NBA 2025 Cup: Schedule and Groups for Third Annual In-Season Competition
The highly anticipated third edition of the Emirates NBA Cup will commence on October 31, 2025. This in-season tournament, which will run shortly after the start of the 2025-26 NBA regular season, introduces fans to an exciting blend of competition and entertainment.
Emirates NBA Cup Overview
The Emirates NBA Cup features a new structure for the 2025 basketball season, following in the footsteps of its predecessors. The inaugural tournament held in 2023 was won by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, who also saw James awarded MVP honors. Last year, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Changes to the Tournament Format
- Teams are divided into six groups, with five teams in each group.
- Three groups comprise Eastern Conference teams, while three are from the Western Conference.
- Each team plays one game against the other teams in its group.
- The group winners, along with the best overall non-group winner, advance to the knockout stage.
Impact on Regular Season Schedule
This year, the NBA has adjusted its scheduling, resulting in each team playing a total of 80 games, creating openings for the tournament. Those teams eliminated in the quarterfinals will complete their 82-game schedule in a separate matchup on dates between December 11 and 15. The format aims to minimize the scheduling of back-to-back games while keeping fans engaged between regular-season and tournament action.
Television and Viewing Options
Most games will be broadcasted via Amazon Prime, offering easy access to fans. The games are primarily scheduled for Fridays, with the tournament starting on Halloween.
2025 Emirates NBA Cup Groups
Below are the grouped teams for the Emirates NBA Cup:
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Prizes and Incentives
Winning players will receive increased cash prizes, starting with $500,000 for each member of the winning team. As the tournament becomes a staple of the NBA season, players are motivated to compete intensely, knowing their performance counts toward regular-season standings.
Conclusion
The Emirates NBA Cup, featuring a blend of competitive spirit and fan engagement, promises to be a landmark event in the NBA calendar. With a unique setup, augmented schedules, and attractive viewing options, the tournament is set to capture the attention of basketball fans worldwide.
