NBA news: Basketball fans gear up for the second annual Emirates NBA Cup
The NBA is spicing up the season once again with the return of its rebranded Emirates NBA Cup, a mid-season tournament packed with competition and fresh visuals.
From colourful courts to knockout rounds, the NBA Cup gives every team a shot at additional glory and cash prizes.
Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo breaks down exactly how the tournament works.
Innovative tournament
The NBA is bringing back its in-season tournament for a second consecutive year, now rebranded as the Emirates NBA Cup.
This innovative tournament, which first kicked off last season, provides teams with a chance to add a unique piece of silverware to their collection outside of the standard NBA Championship.
The Los Angeles Lakers claimed the inaugural title, defeating the Indiana Pacers in Las Vegas with LeBron James securing the first-ever tournament MVP award.
This season, every NBA team will compete in the tournament, offering fans an exciting twist on the regular season.
Starting on November 12, group games - now branded as ‘Cup Nights’ - will take place every Tuesday and Friday across the league, with the first day's schedule headlined by a doubleheader.
The opening game pits the New York Knicks against the Philadelphia 76ers, with star Joel Embiid making his much-anticipated season debut following an injury and a recent suspension.
Later that evening, the Golden State Warriors will face the Dallas Mavericks, featuring Klay Thompson’s first game against his former team after his offseason move to Dallas.
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Six-group format
The format of the Emirates NBA Cup includes all 30 teams divided into six groups of five based on last season’s records, with three groups in each conference.
Each team will play four games within their group - two at home and two away - from November 12 through December 3.
The top team from each group will advance to the knockout round, along with one wild card from each conference, chosen based on factors like point differential and total points if teams tie in the standings.
Quarter-final match-ups will be hosted by the higher-seeded teams on December 10 and 11, followed by the semi-finals and championship game at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 14 and 17, respectively.
Las Vegas to host final rounds
Notably Las Vegas, which has been long-rumoured as a future NBA expansion city, will play host for these final rounds, adding extra intrigue for fans hoping to see the league eventually land there.
All games in the NBA Cup count toward each team’s regular season record, aside from the championship game.
Players and teams have extra incentive beyond just the trophy: winners receive $500,000 per player, with incremental bonuses for those reaching the semi-finals, quarter-finals, and the runner-up team.
There will also be a tournament MVP and All-Tournament Team selected to recognise standout performances.
The NBA is keeping the vibrant, attention-grabbing courts that debuted last season, adding a colourful flair to each team’s home arena.
These courts are meant to make NBA Cup games instantly recognisable, drumming up excitement and curiosity among fans.
As the NBA Cup tips off, all eyes will be on the league's biggest stars and underdog teams alike, battling it out for a unique mid-season prize that adds both a competitive spark and a fresh dynamic to the NBA season.
With group stages, single-elimination match-ups, and a high-stakes finale in Las Vegas, this year's NBA Cup promises to build on last season’s success and deliver unforgettable moments for fans across the league.
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