2025 Emirates NBA Cup Tips Off With New Format and Broadcast Partners

The 2025 Emirates NBA Cup has officially begun. This in-season tournament started on October 31st. It features all 30 NBA teams competing for the midseason championship.

The event aims to add more excitement to the regular season. According to Associated Press reports, all group stage games also count toward the regular season standings. This dual-purpose format is a key feature of the competition.

Understanding the NBA Cup’s Structure and Schedule

Teams are divided into six groups of five. Three groups are in the Eastern Conference and three in the Western Conference. Each team plays four group stage games against their assigned rivals.

The six group winners advance to the knockout stage. Two wild-card teams, one from each conference, also qualify. The quarterfinals are hosted by the top group winners.

The semifinals and finals will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This neutral site hosts the final rounds on December 14th and 16th. Only the championship game does not count toward regular season records.

How to Watch Every NBA Cup Game This Season

Broadcast coverage is split across several platforms. Amazon Prime Video will stream the opening night games and most Friday matchups. ESPN and NBC will also carry selected Tuesday and Wednesday games.

All knockout stage games will stream exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. This includes the quarterfinals through the championship. Local broadcasts will still air most group stage games for regional audiences.

Fans can identify NBA Cup games by the special court designs. Home teams wear Statement Edition uniforms. Road teams wear their classic Association uniforms.

The 2025 Emirates NBA Cup brings high-stakes basketball to the early season. Its unique format provides meaningful games before the playoffs. This tournament continues to evolve the NBA calendar.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the Emirates NBA Cup?

The Emirates NBA Cup is the NBA’s official in-season tournament. It was first introduced in the 2023-24 season. All games except the final count toward regular season records.

How are the groups determined?

Teams are randomly drawn into six groups of five. The draw considers conference affiliation and previous season records. This ensures balanced competition across all groups.

When do the knockout rounds begin?

The quarterfinals start on December 4th. The semifinals follow on December 14th in Las Vegas. The championship game concludes the tournament on December 16th.

Do players receive prizes for winning?

Yes, players on the winning team receive $500,000 each. The runners-up get $200,000 per player. All players on semifinal and quarterfinal teams also earn smaller cash prizes.

Why is point differential important?

Point differential serves as a key tiebreaker for group advancement. This encourages competitive play throughout all games. Teams must maintain effort even in lopsided contests.