The NBA Cup is the league's in-season tournament. It began on October 30, 2026.
It is a second trophy teams can win during the regular season. It started in 2023-24.
Teams are split into six groups of five. Each team plays four group games.
Group games run from October 30 to November 27, mostly on Friday nights.
Cup games use bright, specially painted courts and Statement Edition uniforms.
Six group winners plus two wild cards reach the single-elimination knockout round.
Quarterfinals are Dec 4-5. Semifinals are Dec 8-9. The final is Dec 11.
The final moves to Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, home of the Butler Bulldogs.
Each player on the winning team collects $604,985. Runners-up get $241,994 each.
The Lakers won in 2023. The Bucks won in 2024. The Knicks won in 2025.
Group play runs to November 27. Read the full explainer for format and dates.
Get the full breakdown, key numbers, and what happens next.
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