The Chicago Bulls have added two more nationally televised games to their 2026-27 schedule, bringing rookie forward Caleb Wilson's debut season to a total of five national broadcasts.
NBA TV announced it will pick up the local television feeds for 60 games this season for national syndication. The network's press release confirmed the Bulls' increased exposure, with two of those contests featuring Chicago.
What are the new NBA TV games for the Bulls?
The first new national broadcast will see the Bulls host the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday, December 3. The Cavaliers have revamped their roster, adding $88 million forward Peyton Watson in the offseason. This game will test Chicago's defense against a new-look Eastern Conference opponent.
Next, the Philadelphia 76ers, featuring LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, will visit the United Center for a game on January 23. This marquee matchup will be a major test for Wilson and the Bulls against one of the conference's top contenders. Both games will be shown to a national audience on NBA TV.
Which other Bulls games are on national TV?
The Bulls already had three nationally televised games scheduled before this announcement. They will host the New York Knicks on December 1 in a game broadcast on NBC. Chicago then hits the road for two national games in January.
They face Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers on January 4 on Peacock. A January 20 matchup with the Brooklyn Nets will air on ESPN and the ESPN App. Notably, the Bulls are not scheduled for any games on Amazon Prime Video under the league's new media rights deal.
How is the team performing recently?
The Bulls' form has been inconsistent as they integrate new players.
Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matchups on our schedule page. The national TV games provide a spotlight for Wilson to demonstrate his skills against elite competition.
What does this mean for Caleb Wilson's rookie year?
Five national television games represent significant exposure for the rookie forward. Wilson will have the chance to make an immediate impression on a broad audience. Games against stars like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown offer a steep learning curve.
The increased schedule also puts pressure on the Bulls to perform well in these spotlight games. Team performance in nationally televised contests can influence perceptions around the league. For a young player, these high-pressure environments are valuable for development.
The team's defense will need to improve quickly with these high-profile games on the horizon.
Warner Bros. Discovery, via its TNT Sports subsidiary, relinquished its NBA broadcast rights after the league's new media deal. This shift has created new broadcast opportunities for teams like the Bulls on platforms like NBA TV. The changing media landscape is giving more teams national exposure throughout the season.
