The 2026 NBA Draft is set to begin starting Tuesday, June 23.
When the first round begins, the Washington Wizards will be on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick. Their choice to find a franchise-altering star likely comes down to Canton, Ohio, native Darryn Peterson out of Kansas or AJ Dybantsa, college basketball’s scoring leader out of BYU.
Regardless of who they ultimately go with, the Wizards — along with the Utah Jazz at No. 2 and Memphis Grizzlies at No. 3 — are likely to land a new franchise star in what is being billed as one of the most talented NBA prospect pools in recent memory.
Here’s how fans can tune in to watch.
When is the 2026 NBA Draft?
This year’s NBA draft will take place over the course of two days. Round 1 is set for Tuesday, June 23, starting at 8 p.m. ET.
Round 2 of the draft will pick back up on Wednesday, June 24, also at 8 p.m. ET.
What channel is the NBA draft on? How to watch on TV, streaming
The first round of the 2026 NBA Draft on Tuesday will be broadcast on ESPN and ABC. Fans can likewise stream the draft via Watch ESPN.
The second round of the draft on Wednesday will only be available to watch on ESPN, not ABC.
What is the 2026 NBA Draft first round order?
Washington holds the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA draft. Here’s the full order in Round 1:
Who could the Cleveland Cavaliers draft at No. 29 overall?
The Cavs hold the No. 29 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft. They’ll aim to add to a roster that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2026 before being swept by the eventual champion New York Knicks.
Mock drafts ahead of the festivities have Cleveland targeting a Spanish guard or a UConn star big man for frontcourt depth.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: How, when to watch the 2026 NBA Draft. Where will Darryn Peterson go?
Reporting by Ben Leibowitz, Akron Beacon Journal / Akron Beacon Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ben Leibowitz, Akron Beacon Journal | USA TODAY Network
