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The 2024 NBA Cup, officially known as the Emirates NBA Cup due to sponsorship, is the inaugural in-season tournament introduced by the National Basketball Association (NBA). Aimed at enhancing mid-season excitement, the NBA Cup has sparked curiosity and debates among fans and players alike.

The quarterfinals for the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup begin Tuesday

What Is the NBA Cup?

The NBA Cup is the NBA’s first-ever in-season tournament, introduced during the 2023-2024 season. Inspired by domestic cup competitions in European soccer leagues, this tournament creates an additional competitive layer within the regular season. The NBA aims to boost fan engagement, enhance player performance during the early months, and add a new trophy to the league’s history.

Why Is It Called the Emirates NBA Cup?

The tournament’s title sponsorship by Emirates Airlines brings significant financial backing and global branding to the event. Emirates, already a major partner in sports sponsorship worldwide, has committed to a multi-year agreement with the NBA, further expanding the league’s global presence.

2024 NBA Cup quarterfinals

All times ET

Wednesday, Dec. 10:

• Orlando Magic at Milwaukee Bucks, 7 p.m. on TNT
• Dallas Mavericks at Oklahoma City Thunder, 9:30 p.m. on TNT

Thursday, Dec. 11:

• Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks, 7 p.m. on ESPN
• Golden State Warriors at Houston Rockets, 9:30 p.m. on TNT

Semifinals

Saturday, Dec. 14 in Las Vegas

• Semifinals 1: TBD vs. TBD, 4:30 p.m. on TNT
• Semifinals 2: TBD vs. TBD, 7:30 p.m. on ABC

• This venue symbolizes the NBA’s growing relationship with Las Vegas, a city long associated with basketball events like Summer League.

Prize Pool and Incentives

• The total prize pool for the tournament is $18 million.

• Players on the winning team receive $500,000 each, while those on the runner-up team earn $200,000 per player.

• There are also bonuses for teams that reach the semifinals and quarterfinals.

Impact on Regular Season

Games in the group stage count toward regular-season standings, ensuring teams compete with full intensity. However, the championship game is considered separate and does not affect regular-season records.

Historical Context

Inspiration from European Soccer

The NBA Cup borrows elements from soccer tournaments like the English FA Cup and UEFA Champions League, where teams compete in parallel to their regular leagues. This format is relatively new to American sports, making the NBA a trailblazer among the major U.S. leagues.

NBA’s Push for Globalization

With growing international fan bases, the NBA Cup aligns with the league’s efforts to appeal to audiences outside North America. The Emirates sponsorship emphasizes this global focus, bridging fans from different continents.

Fan Reception and Criticism

While many fans are excited about the novelty and competitive intensity of the NBA Cup, critics have raised concerns about potential player fatigue, the impact on regular-season dynamics, and whether players will prioritize the tournament as much as fans.

Player and Team Reactions

Positive Feedback

• LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers): "I think it’s great for the game. Anything that makes fans more engaged is a win."

• Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors): "It’s a new challenge, and I’m all for it. Let’s see who rises to the occasion."

Concerns

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks): "It’s interesting, but we need to see how it fits into our goals for the season."

• Some players and analysts worry about adding more games to an already demanding schedule, increasing the risk of injuries.

NBA Cup 2024: Full Schedule, Watch Live, Groups, Stages, Venues, and More

FAQs

1. How does the NBA Cup affect the regular season?

Group-stage games count toward regular-season standings, but knockout-stage games (except the final) do not. This ensures that teams remain competitive without undermining the 82-game schedule.

2. How are the groups determined?

Groups are based on a mix of conference alignment and prior-season win-loss records, ensuring balanced competition.

3. Why is the championship game in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has become a hub for basketball events, and hosting the final there aligns with the NBA’s efforts to expand its presence in the city.

4. What do players gain from the NBA Cup?

Aside from prize money, players and teams gain additional visibility, accolades, and a chance to etch their names into the history books as the first NBA Cup champions.

5. Will this tournament become an annual event?

Yes, the NBA plans to make the NBA Cup an annual fixture, tweaking the format based on feedback from players, coaches, and fans.

6. How are wild-card teams selected?

Wild-card spots go to the two teams with the best records in the group stage that did not win their groups. One comes from the Eastern Conference and one from the Western Conference.

7. Are there any international games in the NBA Cup?

Currently, all games are held in the U.S., but the NBA has expressed interest in expanding the tournament to include international venues in future editions.

8. How does the NBA Cup compare to other sports’ in-season tournaments?

Similar to soccer’s FA Cup or Carabao Cup, the NBA Cup introduces a parallel competition within the regular season. However, it’s unique in that all 30 teams participate, and games directly affect regular-season standings.

9. How are fans reacting to the NBA Cup?

Fan reactions are mixed, with some embracing the excitement of a new competition and others skeptical about its impact on player workload and season dynamics.

10. Where can I watch the NBA Cup?

Games are broadcast on major networks like ESPN and TNT, with streaming available on NBA League Pass. International fans can tune in via regional partners or the NBA’s global streaming platforms.