Why are there no NBA games on Nov. 5, 2024? Exploring reasons behind scheduling process

There are no NBA games scheduled on Tuesday, Nov. 5 due to the 2024 Presidential Elections. The league has been encouraging people to vote and decide the fate of the country since the season started. It's the third straight year that there will be no games on Election Day.

The NBA announced in 2022 that they won't be scheduling any games on Election Day moving forward. The league wants all 30 teams, players and fans to go out and vote. Here's the statement from the league office last season about the importance of civil engagement:

"The league will continue to encourage fans and the broader NBA community to make a plan to vote and participate in the civic process. As part of this initiative, the NBA will share important resources from voting organizations and highlight the civic engagement work of teams in their markets."

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When will the NBA games resume?

The league prepared for Election Day by loading Monday with 15 games, which means all 30 teams are in action. They get a day off on Tuesday before 24 teams return the next day and the six more on Thursday.

Apart from Election Day, the league hasn't scheduled any games on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. They will also have an extended vacation between the 2025 All-Star Weekend from Feb. 14 to 16 at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.

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LeBron James and Steph Curry endorse Kamala Harris

LeBron James and Steph Curry endorse Kamala Harris. (Photo: IMAGN)

The 2024 Presidential Election is between Democratic candidate and current vice-president Kamala Harris, and Republican candidate and former United States president Donald Trump. Harris and Trump have been campaigning around the country in hopes of becoming the 47th U.S. President.

While Trump wasn't popular among the NBA champions when he was in office, the two faces of the league endorsed Harris for president. Steph Curry appeared via live video on the first day of the DNC rally in September.

"Together, we can do all things and continue to inspire the world," Curry said, according to NBC Sports.

"That's why I believe that Kamala, as president, could bring that unity back and continue to move our country forward. I got to visit Kamala with my team at the White House last year, and I can tell you one thing I knew then and definitely know now: The Oval Office suits her well."

LeBron James tweeted his endorsement of Harris on Halloween just a few days before the election. It was a big move from the LA Lakers superstar, who's widely known as the most popular player in the world.