2025 Emirates NBA Cup: Everything You Need to Know
The Emirates NBA Cup is the NBA’s in-season tournament that involves all 30 teams competing in a structured format during the regular season. Introduced a few years ago, it provides teams with a new trophy to pursue and adds intensity to early-season games.
The 2025 tournament starts on October 31, 2025, and the championship game will take place on December 16, 2025, in Las Vegas. This overview explains the format, schedule, participants, viewing options, and key storylines.
Tournament Format and Records
All NBA Cup games count towards a team’s regular season record, except the final championship match, which is separate.
Group Competition Highlights
The West Group C is the most competitive group, featuring top teams such as the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and Denver Nuggets, each ranked among the top seven last season.
The San Antonio Spurs, off to a strong 5-1 start, are led by the 7’5” phenom Victor Wembanyama. The Portland Trailblazers, powered by Israeli star Deni Avdija, are also poised to challenge the group's stronger teams, promising an exciting and competitive group stage.
“With established teams and emerging stars, West Group C offers a thrilling contest for all participants.”
Author’s summary: The 2025 Emirates NBA Cup adds fresh excitement to the season, spotlighting intense group battles and rising stars like Wembanyama and Avdija in a competitive tournament format.