How To Watch Hornets vs. Nets: TV Channel, Start Time, Live Stream For NBA Season Opener

Find out how to watch Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets on October 21, including tipoff time, TV channels, streaming options and Charlotte's new-look roster.

by Rodney Knuppel

Oct 20, 2026

Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7)

Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

The Charlotte Hornets will begin a completely new chapter Wednesday night when they visit the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center for their 2026-27 NBA regular-season opener. After an offseason filled with major roster changes, Charlotte enters the campaign looking dramatically different from the team that reached the Eastern Conference Play-In Tournament last season.

The biggest change came when the Hornets traded former All-Star LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a blockbuster summer deal. Charlotte received Naz Reid and significant draft compensation in return, signaling a major shift in the franchise’s direction.

But the Hornets did not stop there. They also acquired Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and Dennis Schröder, while bringing back Coby White on a new contract. Combined with the continued development of Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel, Charlotte suddenly has one of the more intriguing rosters in the Eastern Conference.

Brooklyn has undergone significant changes of its own, adding former All-Star Julius Randle to a roster featuring Michael Porter Jr. and several promising young players.

With both organizations entering the season with new expectations, Wednesday’s matchup offers an interesting first look at two teams attempting to build something different.

What Time Is Hornets vs. Nets On Wednesday?

The Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets are scheduled to tip off Wednesday, October 21, at 7:30 p.m. ET from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

The matchup marks the regular-season opener for both franchises.

Game Information

Matchup: Charlotte Hornets at Brooklyn Nets
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
StartTime: 7:30 p.m. ET
TVChannel: WSOC-TV (Charlotte market), YES Network (Brooklyn market)
LiveStream: DAZN in eligible local markets, NBA League Pass outside local blackout areas
Location: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, New York

How To Watch Hornets vs. Nets On TV And Online

Wednesday’s game will air on WSOC-TV in the Charlotte television market and YES Network in the Brooklyn area. Fans in eligible local markets can also stream the matchup through DAZN.

NBA League Pass provides another option for viewers outside the teams’ local broadcast territories, although regional blackout restrictions apply. The game is not currently scheduled for a national television broadcast.

Hornets Begin A New Era Without LaMelo Ball

For the first time since 2020, Charlotte enters a season without Ball as the centerpiece of its offense. The former third overall pick spent six seasons with the organization before being traded to Minnesota in July. His departure created an opportunity for other players to assume larger responsibilities.

Miller now stands at the center of Charlotte’s plans. The former Alabama standout reportedly agreed to a five-year, $209 million contract extension this week, providing another indication of the franchise’s confidence in his development.

Miller averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists during the 2025-26 season, establishing himself as one of Charlotte’s most important offensive players. His ability to create shots and score from the perimeter should become even more valuable following Ball’s departure.

The Hornets also have an interesting addition in Reid, the former Minnesota big man who brings scoring versatility and the ability to stretch defenses.

White, Allen and Schröder provide additional experience in the backcourt, giving head coach Charles Lee several possible lineup combinations.

The challenge will be developing chemistry among players who have spent relatively little time together.

Kon Knueppel Looks To Build On Impressive Rookie Season

Another important storyline involves Knueppel, the former Duke standout who quickly established himself as a major part of Charlotte’s future. The fourth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft impressed during his rookie campaign with his shooting ability, basketball intelligence and offensive versatility.

Without Ball controlling the offense, Knueppel could have additional opportunities to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. His ability to move without the basketball and find openings along the perimeter makes him particularly valuable alongside Miller.

However, Knueppel has been dealing with a hamstring issue that limited his preseason participation, making his availability something to monitor before Wednesday’s tipoff. The Hornets will want their young players healthy as they begin a demanding schedule, particularly with so many new faces adjusting to different roles.

Brooklyn Has A New Look Of Its Own

The Nets enter Wednesday’s matchup with an intriguing combination of established veterans and developing young players. Randle arrived in Brooklyn as part of the four-team trade involving Ball, giving the Nets an experienced frontcourt scorer and rebounder.

Porter Jr. provides another proven offensive option, while Noah Clowney and Egor Demin represent important pieces of Brooklyn’s developing roster. For the Nets, the challenge will be establishing chemistry while finding an effective balance between their experienced players and younger contributors.

Brooklyn will also want to capitalize on its home-court advantage against a Charlotte team adjusting to major changes.

The Hornets, meanwhile, will look to establish an offensive rhythm behind Miller and their collection of newcomers.

Wednesday’s game will not answer every question surrounding either franchise, but it should provide an entertaining first look at two dramatically different rosters.

For Charlotte, the post-LaMelo Ball era officially begins in Brooklyn.