the last six Finals MVPs and 15 Kia Rookie of the Year winners – including the last five: Scottie Barnes (2021), Paolo Banchero (‘22), Victor Wembanyama (‘23), Stephon Castle (‘24) and Cooper Flagg (‘25)

Who’s Hitting The Floor:

Vegas is loaded with talent, from highly touted rookies and sophomores to young veterans seeking a breakout, as well as unsigned hopefuls looking to make a splash

Can’t-Miss:

See Brian Martin’s

five must-see games

and

15 players to watch

, plus more marquee matchups in Sections 2 & 3

How can I watch

each game, and where are they played?

Game Locations:

The games will be split between the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion on UNLV’s campus

How To Watch:

All 76 games will air on Prime or ESPN platforms (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU)

Full Schedule:

Check out the

complete 11-day slate

2. TONIGHT ON ESPN: DYBANTSA & PETERSON MEET AGAIN

AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson’s paths

have run parallel for years.

They finished high school

as ESPN’s top two recruits. They shined in college as freshman superstars. They left the NBA Draft as the first two picks.

Now,

they meet for the first time as professionals, headlining opening night of NBA Summer League when the Wizards face the Jazz

(9 ET, ESPN).

High School Showdowns:

Dybantsa and Peterson produced multiple memorable duels before college, highlighted by a legendary 61-point explosion from Peterson – capped by a last-second game-winning 3 – to overcome Dybantsa’s 49

College Duel:

In January, they met in a highly anticipated showdown at Allen Fieldhouse, where Peterson scored 18 in the 1st half to ignite No. 14 Kansas past Dybantsa (17 pts) and No. 13 BYU

No. 1 & 2, Again:

But it was Dybantsa who ultimately earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year before hearing his name called first on Draft Night, adding to a friendly rivalry that’s pushed both players to raise their game

“Obviously, when we step

on the court, we try to go at each other,” Peterson told ESPN before the Draft. “That’s what we always do.”

Salt Lake Splash:

While Dybantsa is slated to make his debut tonight, Peterson has already turned heads, posting a Salt Lake City Summer League-high 26.5 ppg while adding 7 apg in two outings.

The highlights

have grabbed headlines, but it’s Peterson’s processing ability that’s impressed his future backcourt mate, Keyonte George, the most.

“Just how fast he picks up on things,”

George said of Peterson on Tuesday. “Whenever he has a question, or there’s certain people in the building that want to give him certain little knowledge on things, he can pick up on it right away …

“Adding him to the group,

he’s going to be able to help all of us … it’s going to be fun.”

Wiz Kid:

While Peterson has already flashed his potential, Thursday gives fans their first look at Dybantsa against NBA competition.

The No. 1 pick’s

physical tools are well documented, but it’s his basketball IQ that’s impressed 2nd-year guard Will Riley during their first practices together.

“Honestly, how intelligent he is,”

Riley

told ClutchPoints

after practice on Wednesday. “He’s a very smart player for sure. Because I remember when I came in … adjusting to the defense and stuff, but he gets it right away. He’s already there…

“And on offense,

you guys know how special he is.”

Dybantsa gets his first chance to show it on an NBA floor – facing the player whose path has mirrored his own since high school.

And in Dybantsa’s words,

it’s “

go time

.”

3. WATCH LIST: MORE TOP TALENT TAKES THE FLOOR TODAY & FRIDAY

Keaton Wagler won

at Illinois. As a freshman, he helped the Fighting Illini return to the Final Four for the first time since 2005, finishing with a 28-9 record.

He also won

at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. There, he powered the Cougars to KSHSAA Class 6A state championships in 2024 and ’25.

Now, the No. 5 overall pick

in this year’s Draft hunts his first Summer League win when the Clippers tip off Summer League action against Darius Acuff Jr. and the Kings

(8 ET, ESPN).

“[I wanted] to prove

to everyone that I can compete with anyone on the planet, and that’s what I did,” Wagler said of his rise to the NBA. “Stayed true to myself, worked hard each day and didn’t take any days off.”

New Face, New Era:

The 19-year-old represents the next generation for LA, which reportedly traded for Brandon Ingram and officially signed Rui Hachimura earlier this offseason

Top-10 Clash:

He’ll go against the red-hot Acuff Jr., the No. 7 overall pick, who already has

Kings fans buzzing

after leading the California Classic in scoring with 23.5 ppg

Friday’s Grizzlies-Bulls matchup (8 ET, Prime)

reunites No. 3 pick Cam Boozer and No. 4 pick Caleb Wilson, who meet again after facing off during their freshman seasons at Duke and North Carolina.

Epic Showdown:

Wilson came out on top in the two players’ lone head-to-head matchup in February, as UNC beat Duke, 71-68, on a thrilling buzzer-beater. Wilson finished with 23 points, while Boozer dropped 24

Boozer Balling:

Boozer looked sharp in the Salt Lake City Summer League, flashing his all-around game (16.5 pts, 5.5 reb, 4 ast), while shooting 62.5% from 3

Wilson Ready:

Now, Wilson is set to make his Summer League debut on Friday – and is ready to make his mark on the league

“I expect to have

Rookie of the Year, honestly,” Wilson said in his Bulls introductory news conference. “I’m going to work hard. I’m going to do what it takes. I feel like the team is really good for me and how I envision to play.”

But first,

more elite talent takes the floor in today’s seven-game slate.

Hannes Steinbach (No. 14, CHA) and Christian Anderson (No. 18, CHA):

The Hornets, defending Summer League champions, test their top picks versus the Magic (7:30 ET, Prime)

Yaxel Lendeborg (No. 11, GSW) vs. Morez Johnson Jr. (No. 9, DAL):

Teammates become opponents when these two national champions from Michigan square off (7 ET, ESPN)

Kingston Flemings (No. 8, ATL):

The former Houston guard got his first taste of Summer League in Salt Lake City and now goes against the Spurs (4:30 ET, ESPN2)

Wolves vs. Pelicans:

Minnesota and New Orleans will feature newcomers Trey Kaufman-Renn and Jaron Pierre Jr., respectively (3:30 ET, Prime)

Pistons vs. 76ers:

Labaron Philon Jr., the No. 22 overall pick from Alabama, represents Philly for the first time (5:30 ET, Prime)

4. NBA CREATOR CUP: MEET TEAM PIERRE

also tips off tonight in Las Vegas (8:30 PT, NBA App, NBA YouTube, NBA Facebook), bringing together some of basketball’s biggest digital stars for another electric showcase of hoops and creator culture.

With a combined social following

of more than 125 million, this year’s Creator Cup roster features some of the most influential names in basketball and gaming content, with Enjoy Basketball’s Pierre Andresen and Darrick Miller serving as team coaches.

First, let’s meet

Team Pierre.

MDMotivator:

A creator known for his philanthropy, Zachery Dereniowski, aka MDMotivator, has built a massive following through random acts of kindness, surprising strangers with life-changing gifts while promoting mental health awareness.

YPK Raye:

A dynamic athlete and personality, YPK blends basketball highlights with viral skits and off-court charisma. He’s also active in Las Vegas streetball leagues, showcasing his handle and bounce.

Cam Wilder:

With over 10 million social followers, Wilder brings a unique blend of energy, skill and humor, while also chronicling his journey as the coach of his AAU team, Rod Wave Elite.

Kristopher “LSK” London:

At 6-foot-10, London played college ball at Oral Roberts and Newman University and is now one of YouTube’s most recognizable faces in the sports and gaming community.

Jay Cinco:

A popular livestreamer, TikTok creator and rapper, Jay Cinco returns for his second NBA Creator Cup after competing at NBA All-Star earlier this year.

Jenna Bandy:

A former All-Conference guard for California State University Monterey Bay, Bandy is a hoops creator known for her trick shots and viral challenges. She holds a Guinness World Record for the farthest football thrown into a target by a female.

Chris Staples:

A former Harlem Globetrotter, Staples is a world-class dunker who has inspired high-flyers like Dwight Howard and Aaron Gordon. He also starred in the hoops film “Slamma Jamma.”

Mariah Linney:

A former standout at UNC Charlotte and South Carolina Miss Basketball, Linney creates content centered around hoops, sneakers, fashion and photography.

Nicky Gathrite:

An entrepreneur and CEO who co-founded Unruly and Elevate Agencies, Gathrite is a former “Fear Factor” champion and has competed in multiple high-level pro-am and celebrity basketball circuits, including the Drew League.

5. NBA CREATOR CUP: MEET TEAM DARRICK

This is

Team Darrick – led by Enjoy Basketball’s Darrick Miller.

LeeThe4th:

Lee McCall is a digital creator and comedian who formerly played for Div. II Wingate University. Standing at 6-foot-9, he’s gone viral for his “short person” humor.

JDub:

After playing for Lamar University and Victoria College, Jordan Wallace — known as JDub — has become popular on social media for basketball content, comedy skits and vlogs.

BenDaDonnn:

Also known as Been Dat, started out as a stylist for high-profile NBA and NFL athletes. He’s since become known for streaming, stand-up comedy and content creation.

Drifty Jay:

Jordan Lewis is busy on the basketball content creator scene with park takeovers, 1v1 matchups and AAU tournaments and produces fun challenge videos.

Bree Green:

He’s taken all the skills and tricks learned during his time with the Harlem Globetrotters and now brings them to social media for the world to enjoy.

Whit3 Iverson:

A frequent face in influencer basketball tournaments, Alan Palesano uses his background as a college, professional and street player to create highlights and tutorials.

Duke Skywalka:

Dazeran Jones wears many hats — professional basketball player, internet personality and motion capture actor. He appeared in the 2023 remake, “White Men Can’t Jump.”

Lynadia Whiting:

She aims to inspire young athletes as a basketball YouTuber herself. Having played for Div. II Limestone University, Whiting now shares her love of the game with others.

CWhye:

Christopher Whye is a member of BucketSquad, which is a sports-inspired apparel and lifestyle brand. He produces a mix of basketball challenges and comedic content.

Get Ready:

Peep the Creator Cup at February’s NBA All-Star weekend

here

— and throw it back to last December, at Emirates NBA Cup in Vegas

right here

.

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