What Is the NBA Cup? Format, Purpose, and How the Tournament Works

What is the NBA Cup is a common question during the early weeks of the NBA season. The NBA Cup is a league-run, midseason tournament played during the regular season and open to all 30 teams.

Formerly known as the NBA In-Season Tournament, the competition debuted in 2023. It was created to add stakes to early-season games while keeping the full 82-game schedule intact.

What Is the NBA Cup and How the Tournament Is Structured

The NBA Cup blends regular-season games with a standalone tournament format. The league confirmed the structure through official announcements and coverage by Reuters and the Associated Press.

All 30 teams participate and are divided by conference into groups for the opening phase. Each team plays group-stage games against conference opponents in a round-robin format.

These group games count toward the regular-season standings. This design ensures teams are not required to play extra games outside the championship matchup.

At the end of group play, the top team from each group advances. One additional wild card team from each conference also qualifies based on record and point differential.

The knockout stage begins with single-elimination quarterfinals. Winners move on to the semifinals and then the championship game.

The NBA Cup final is played at a neutral site selected by the league. Unlike earlier rounds, the championship game does not count toward regular-season records.

Players on the winning team receive league-funded prize money. The exact payout structure is set by the NBA and the players’ association.

The trophy is awarded separately from the Larry O’Brien Trophy. This makes the NBA Cup a secondary title rather than a replacement for the NBA Finals.

Why the NBA Introduced the NBA Cup

The NBA introduced the Cup to increase fan engagement early in the season. League officials have said November and early December games often lacked urgency.

By adding tournament stakes, the NBA aimed to create playoff-style intensity months before the postseason. Teams now have something tangible to compete for before the All-Star break.

Broadcast partners also benefit from marquee matchups with higher visibility. The league schedules Cup games on nationally televised windows to maximize reach.

Players have noted that the prize pool adds motivation, especially for younger rosters. Veterans have said the format sharpens focus earlier in the calendar.

The NBA Cup also provides data for future schedule innovations. League executives have indicated they are monitoring fan response and viewership closely.

What is the NBA Cup today is clear. It is a regular-season tournament designed to create urgency, reward competition, and add a second trophy to the NBA calendar.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the NBA Cup in simple terms?

The NBA Cup is a midseason tournament played during the regular season. It includes group play and knockout rounds, with a separate championship trophy.

Q2: Do NBA Cup games count toward the regular season?

Yes. All NBA Cup games except the final count toward regular-season standings. Teams still play 82 regular-season games.

Q3: When was the NBA Cup first introduced?

The NBA Cup debuted in the 2023 season. It was originally called the NBA In-Season Tournament.

Q4: What do players win in the NBA Cup?

Players on the winning team receive prize money funded by the league. The amount is agreed upon with the players’ association.

Q5: Is the NBA Cup the same as the NBA championship?

No. The NBA Cup is a separate competition. The NBA Finals remain the league’s primary championship.