Summer League Kicks Off
The 2026 NBA Summer League opens with the California Classic on July 3, then moves to its flagship event in Las Vegas on July 9. All 76 games will be carried on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or Prime Video, giving fans multiple ways to follow the action.
Labaron Philon Jr., the former Alabama point guard drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers, will make his first appearance against the Detroit Pistons at 4:30 p.m. CT on Prime Video. His debut marks the first time a Crimson Tide alumnus steps onto the summer league court this year.
A Deep Field of Alumni
Alongside Philon, the league will showcase a roster of other former Alabama players: Kira Lewis Jr., Houston Mallette, Grant Nelson, Alex Reese, Mark Sears, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. and Chris Youngblood. Each will step into their first summer league games over the coming days, drawing attention from analysts and fans alike.
The exposure comes at a pivotal moment for these athletes, many of whom are looking to solidify their draft positions and earn a spot on opening night rosters. The televised platform provides a rare chance to showcase their skills to a national audience before the regular season begins.
What It Means for the Crimson Tide
The presence of multiple former Alabama players in the summer league underscores the program’s continued pipeline to the NBA. Their performances will be closely watched by scouts, coaches and commentators as they evaluate the next wave of talent emerging from Tuscaloosa.