Emirates NBA Cup: Format, Schedule, and Significance of the 2024 Tournament

The Emirates NBA Cup is the NBA‘s in-season tournament, now in its second edition. The tournament kicks off on Tuesday and will culminate in the final match on December 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Last season, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by LeBron James, won the inaugural tournament by defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-109, with James being named the MVP.

This year, all 30 NBA teams are divided into six groups of five, based on their win-loss records from the previous regular season. Each team will play each group opponent once, with group stage matches scheduled on four Tuesdays and three Fridays. The knockout stage will include quarterfinals, semifinals, and the championship game.

The tournament format was inspired by European soccer leagues, but unlike those leagues, the NBA Cup is integrated into the regular season schedule. This means that the group matches count towards the regular season and playoff tiebreakers, making every game crucial for the teams.

The NBA adjusted its typical 82-game schedule to accommodate the tournament. Teams that reach the championship game will play 83 games, while those eliminated earlier will complete their 82-game schedule. The tournament offers individual and team prizes, including a substantial cash prize for the winning team, the Most Valuable Player award, and an all-tournament team.

The tournament is sponsored by Emirates, a Dubai-based airline, and is part of the NBA’s innovative approach to engaging fans and enhancing competition within the league. The competitive nature of the tournament is emphasized by the grouping of teams based on the previous season’s standings, ensuring high stakes for every match.