NBA Cup 2025: Schedule, Format, and Rules
The 2025 NBA Cup tips off in late October and marks the third season of the league’s in-season tournament. This year’s games begin on Halloween, with vibrant courts adding to the excitement of group play.
Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks, who previously displayed their banners for the competition, head into the tournament looking to start their seasons strong. As always, point differential tiebreakers play a crucial role, driving competitive intensity through every quarter.
Group Stage and Format
All 30 NBA teams are divided into six groups of five. Each team plays four group-stage games—two at home and two away. The team with the top record in each group moves on to the knockout stage.
In addition, the two best-performing second-place teams also advance, rounding out the final eight for the elimination rounds.
“It usually doesn’t take long to find out which teams are taking the Cup seriously, as the point differential tiebreakers mean those with designs on reaching the knockout rounds tend to keep their foot on the gas pedal all the way through the fourth quarter.”
Knockout Stage
The knockout rounds determine which teams progress to the semifinals and ultimately the championship. Every possession matters, especially given the single-elimination format.
Outlook
As excitement builds for the 2025 edition, fans are eager to see which club will take early command of their season and claim the third-ever NBA Cup title.
Author’s summary: The 2025 NBA Cup brings fierce early-season competition with a vibrant group stage and knockout chase among 30 teams aiming for an explosive start.