Introducing the NBA Cup
The NBA Cup, the new trophy for the NBA In-Season Tournament Champion, marks the onset of a thrilling chapter in the 2023-24 NBA season. The inception of this innovative annual competition, embraces all 30 NBA teams, and culminates with the NBA Cup Trophy game in Las Vegas, NV. The tournament, beginning on November 3, promises to ignite a wave of excitement, nurture enhanced fan engagement, and offer a fresh competitive edge early in the season.
NBA Cup: The Champion of the In-Season Tournament
A key highlight of this In-Season Tournament is the introduction of a novel title – the NBA Cup. This newly minted trophy represents the ultimate recognition of the victorious team at the end of the tournament. A symbol of determination, resilience, and exceptional skill, the NBA Cup is a worthy prize for the tournament champion.
In addition to the prestige of hoisting the NBA Cup, teams have a tangible incentive to perform at their best. A prize pool will be allocated to players from teams reaching the Knockout Rounds, with allocations increasing depending on their progression in the tournament.
NBA Cup Format: Group Play and Knockout Rounds
Starting with Group Play, all 30 NBA teams will be divided into groups of five. The grouping is based on the teams' won-loss records from the previous regular season. The best-performing team from each group and one “wild card” team from each conference will advance to the single-elimination Knockout Rounds. This journey, from group play to the thrilling knockouts, will culminate in the Championship, where the NBA Cup awaits the victorious team.
Balancing the In-Season Tournament and Regular Season
The NBA In-Season Tournament fits seamlessly within the traditional 82-game regular season. Except for the Championship game, all games within the tournament will count toward regular-season standings. This unique arrangement ensures the tournament's value while upholding the importance of the regular season.
Is the NBA Cup on TV?
The NBA has arranged for fourteen Group Play games and all seven Knockout Round games to be broadcast nationally. For the fans who wish to experience the thrill of live basketball, tickets for the Semifinals and Championship can be secured from NBAEvents.com. For Group Play or Quarterfinals games, tickets can be directly obtained from the host team’s ticketing provider.
Who Will Be The NBA Cup MVP?
The NBA Cup isn't just about crowning the winning team; individual excellence is also recognized and celebrated. After the championship game, the NBA will announce the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the In-Season Tournament. This honor is awarded to a player who has displayed exceptional skill and performance throughout the tournament, from the Group Play stage to the Knockout Rounds, making significant contributions to their team's success.
Key Dates: When is the NBA Cup Final?
Mark your calendars, as the final of the NBA Cup, the climax of the In-Season Tournament, is a date not to be missed. The inaugural NBA Cup Championship game is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 9. After several intense weeks of competition, this is the day when one team will etch its name in the annals of NBA history as the first-ever NBA Cup champion.
Do All Teams Play in the NBA Cup?
One of the unique aspects of the NBA In-Season Tournament is its inclusive nature. All 30 NBA teams get the opportunity to compete for the NBA Cup. The tournament begins with the Group Play stage, where teams are divided into groups based on their won-loss records from the prior regular season. After a series of games, the top teams from each group, along with one “wild card” team from each conference, advance to the Knockout Rounds. So, yes, every team in the NBA will have a shot at lifting the NBA Cup!
Will the NBA Cup be a Success?
Anchored by the NBA Cup, the In-Season Tournament ushers in a fresh rhythm to the basketball landscape. While opinions vary about the future popularity of the NBA Cup among fans, the prospect of enjoying more competitive NBA games early in the season is undeniably exciting. As we anticipate the unfolding of this new chapter, we hope that the NBA Cup will be a success and a celebrated tradition for years to come.
Who Won the 2023 NBA Cup?
On December 9th, 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers emerged victorious over the Indiana Pacers, clinching the inaugural NBA Cup with a final score of 123-109.