NBA Cancels Games for Midterm Election Day

The league canceled all 30 team games on Tuesday so fans can vote in the midterm elections.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball

NBA Cancels Games for Midterm Election Day

Live Poll

Do you plan to vote in this year's midterm elections?

The NBA has no games scheduled on Tuesday, Election Day, after all 30 teams were scheduled to play on Monday night. Teams, leagues, and college and pro athletes have urged fans to vote.

Why it matters

Athletes and leagues are using their platforms to encourage voter participation during the midterm elections. The NBA's "Get in the Game. Vote" initiative provides a website where fans can find voter location information.

All 30 NBA teams were scheduled to play Monday night, and the league now has no games on Tuesday. The league's voter initiative provides location information, but turnout effects have not been reported.

The players

National Basketball Association (NBA)

The NBA is the professional men's basketball league in North America that canceled its Tuesday games to encourage fan voting.

Jared McCain

Jared McCain is a guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder who appeared in a video encouraging voting.

The details

The NBA's "Get in the Game. Vote" initiative directs fans to a website with voter location information. Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain appeared in a video encouraging voting with his roommates before Halloween.

2020: The NFL Votes initiative was founded as a joint effort between the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
Before Halloween 2026: Jared McCain filmed a voting encouragement video with his roommates.
November 2, 2026: All 30 NBA teams were scheduled to play Monday night.
November 3, 2026: Election Day, with no NBA games and fans urged to vote.

Big Picture

The NBA's effort follows the pattern set by the NFL Votes initiative, founded in 2020 by the NFL and the NFL Players Association. Major leagues are now using scheduling and athlete platforms to promote voter participation.

Fans who want to take part can use the NBA's voter location resources to plan their trip to the polls on Tuesday. With no NBA games that night, the schedule leaves more time for casting a ballot.

The takeaway

Leagues and athletes are using game schedules and public platforms to make voting easier for fans. Checking your registration and polling location before Election Day is a simple step readers can take.