The NBA’s in-season tournament has been dubbed “the FA Cup of basketball” by European sports enthusiasts, and the association is quite clear.

Commissioner Adam Silver has presented basketball fans with a remarkable gift this December through this tournament.

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The NBA Cup is currently in its second season and has quickly established itself as a major success.

A notable sponsorship agreement has been secured with Emirates, which will be woven into a lucrative new TV contract next season.

Interestingly, the Middle Eastern airline is also the title sponsor for The Emirates FA Cup in England.

The presence of European influence in the NBA has steadily grown, with a rising number of the league’s standout athletes originating from the continent.

Players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic, and Nikola Jokic have all been shaped by the global allure of football during their upbringing.

They have likely observed teams vying for an additional accolade alongside the league title.

This competitive structure is quite uncommon in US professional sports, which has piqued Silver’s interest.

The tournament’s success was bolstered by swift backing from the players, which proved vital.

A December trip to Las Vegas combined with a $500,000 cash prize for the winners captured the attention of the league’s stars.

Games that are part of the NBA Cup, whether in league play or knockout rounds, carry heightened significance, reflected by the intensity on fans’ screens.

Only NBA sharpshooters can spot the basketball in this optical illusion in under 7 seconds

These events create an atmosphere reminiscent of playoffs, which fans typically anticipate until April.

The single-elimination knockout format has proven successful in college sports, particularly during March Madness.

It has also rejuvenated the College Football Playoff, which has expanded to include 12 teams this season.

With this innovative format outside of the playoffs, the NBA has become the first among the four major US sports leagues, and it has seen considerable success.

Here, timing is a crucial factor.

Understanding How the NBA Cup Operates

The NBA Cup has returned for its second season, with the finals once again slated to take place in Las Vegas.

The 30 teams have been categorized into six groups of five teams each, competing on Tuesdays and Fridays from November 12 to December 3.

The winners of each group, along with the two best wild card teams, will advance to the quarterfinals on December 10 and 11.

The final four teams will travel to Las Vegas for the semifinals on December 14 and the championship game on December 17.

Each match contributes to the regular-season record of the teams, except for the title game.

The league has strategically selected a timeframe within the calendar where activity usually diminishes.

After the season kicks off at the end of October, significant games are relatively few until Christmas Day.

This tournament suddenly imbues November and the initial days of December with immense relevance, encouraging fans to immerse themselves in basketball during a span when they might typically only check scores and highlights.

Although still in its infancy, the NBA Cup has already established itself as a noteworthy event on the US sports calendar.

It will be crucial for Silver and the NBA to ensure it retains its allure and does not devolve into just another gimmick trip to Las Vegas.

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