2025 NBA Cup Set to Begin with Fresh Court Designs

As anticipation builds for the 2025 NBA Cup, the league has officially revealed the eye-catching court designs that will be showcased by all 30 teams. This year's tournament kicks off with group play on October 31, coinciding with the Halloween festivities.

Entering its third year, the NBA Cup has become a staple of the league's in-season tournaments, maintaining a format established during the 2023-24 season. However, this season, fans can expect a revamped schedule, highlighting part of Prime Video's media deal with the NBA.

Schedule Changes Enhance Viewing Experience

Bringing a new twist to the schedule, Prime Video has secured the rights to air 10 Cup games throughout its Friday night doubleheader coverage, dubbed "Cup Nights." This modification allows fans to enjoy NBA Cup action more frequently on Fridays, as opposed to the previous arrangement which split games between Tuesdays and Fridays.

The earlier start date for the tournament marks a significant change, with last year's Cup commencing on November 12 and concluding on December 17. In contrast, the 2025 event will extend over two weeks longer, wrapping up on December 16 in Las Vegas.

Keeping the Competition Intact

The total number of games within the NBA Cup remains unchanged, with teams competing in their groups to claim victory one time each. Group champions and one wild-card team from both conferences will move on to the knockout stage. Wild-card teams will be determined by the best records after the group winners, with clear tiebreakers in place starting with head-to-head results and point differentials.

As group play nears its conclusion on November 28, anticipation will build for the quarterfinal round scheduled for December 9 and 10. The Milwaukee Bucks will enter as the defending champions after their triumphant victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024 final, a performance highlighted by Giannis Antetokounmpo's remarkable triple-double.