BROOKLYN — Next Friday, Oct. 24, the Brooklyn Nets return home to Barclays Center to open their 2025-26 season against the Cleveland Cavaliers and this one feels like a love letter to the borough itself. Presented by All In Won, the opener will bring together some of Brooklyn’s finest: music, food, art, and attitude.
At halftime, Brooklyn-born rapper Kota the Friend, who is known for being one of the most successful truly independent hip hop artists, and is globally known, will take center court for a performance that feels more like a homecoming than a halftime show. Fresh off his 20-city NO RAP ON SUNDAY tour, Kota embodies everything the Nets have been building toward, that perfect intersection of basketball, creativity, and community that makes Brooklyn one of one.
“As we tip off a new season, we’re excited to welcome fans back to Barclays Center for Nets basketball,” said Andrew Karson, Executive Vice President of Sports and Corporate Marketing at Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment. “Brooklyn is a cultural force with the best in sports, music, fashion, food and art which we’re proud to spotlight every time we take the court. Whether highlighting emerging and iconic artists or showcasing local businesses and restaurants, we’re committed to celebrating Brooklyn’s renowned creative community and energy on and off the court.”
Brooklyn Flavor Takes Over Barclays
This year, the arena’s lineup of new concessions reads like a tour through the city’s best eats. Fans can grab a Smashburger from 7th Street Burgers, dig into Parm’s spicy rigatoni, enjoy a cookie from Levain Bakery, or bite into a Jamaican patty from Patty Palace, a new concept by acclaimed chef Kwame Onwuachi.
There’s even a new signature drink, the Brooklyn Signature, a spicy mango margarita inspired by the borough’s beloved sidewalk mango vendors, served in a collectible cup that practically screams “BK forever.”
It’s all part of the Brooklyn Taste program, Barclays Center’s ongoing effort to highlight neighborhood staples and deliver a truly local culinary experience.
A New Look Inside Barclays
Beyond the food, fans will find new energy pulsing through the arena. The Gallagher Terrace premium club now offers in-seat dining with full waiter service, a first for Barclays while the new Modelo Bridge fan zone stretches across 63 feet of bar space on the upper concourse. Both are part of a larger redesign that transforms the west end of the arena into a vibrant gathering hub for fans at every level.
Those in attendance on opening night will also score a complimentary Nets T-shirt and be among the first to shop the latest Berō capsule collection — the team’s private-label brand that fuses streetwear and sport, available at Section 9 and online at NetsStore.com.
Brooklyn Businesses in the Spotlight
True to form, the Nets are bringing their season launch straight to the block.
On Tuesday, Oct. 21, the team is partnering with Electric Lotus Tattoo — a neighborhood fixture since 1993 — for a flash tattoo pop-up. Fans who show up in Nets gear between 2 and 8 p.m. can get one of three Nets logos inked for free.
Then on Thursday, Oct. 23, the team will head to Levels Barbershop — another Brooklyn mainstay, where fans can get free lineups or Caesars from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Nets recently worked with Levels during their Practice in the Park event, which drew thousands to Bed-Stuy’s Potomac Playground, marking the largest open practice in team history.
The Big Day
Before the Oct. 24 tipoff, the Ticketmaster Plaza outside Barclays will turn into a full-on Brooklyn block party from 1 to 4 p.m. Expect basketball shooting games, giveaways, and a live DJ, plus tours of the Brooklyn Basketball Training Center, home to the Nets and New York Liberty’s joint youth program.
The center, located right next door, houses the only Shoot 360 tech-enabled training facility in the tri-state area because, of course, Brooklyn stays ahead of the game.
A limited number of tickets are still available at brooklynnets.com, ticketmaster.com, and in-person at the Barclays Center box office. Group packages can be reserved by calling 718-638-7849 or emailing [email protected].
Fans can also download the Brooklyn Nets app for team updates and highlights throughout the season or catch the home opener live on YES Network.
Brooklyn doesn’t just show up for basketball, it shows up for Brooklyn. And next Friday, when the lights come up and Kota’s voice echoes through Barclays at halftime, it won’t just be another game. It’ll be a borough reminding the world who it is.
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