sportskeeda
The NBA’s mid-season tournament has been dubbed “the FA Cup of basketball” by European sports fans, and it’s easy to see why.
This December, Commissioner Adam Silver has delivered an exceptional gift to basketball fans through this competition.
4
4
The NBA Cup is currently in its second season and has already established itself as a remarkable success.
A major sponsorship deal has been formed with Emirates, and it’s set to be included in a lucrative new TV agreement next season as well.
Interestingly, the Middle Eastern airline also serves as the title sponsor for The Emirates FA Cup in England.
Throughout the years, European influence within the NBA has been notably increasing, with a growing number of the league’s standout players originating from the continent.
Talents like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic have all been shaped by the global allure of football during their upbringing.
They would have seen teams vie for an additional trophy alongside the league title.
This format is relatively uncommon in professional sports in the US, which has always piqued Silver’s interest.
He garnered immediate backing from the players, a key factor for the tournament’s success.
A trip to Las Vegas in December, coupled with a cash prize of $500,000 for the winners, certainly caught the stars’ attention.
Games associated with the NBA Cup, whether during regular season play or the knockout rounds, carry added weight, which is reflected in the excitement felt by fans watching at home.
If you can find the basketball in this optical illusion in under 7 seconds, you have the keen eyes of an NBA sharpshooter!
These occasions evoke a thrilling playoff vibe that fans usually look forward to until April arrives.
The single-elimination knockout structure has proven to be effective in college sports, especially during March Madness.
It has also revitalized the College Football Playoff, which has expanded to encompass 12 teams this season.
The NBA has become the pioneer among the four major US sports leagues to introduce this format outside of the playoffs, and it has been quite successful.
Timing is a fundamental factor in this success.
How the NBA Cup works
The NBA Cup has returned for its second season, with finals once again scheduled in Las Vegas.
The 30 teams were split into six groups of five teams each, facing off on Tuesdays and Fridays from November 12 to December 3.
The winners of each group, along with the two best wild card teams, will advance to the quarterfinals on December 10 and 11.
The final four teams will converge in Las Vegas for the semifinals on December 14 and the championship on December 17.
All matches contribute to the teams’ regular-season records, except for the championship game.
The league has strategically selected a period in the schedule where activity generally slows down.
After the season kicks off in late October, significant games are lacking until Christmas Day.
This competition suddenly transforms November and early December into crucial months, energizing fans to actively engage with basketball during a time when they might otherwise only monitor scores and highlights.
Although still in its infancy, the NBA Cup has undoubtedly carved out a unique space in the US sports calendar.
It will be critical for Silver and the NBA to ensure it retains its luster and does not become merely another novelty visit to Las Vegas.
4
4
