The NBA has officially announced the details for the second NBA Cup, an event previously known as the In-Season Tournament. Aiming to inject more excitement into early-season games, the tournament will commence with group-play starting on November 12 and will climax with the semifinals and championship games in Las Vegas on December 14 and 17, respectively.
Group-Play Format and Schedule
The NBA has retained the same format for the tournament as last year. All 30 teams will be randomly assigned into six groups of five, based on their records from the previous season. The draw for these groups is set to take place this Friday. Teams will then compete on designated "Cup Nights," held on Tuesdays and Fridays between November 12 and December 3. Each team is scheduled to play the other four teams in their designated group once during this period.
Advancement to Knockout Stage
Once the group-play phase concludes, the top team from each of the six groups will advance to the knockout stage. Additionally, two "wild card" teams from each conference, featuring the best record in group play among those finishing second in their respective groups, will also move forward—bringing the total number of teams in the knockout stage to eight.
The knockout stage will commence on December 10 and will adopt a single-elimination format. The action will heat up in Las Vegas, with the semifinals slated for December 14 and the championship game scheduled for December 17. The winners and runners-up will share a substantial prize money pool, further incentivizing intense competition.
High Stakes and Financial Incentives
Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a 123-109 victory in the final. LeBron James, who earned the tournament MVP honors, helped push the Lakers to victory. Financial incentives were significant, with each player on the championship team receiving $500,000. Runners-up from the Pacers also took home a notable $200,000 each.
By revamping what initially seemed like mundane early-season games, the NBA Cup has successfully upped the ante, bringing both excitement and increased competitiveness to the schedule. The league is optimistic that this year’s tournament will further build on the foundation established during its inaugural season.
New Logo and Sponsorship
This year, the NBA has also unveiled a revamped logo for the NBA Cup. The new design prominently features the name of the tournament, the trophy, and the event’s official sponsor, Emirates. Such cosmetic and branding elements are part of the league's broader effort to create a distinct identity for the NBA Cup while simultaneously securing commercial partnerships.
As the tournament approaches, fans and players alike are brimming with anticipation. With heightened stakes, financial rewards, and the lure of early-season glory, the second NBA Cup promises to deliver riveting basketball action and unforgettable moments. For now, all eyes are on the group draw this Friday, as teams wait to learn their first opponents in this eagerly awaited competition.