2025 Emirates NBA Cup Kicks Off Third Annual Tournament

The Emirates NBA Cup officially commenced its group play phase on October 31, 2025, marking the third iteration of the league's in-season tournament. The announcement of the tournament's start was highlighted by Yahoo Sports, which stated on social media, "> The NBA Cup officially gets underway tonight! 🏀 🏆"

The 2025 NBA Cup features a structured format, beginning with group play that runs primarily on Fridays between October 31 and November 28. All group stage games, with the exception of the championship final, contribute to the teams' regular-season standings. The league has modified its scheduling to accommodate the tournament, ensuring teams play 80 regular-season games initially, with Cup games counting towards the final 82-game schedule.

Following the group stage, the tournament progresses to single-elimination knockout rounds. These crucial games are scheduled for December 9, 10, 13, and 16, culminating in the semifinals and championship game. For the third consecutive year, the final stages of the competition will be held at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada.

The in-season tournament has previously seen varied outcomes, with its single-elimination bracket often producing surprising results. Past winners, including the Los Angeles Lakers in 2023 and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024, did not necessarily translate their Cup success into deep playoff runs in subsequent postseasons, underscoring the distinct nature of this "sprint" competition compared to the regular season "marathon." This year's tournament is anticipated to continue offering unpredictable matchups and intense competition.