The NBA Cup is back for its third season, and the excitement is palpable. As the 2025-26 edition approaches, fans and teams alike are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling in-season tournament. This innovative competition, officially known as the Emirates NBA Cup, offers more than just bragging rights; it’s a chance for teams to add another trophy to their collection and for players to earn significant cash bonuses. But beyond the prizes, the NBA Cup is designed to inject a fresh dose of energy into the regular season, captivating audiences with high-stakes matchups and vibrant displays.
Introduced in the 2023-24 campaign, the NBA Cup has quickly become a notable event on the basketball calendar. The Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, clinched the inaugural title, while the Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious last season, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in a memorable final. This year, the tournament promises even more excitement with new team jerseys, uniquely designed courts, and the ultimate showdown in Las Vegas. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about the NBA Cup, from its format and schedule to its significance in the league.
When Does the NBA Cup Start?
Mark your calendars! The 2025 NBA Cup kicks off on Halloween, Friday, October 31st. Most of the group stage games will be held on Fridays, continuing through November 28th, with a few matchups scheduled for Tuesdays. This arrangement ensures that fans have consistent opportunities to tune in and follow their favorite teams.
The knockout rounds, starting with the quarterfinals, are set for December 9th and 10th. The intensity will then escalate as the semifinals and final take place in Las Vegas on December 13th and 16th, respectively. The complete schedule is readily available, allowing fans to plan ahead and not miss a single moment of the action.
How Does the NBA Cup Work?
The NBA Cup’s format mirrors that of the World Cup, featuring a group stage followed by a knockout round. All 30 NBA teams participate, divided into six groups of five within their respective conferences. Each team faces its group opponents once, resulting in four intense group play games—two at home and two on the road.
In the event of ties within a group, several tiebreakers are applied to determine which teams advance:
- Head-to-head record in group play
- Point differential in group play
- Total points scored in group play
- Record from the 2024-25 NBA regular season
- Random drawing (in the unlikely event that teams remain tied after the previous criteria)
The top team from each of the six groups automatically advances to the single-elimination knockout rounds. Additionally, two wild-card teams—one from each conference—are selected based on the best overall record among the second-place finishers. These wild-card spots add an extra layer of competition, ensuring that even strong teams that narrowly miss the top spot have a chance to compete for the title.
Winning teams progress to the semifinals and ultimately the finals, where the NBA Cup champion will be crowned.
What Are the Groups for the NBA Cup?
The 30 NBA teams are carefully allocated into six groups, based on their performance in the 2024-25 regular season. This ensures a balanced and competitive structure right from the start.
- Pot 1: Teams with the top three records from the previous season in each conference.
- Pot 2: Teams ranked fourth through sixth in the prior season.
- Pot 3: Teams ranked seventh through ninth.
- Pot 4: Teams ranked tenth through twelfth.
- Pot 5: Teams ranked thirteenth through fifteenth.
Here’s a breakdown of the groups:
- West Group A: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz
- West Group B: Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, LA Clippers, New Orleans Pelicans
- West Group C: Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs
- East Group A: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
- East Group B: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers
- East Group C: Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets
Does the NBA In-Season Tournament Matter?
The significance of the NBA Cup is a frequent topic of discussion among fans and analysts. To put it simply, yes, it matters—for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, all games, except for the championship final, contribute to the regular-season standings. This means that teams must take these matchups seriously, as they directly impact their chances of making the playoffs.
Moreover, there’s a substantial financial incentive. Teams that advance to the knockout rounds share a prize pool of approximately $18 million, with larger allocations for those who progress further. Players on the winning team each receive an additional $514,971, while the runner-up gets $205,988. Semifinal and quarterfinal losers also receive significant sums, adding a competitive edge to every game.
Beyond the financial rewards, the NBA Cup offers bragging rights and a chance to hoist a trophy. The tournament also recognizes outstanding individual performances by naming a Most Valuable Player and an All-Tournament Team. While the tournament doesn’t directly influence the postseason bracket, it provides teams with an opportunity to build momentum, test strategies, and showcase their talent.
Where Is the In-Season Tournament NBA?
The NBA Cup in-season tournament unfolds across various locations, adding to its widespread appeal. Group play and the initial knockout rounds take place at each team’s home arena, creating an electrifying atmosphere as fans rally behind their local squads.
As the tournament progresses, the stakes rise, and the action shifts to the neutral ground of T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This vibrant city provides a fitting backdrop for the semifinals and championship game, drawing fans from all over the country to witness the crowning of the NBA Cup champion.
How to Watch the NBA Cup Games
Catching the NBA Cup games is easier than ever, thanks to a variety of broadcast options. Most games are available on NBA League Pass and/or Prime Video, providing comprehensive coverage for fans worldwide. Additionally, select games will be broadcast on NBC and TNT, as well as ESPN, ensuring that a wide audience can tune in.
Conclusion
The NBA Cup has quickly become an integral part of the NBA season. Its unique format, high stakes, and exciting matchups provide players and fans with something to look forward to. As the 2025-26 tournament approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be another unforgettable competition.
From the Halloween tip-off to the Las Vegas final, the NBA Cup showcases the best of basketball, offering significant financial incentives, bragging rights, and a chance for teams to build momentum. Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or a casual observer, the NBA Cup provides entertainment, drama, and excitement.
So, as the teams gear up and the courts are prepped, be sure to mark your calendars and tune in. The NBA Cup matters, and it’s here to stay, solidifying its place as a must-watch event for years to come.
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