The NBA Cup, also known as the Emirates NBA Cup, is a new annual in-season tournament in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Officially announced on July 8, 2023, the tournament debuted during the 2023–24 NBA season, marking the first edition of this event. The competition is integrated into the regular NBA season.
July 6, 2023: Initial Report of In-Season Tournament
On July 6, 2023, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the NBA would be introducing an in-season tournament starting from November 3 and running until December 9.
July 8, 2023: NBA Cup Officially Announced
On July 8, 2023, the NBA officially announced the creation of the annual in-season tournament, the NBA Cup (later known as the Emirates NBA Cup). The tournament was set to debut in the 2023-24 season.
December 9, 2023: Los Angeles Lakers Win the NBA Cup
On December 9, 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers to win the inaugural NBA Cup.
2023: NBPA Raises Concerns Over Tiebreaker Rules for NBA Cup
During 2023, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) voiced concerns over the use of point differential and total points scored as tiebreakers for the NBA Cup, arguing that these rules could incentivize unsportsmanlike conduct, such as running up the score. Alternative tiebreakers were suggested, including a capped point differential and considering the number of quarters won.
2023: Special Courts and Uniforms for Inaugural NBA Cup
In 2023, for the first In-Season Tournament, home teams wore their "City" edition uniforms and played on specially designed courts. These courts featured a distinct painted design, with the NBA Cup logo prominently displayed at center court.
2023: Dallas Mavericks' NBA Cup Court Issues
In 2023, the Dallas Mavericks were unable to use their designated NBA Cup court for their home games in the tournament due to manufacturing problems, forcing them to play on traditional courts.
2023: Los Angeles Lakers Win Inaugural NBA Cup
In 2023, the Los Angeles Lakers won the first NBA Cup, with LeBron James named as the tournament MVP. Each player on the winning team received a cash prize of $500,000.
February 2, 2024: Emirates Secures Naming Rights for NBA Cup
On February 2, 2024, Emirates Airlines signed a multi-year sponsorship deal with the NBA, acquiring the naming rights to the in-season tournament, officially renaming it the Emirates NBA Cup.