How does the NBA Cup work? Format, groups and schedule for the 2026 tournament

Who will win the fourth edition of the Emirates NBA Cup? Introduced in the 2023-24 campaign as an in-season tournament, the NBA Cup offers teams and players an extra shot to lift a trophy, along with cash bonuses based on performance. The Los Angeles Lakers won the first ever edition of the event, the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2024-25 NBA Cup Final and the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in an NBA Cup Final that doubled as an NBA Finals preview. There will be new team jerseys, fresh colorful courts and a run to the final that will be played in a new location. Here s everything to know about how the tournament works, the schedule and how to watch. When does the NBA Cup start? This year s tournament will begin on Friday, Oct. 30. Most group stage games will be played on Fridays through Nov. 27, with additional contests on Nov. 24-25 before Thanksgiving. The knockout rounds, starting with the quarterfinals, will b