BROOKLYN — On Friday, October 24, the Brooklyn Nets make their way back to Barclays Center to kick off the 2025-26 campaign, squaring off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This opener reads like a love letter to Brooklyn itself. Powered by All In Won, the game will spotlight some of the borough’s signature elements: music, food, art, and that unmistakable Brooklyn grit.
At halftime, borough native and acclaimed rapper Kota the Friend, known for his independent success in hip hop and worldwide recognition, will take the stage for a halftime performance that feels like a homecoming. Fresh off his 20-city NO RAP ON SUNDAY tour, Kota epitomizes what the Nets have been cultivating: the blending of basketball, creativity, and community that defines Brooklyn’s spirit.
“We can’t wait to bring fans back to Barclays Center for a new season of Nets basketball,” said Andrew Karson, Executive Vice President of Sports and Corporate Marketing at Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Brooklyn is an epicenter for sports, music, food, fashion, and art. With each game, we celebrate local talent—from emerging artists to small businesses—and the incomparable creative vibe that makes Brooklyn special.”
Barclays Gets a Brooklyn Makeover
The arena’s new food offerings are a tour of Brooklyn’s finest. Savor a Smashburger from 7th Street Burgers, dig into Parm’s spicy rigatoni, taste a classic Levain Bakery cookie, or try a Jamaican patty from Patty Palace, chef Kwame Onwuachi’s new creation.
Check out the new signature drink—the Brooklyn Signature: a spicy mango margarita inspired by street mango vendors and served in a collectible cup that declares “BK forever.”
It’s all a part of Brooklyn Taste, the Barclays Center initiative focused on featuring neighborhood icons and offering a hyper-local food journey.
Inside the Reimagined Barclays Arena
Beyond the concession stands, fans will notice an energized atmosphere. The Gallagher Terrace premium club now delivers in-seat dining and full waiter service for the first time. Up on the upper concourse, the expanded Modelo Bridge stretches 63 feet, serving as a social hub for fans. These upgrades are all part of a sweeping redesign to make the west end a gathering point for every level of supporter.
Opening night attendees will also take home a free Nets tee and get first access to the latest Berō capsule collection—the streetwear-inspired team brand—available at Section 9 and online at NetsStore.com.
Spotlighting Local Brooklyn Businesses
Staying true to their roots, the Nets are quite literally taking opening week to the streets.
On Tuesday, October 21, a partnership with Electric Lotus Tattoo—a Brooklyn staple since 1993—will offer fans who wear Nets gear one of three Nets flash tattoos for free from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Then, on Thursday, October 23, the Nets team up with Levels Barbershop—another borough institution—giving fans free haircuts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Nets previously worked with Levels for their Practice in the Park event, their largest open practice ever at Potomac Playground in Bed-Stuy.
Countdown to Tipoff
Before tipoff, Ticketmaster Plaza becomes a true Brooklyn block party from 1 to 4 p.m.—expect shooting games, swag, live DJ entertainment, and walk-throughs of the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, the joint youth training space for the Nets and New York Liberty.
Located next door, the center boasts the only tech-enabled Shoot 360 basketball training in the region—fully in keeping with Brooklyn’s drive to lead.
A limited run of tickets remains at brooklynnets.com, ticketmaster.com, and onsite at Barclays box office. Group deals: call 718-638-7849 or email [email protected].
Fans can download the Brooklyn Nets app for updates and highlights, or watch the home opener live on the YES Network.
Brooklyn doesn’t turn out just for basketball—it shows up for Brooklyn. And next Friday, when Kota’s halftime anthem fills Barclays, it won’t be just another game but a borough making a statement.
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