2026 NBA draft: Key dates for lottery, combine, withdrawal deadline

For the third straight year, the NBA draft will feature a two-night format at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, the league announced on Tuesday. Preparations for the draft are well underway, with teams already hosting private workouts with eligible prospects. The first scouting event is set to tip off on Wednesday, with the top seniors in the country embarking on the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament in Virginia.

Underclassmen have begun announcing their intentions to enter the draft. Prospects can test the predraft process while maintaining their college eligibility, but must remove their name from consideration before the early entry withdrawal deadline. The league will converge next month for the G League combine and draft combine, featuring the top prospects participating in various on-court drills and testing.

The highly anticipated draft lottery will also take place amid the festivities in Chicago, Illinois. With the NBA announcing the draft date, the schedule surrounding the annual event is now set. Here are the key dates and other important events for the 2026 NBA draft.

NBA Early Entry Deadline Date: April 24 (11:59 p. m. EDT) G League Combine Date: May 8-10 Location : Chicago, Illinois NBA Draft Lottery Date: May 10 Location: Chicago, Illinois NBA Draft Combine Date: May 10-17 Location: Chicago, Illinois NCAA Early Entry Withdrawal Deadline Date: May 27 (11:59 p.