The NBA has once again elevated the excitement surrounding its early-season games by officially unveiling the dates and format for the second NBA Cup, previously known as the In-Season Tournament. This annual event, designed to inject significance into the early part of the NBA schedule, will commence with group-play action on November 12. The tournament will reach its climax with the semifinals and championship game in Las Vegas on December 14 and December 17, respectively.
Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers showcased their dominance by defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-109 in the finale, with LeBron James claiming the tournament MVP honors. This year's NBA Cup aims to build on that momentum, continuing the league’s commitment to enhancing the competitive atmosphere of early-season matchups.
Format and Group Structure
The tournament format remains unchanged, maintaining a structure that ensures every team has a fair shot at glory. All 30 NBA teams will be randomly assigned into six groups of five, based on their records from the previous season. The group draw, which sets the stage for intriguing matchups, is set to take place this Friday.
Group-play will occur on designated "Cup Nights," strategically held on Tuesdays and Fridays between November 12 and December 3. Each team will face the other four teams in their group once during this period, with the top team from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
Adding another layer of competition, two "wild card" teams from each conference—those with the best record in group play among the second-place finishers—will also advance, bringing the total to eight teams. The knockout stage, commencing on December 10, will feature a single-elimination format, heightening the stakes with every game.
The Road to Las Vegas
The semifinals will take place in Las Vegas on December 14, with the much-anticipated championship game following three days later, on December 17. The winners and the runners-up will split a substantial prize money pool, rewarding their efforts and adding another layer of motivation.
Last season, each player on the triumphant Lakers team received $500,000, while the Pacers players took home $200,000 as the runners-up. This generous incentive structure aims to boost player engagement and team performance throughout the tournament.
New Logo, Continuing Tradition
This year, the NBA revealed a revamped logo for the NBA Cup. The new design features the tournament's name and trophy, alongside the event’s official sponsor, Emirates. This fresh look symbolizes the evolving nature of the NBA Cup, reflecting its growing importance in the league’s calendar.
The inaugural NBA Cup significantly heightened interest and competitiveness in the early part of the NBA schedule. The league is optimistic that the second iteration will build on the foundation laid last season, fostering greater excitement and fan engagement as the tournament progresses.
As the NBA Cup prepares for its second year, all eyes will be on the teams as they battle it out in this unique and thrilling competition. From group play to the championship game in Las Vegas, the tournament promises to deliver high-stakes action and unforgettable moments, solidifying its place as a key highlight of the NBA season.