2026 NBA Cup - Key Details and Schedule

The 2026 NBA Cup is set to kick off on Friday, October 30, after the New York Knicks emerged victorious over the San Antonio Spurs in the previous edition held in December 2025. This championship win not only marked a milestone for the Knicks, who celebrated their first title in 53 years, but it also heightened the anticipation for this year's competition.

Understanding the NBA Cup Format

This year's NBA Cup retains its established format since its inception four years ago, with a notable adjustment for the semifinals. The remaining top seeds from the East and West will host these semifinal games on their home courts. The championship finale will take place at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, a venue linked to the legendary high school basketball movie, “Hoosiers.”

All 30 NBA teams are divided into six groups, consisting of five teams each—three from the Eastern Conference and three from the Western Conference. Every team will face each opponent in their group once, resulting in a total of four games that count in both the regular season and the Cup standings.

The six groups' top teams, along with two wild cards from each conference based on records and point differentials, will progress into an eight-team knockout bracket. This single-elimination format mimics the traditional NBA playoffs until the Finals, where one team from each conference will vie for the trophy.

2026 NBA Cup Group Breakdown

The NBA Cup 2026 groupings bring excitement and strategic matchups. Here’s how the groups are divided:

Western Conference

Group A: Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz
Group B: LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder
Group C: Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs

Eastern Conference

Group A: Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors
Group B: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers
Group C: Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards

The teams compete for the chance to advance, but various injuries have impacted the lineup, particularly in Group B where the Timberwolves and Thunder face challenges without key players. Injured stalwarts change the dynamics of anticipated matchups and could influence the progression of the tournament.

Schedule Highlights for NBA Cup 2026

Most of the NBA Cup action is slated for Friday evenings, running from October 30 through November 27. Fans can catch the games on Amazon Prime, which will also feature the semifinals and the Championship Game on December 11.

Notable fixtures include:

October 30: Charlotte Hornets vs. Washington Wizards (7 p.m. ET)
November 24: Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic (7 p.m. ET)
November 25: Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers (5 p.m. ET)

As the tournament progresses, the knockout rounds will begin on December 4-5, leading to the decisive championship match at the iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse.

What’s at Stake in the NBA Cup?

Beyond the thrill of competition, there are monetary incentives driving players’ motivation. The winning team will earn significant payouts, with champions taking home over $500,000 per player. Even the runner-up team won’t leave empty-handed, receiving around $200,000 each. Mid-level payouts are also granted to those advancing through the rounds—ensuring that players at all levels have something to play for.

The 2025 NBA Cup crowned the New York Knicks, led by star Jalen Brunson, whose performance earned him the MVP award. As the current Cup returns, it aims to maintain interest throughout the regular season and provide every team an opportunity to claim victory beyond the traditional NBA championship.

With the excitement gearing up for the NBA Cup 2026, fans can look forward to thrilling matchups, star-studded performances, and, of course, the chance to witness a new champion emerge this winter.