Steph Curry’s recent injury scare during an open practice sent shockwaves through the Golden State Warriors organization just 48 hours before the start of the 2026/27 NBA season. As he stumbled toward the locker room, speculation about a serious ACL tear loomed large, threatening his 18th season. Thankfully, it turned out to be a minor right ankle injury, and head coach Steve Kerr has confirmed Curry's availability for the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday.

This incident has raised critical concerns for the Warriors, highlighting the precarious nature of their future without Curry. Moreover, the NBA faces challenges in maintaining global relevance amid the NFL's dominance and competition from other international sports. The league, which has not featured in the 2025 Sportico 100 showcasing the most-watched US telecasts for six consecutive years, must adapt to an evolving landscape.

Key developments include:

• LeBron James’s surprising move from the Los Angeles Lakers to the Philadelphia 76ers, forming a new super team alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.
• The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, emerge as favorites again after their championship in 2025.

Despite the NBA’s exciting prospects, including the introduction of the NBA Cup and plans for NBA Europe, the league struggles to capitalize on its unpredictable nature, which has seen eight different champions in as many years.

As Kerr navigates Curry’s usage strategy, the challenge remains to protect aging stars while enhancing the league’s appeal. With the 2026/27 NBA season set to begin on 20 October, the league must prioritize the health of its marquee players to ensure sustained viewership and engagement.