The NBA has unveiled the court designs for all 30 teams competing in the fourth edition of the Emirates NBA Cup, the league’s in-season tournament set to begin on Friday, Oct. 30. Each design features distinctive elements that reflect the prestige of the competition while maintaining a common theme across the league. The tournament runs through Dec. 11, when the championship game will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis-marking the first time the title game moves from its previous location in Las Vegas. Teams will compete not only for bragging rights and the tournament trophy but also for substantial prize money, with each member of the winning squad earning more than $500,000. The court designs showcase the NBA Cup trophy as a central visual element, appearing in the center of the court and under each basket as a unifying feature across all 30 venues. This consistent design language emphasizes the significance of the competition while allowing each team to incorporate its unique branding and color scheme. Tournament Structure and Format The NBA Cup tournament divides all 30 teams into six groups of five teams each-three groups in the Eastern Conference and three in the Western Conference. Each team will play four group-stage games during the initial phase of the competition, creating an intense early schedule that determines which teams advance. The knockout phase begins on Friday, Dec. 4, featuring the top teams from each group. This single-elimination format mirrors playoff intensity but occurs in the early portion of the regular season, adding a competitive edge to games that might otherwise lack the same urgency. The condensed timeline creates a high-stakes environment where every possession matters. The tournament format provides teams with an opportunity to build momentum and chemistry early in the season while giving fans meaningful basketball in what traditionally has been a less dramatic part of the NBA calendar. The group-stage structure also ensures geographic diversity in matchups, as teams face opponents from different regions that they might not otherwise play frequently during the regular season. Conference Group Assignments The Eastern Conference features three competitive groups with distinct character. East Group A includes the Pistons, Raptors, Magic, Bucks, and Nets, creating a mix of rebuilding franchises and established contenders. East Group B brings together the Knicks, Cavaliers, 76ers, Heat, and Pacers in what might be the most competitive group in the entire tournament. East Group C features the Celtics, Hawks, Hornets, Bulls, and Wizards. The Western Conference groups present their own intrigue. West Group A includes the Nuggets, Rockets, Suns, Mavericks, and Jazz, pitting several playoff-caliber teams against each other. West Group B features the Thunder, Timberwolves, Clippers, Pelicans, and Grizzlies. West Group C brings together the Spurs, Lakers, Trail Blazers, Warriors, and Kings. Defending Champions and Historical Context The New York Knicks enter the tournament as defending champions after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA Cup championship game. That matchup proved to be a preview of the season’s NBA Finals, adding extra significance to the in-season tournament and validating the competition’s ability to identify the league’s elite teams early in the year. The Knicks’ title run demonstrated that success in the NBA Cup can serve as a springboard for sustained excellence throughout the season. Their victory also helped establish the tournament’s credibility among players and fans who initially questioned whether an in-season competition would carry meaningful weight in professional basketball’s hierarchy. As the fourth edition of the tournament approaches, teams recognize that the NBA Cup represents more than just a novelty event. The substantial prize money for winning squad members-exceeding $500,000 per player-provides tangible incentive, while the trophy itself has begun to accumulate prestige as a symbol of early-season dominance. Visual Identity and Court Design Philosophy The custom court designs reflect the NBA’s commitment to creating a distinct visual identity for the tournament while respecting each franchise’s brand. The placement of the NBA Cup trophy in multiple locations across the playing surface serves as a constant reminder of what’s at stake, differentiating these games from standard regular-season contests. Teams have incorporated their signature color schemes into the designs, creating vibrant courts that stand out during broadcasts and in-arena experiences. The unified design elements-particularly the trophy imagery-create visual consistency across the league while allowing for individual expression, striking a balance between conformity and creativity that mirrors the tournament’s place within the broader NBA season. The reveal of these court designs generates anticipation for the tournament’s start on Oct. 30, giving fans something tangible to look forward to as teams complete their preseason preparations. The custom courts serve as physical evidence that the NBA Cup represents a special occasion, not just another stretch of regular-season games on the calendar. With the championship game moving to Hinkle Fieldhouse, a venue with deep basketball history, the NBA continues to experiment with the tournament’s format and presentation. This evolution reflects the league’s willingness to adjust and improve the competition as it establishes itself in the sport’s annual rhythm. Image: AI-generated Post navigation Bills Outlast Rams in Overtime as Josh Allen Breaks Career Streak in Monday Night Football Thriller