The NBA has unveiled its highly-anticipated in-season tournament, the NBA Cup, during the NBA2K24 Summer League. Commissioner Adam Silver's vision of a European cup-style competition has become a reality.
Silver shared his excitement during a special episode of "NBA Today" at the annual "NBA Con" event in Las Vegas. He emphasized the perfect fit of this global league for such an innovative tournament.
The NBA Cup comprises six groups, three from the Eastern Conference and three from the Western Conference, competing in the initial stage.
Group 1: 76ers, Cavaliers, Hawks, Pacers, Pistons
Group 2: Bucks, Knicks, Heat, Wizards, Hornets
Group 3: Celtics, Nets, Raptors, Bulls, Magic
Group 4: Grizzlies, Suns, Lakers, Jazz, Trail Blazers
Group 5: Nuggets, Clippers, Pelicans, Mavericks, Rockets
Group 6: Kings, Warriors, Timberwolves, Thunder, Spurs
The league utilized a World Cup-style draw, considering the previous regular-season standings, to ensure balanced groups.
During November, each team will play four games against the other teams in their group. The matches are scheduled on seven dates, falling on Fridays and Tuesdays.
Efforts have been made to minimize back-to-back games during the group stage, although some first-night back-to-back games may be unavoidable.
Group winners and the highest-ranking non-group-winning team from each conference will advance to the knockout round. Quarterfinals will occur on December 4th and 5th, followed by semifinals on December 7th, leading to the championship game on December 9th.
The tournament maintains the East vs. West format until the championship game, fostering the same excitement as the NBA playoffs.
The NBA Cup offers substantial rewards, with the winning team players earning $500,000 each, while the runner-up players will receive $200,000 each, while semifinal and quarterfinal losers will also receive substantial payouts.
The NBA acknowledges the need for time to fully embrace the tournament and its new trophy, the "NBA Cup." The league remains open to potential changes and sponsor involvement.
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