The NBA Cup also referred to as the Emirates NBA Cup, that was introduced during the 2023-24 season. This annual competition represents a significant addition to the NBA calendar, taking place during the regular season and featuring all 30 NBA teams competing for a distinct championship title.
The tournament was first introduced under the name of “In-Season Tournament” and was announced officially on 8 July 2023. The Los Angeles Lakers became the first champions through the finals which they played against Indiana Pacers.
Do NBA Cup Games Count?
The NBA Cup integrates both tournament and regular-season play uniquely. All games played during the Group Play stage and most of the Knockout Rounds (Quarterfinals and Semifinals) count as regular-season games. However, the Championship game stands as an exception - it doesn't affect a team's regular-season record, and neither individual nor team statistics from this game are included in regular-season totals.
Related: List of NBA Cup champions
How Does the NBA Mid-Season Tournament Work?
The tournament follows a carefully structured multi-stage format, beginning with group play and culminating in knockout rounds. It starts by dividing teams into six groups - three groups of five teams per conference. The group assignment process is systematic: teams are distributed based on their previous season's record. The top three teams from each conference are randomly assigned to the three conference groups first, followed by the next three teams, and so on until all teams are placed.
During the group stage, games are scheduled strategically on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout November. Each team engages in a round-robin format, playing four games total - two at home and two away - against other teams in their group. These games serve a dual purpose, counting toward both the NBA Cup standings and regular-season records.
Eight teams in total advance to the knockout phase - four from each conference. This includes the three group winners and one wild card team (the group runner-up with the best record) from each conference. The competition then transitions to a single-elimination format, with Quarterfinals taking place on December 10-11, followed by Semifinals on December 14 as per Fox Sports. The tournament culminates with the Championship game on December 17, all played at a neutral site.
Do NBA In-Season Tournament Games Count?
Every game in the NBA Cup (previously known as the NBA In-Season Tournament) impacts a team's regular-season standings, with one notable exception - the Championship Final. This includes all games from the group stage through the semifinals, ensuring that teams remain invested in every matchup.
Related: NBA Cup Format
What Do You Get for Winning the In-Season NBA Tournament?
The winning team claims the NBA Cup trophy, while players receive the pool price. The prize structure includes $500,000 for each player on the championship team, $100,000 for reaching the semifinals, and $50,000 for making the quarterfinals.
FAQs on NBA Cup
A. The Los Angeles Lakers won the NBA Cup in the season 2023-24.
A. The NBA Cup begin in the season 2023-24 for the first time.
A. The Finals of the NBA Cup will be on December 17, 2024.
A. LeBron James won the Most Valuable Player award in the NBA Cup in 2023.
