Everything You Need to Know About the 2025 NBA Cup Schedule and Groups for the Third Annual In-Season Competition
The 2025 Emirates NBA Cup is set to kick off on October 31, 2025, aligning with the Halloween festivities. This season marks the third annual in-season tournament, following the success of the previous tournaments. The inaugural event in 2023 saw LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers triumph, while the Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, claimed the championship in 2024. With excitement building, teams are eager to compete for the coveted NBA Cup trophy.
Key Details about the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup
- Start Date: October 31, 2025
- Teams: 30 NBA teams divided into six groups
- Group Format: Each group contains five teams
- Winning Teams: Each group winner and the best second-place team will advance to the knockout stage
Groupings for the 2025 Tournament
The NBA has divided the teams into the following groups:
- East A: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
- East B: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers
- East C: New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets
- West A: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz
- West B: Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans
- West C: Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs
Format and Schedule Overview
The in-season tournament serves as an exciting addition to the regular NBA season. Each team will play four games within their group. The top two teams will step up to the knockout rounds. Overall, teams participating in the finals will play 83 games, accounting for this additional matchup.
Impact on Regular Season
Typically, the NBA releases a complete 82-game schedule. For this tournament, however, teams will play 80 games, with supplementary match dates depending on the tournament outcomes. The 2025 schedule strategically accommodates this structure.
Broadcast Information
This year’s games will predominantly air on Amazon Prime, a shift from previous years. The tournament’s schedule features games mainly on Fridays, starting on Halloween, rather than alternating weekdays.
Prizes and Individual Awards
Participants in the Emirates NBA Cup have much to play for, including monetary incentives. In 2024, each player on the winning team received a monetary reward, with amounts increasing yearly. Notably, there will also be an MVP award given for exceptional performances throughout the tournament.
Conclusion
The Emirates NBA Cup, starting on October 31, promises thrilling competitive action. Its innovative format, combined with substantial rewards for players, reflects the NBA’s continuous effort to engage fans and enhance the basketball experience. Let the tournament begin, and may the best team emerge victorious!
