The NBA Cup brings extra excitement to the regular season by giving teams another competition to chase alongside their playoff goals. Fans get meaningful group-stage games, intense knockout matchups, and a championship game that crowns the tournament winner.
If you are looking for the nba cup schedule 2026, it is important to distinguish confirmed dates from matchups and tipoff times that may be announced later. The tournament takes place during the 2026–27 NBA season, so its schedule belongs to the 2026 calendar year even though the regular season continues into 2027.
This guide explains the tournament format, the dates to watch, how group play works, how teams reach the knockout rounds, and where US fans can follow the games. It also explains what to check when the league releases the complete game-by-game schedule.
NBA Cup 2026 schedule at a glance
The 2026 Emirates NBA Cup runs from October 30 through December 11, 2026. It features 60 Group Play games followed by a single-elimination tournament involving eight qualifying teams. The championship game will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. NBA.com+2
| Stage | Dates | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Group Play begins | October 30 | First Cup Night games |
| Group Play continues | November 6, 13, 20 | Friday tournament games |
| Additional Cup Nights | November 24–25 | Tuesday and Wednesday games |
| Group Play ends | November 27 | Final group-stage games |
| Quarterfinals | December 4–5 | Eight teams compete for four semifinal spots |
| Semifinals | December 8–9 | Four teams compete |
| Championship | December 11 | Final game in Indianapolis |
Important: The dates above are the official tournament calendar. Individual tipoff times, matchups, and broadcast channels vary by game. The NBA’s official schedule is the best place to check for last-minute changes. NBA.com+1
What is the Emirates NBA Cup?
The Emirates NBA Cup is the NBA’s annual in-season tournament. It gives all 30 teams another competition during the regular season, with a group stage and knockout rounds.
The tournament was introduced in 2023 as the NBA In-Season Tournament. It was designed to add more importance to early-season games and give fans a separate championship race to follow before the playoffs.
The format is straightforward: teams are placed into groups, play four games against their group opponents, and try to earn a place in the knockout rounds. The strongest teams then compete in single-elimination games until one team wins the Cup.
The NBA Cup is not a replacement for the regular season or the NBA playoffs. Teams still play an 82-game regular-season schedule. Most Cup games count toward regular-season standings, while the championship game does not count as a regular-season game. NBA.com+1
Complete group-stage calendar
The official Group Play window runs from October 30 to November 27. Cup Nights are scheduled on five Fridays, plus November 24 and 25. Each team plays four group games, although not every team plays on every Cup Night.
Here are the tournament dates:
- Friday, October 30: Group Play opened with New York at Philadelphia and the Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State.
- Friday, November 6: The second Friday Cup Night includes Philadelphia at Cleveland and Portland at the Lakers.
- Friday, November 13: The third Friday Cup Night features games including New York at Indiana and Golden State at San Antonio.
- Friday, November 20: The fourth Friday Cup Night includes Indiana at Cleveland, Houston at Denver, and Sacramento at the Lakers.
- Tuesday, November 24: Additional Group Play games include Boston at Washington and Dallas at Denver.
- Wednesday, November 25: The schedule includes Miami at Philadelphia, Minnesota at Oklahoma City, and San Antonio at Portland.
- Friday, November 27: The final Group Play date includes Miami at New York, Philadelphia at Indiana, and the Lakers at San Antonio.
These are scheduled matchups, not predictions. Check the official NBA schedule for current tipoff times and any changes. NBA.com+1
Upcoming NBA Cup games and TV channels
As of November 4, the next scheduled Cup Night is Friday, November 6. The following selected fixtures and listed broadcast options come from the NBA’s published schedule.
| Date | Matchup | Listed coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 6 | Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers | Prime Video |
| Nov. 6 | Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers | Prime Video |
| Nov. 13 | New York Knicks at Indiana Pacers | Prime Video |
| Nov. 13 | Golden State Warriors at San Antonio Spurs | Prime Video |
| Nov. 20 | Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons | Prime Video |
| Nov. 20 | Houston Rockets at Denver Nuggets | Prime Video |
| Nov. 24 | Boston Celtics at Washington Wizards | NBC/Peacock |
| Nov. 24 | Dallas Mavericks at Denver Nuggets | Peacock |
| Nov. 25 | Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers | ESPN |
| Nov. 25 | Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder | ESPN |
| Nov. 25 | San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers | ESPN |
| Nov. 27 | Miami Heat at New York Knicks | Prime Video |
| Nov. 27 | Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs | Prime Video |
Other Group Play games are listed on NBA League Pass. Broadcast assignments can change, so confirm the channel or streaming service before game time. NBA.com+1
2026 NBA Cup groups: All 30 teams
The league divided its 30 teams into six groups of five. There are three groups in the Eastern Conference and three in the Western Conference. Teams were drawn into groups using their 2025–26 regular-season records as the basis for the seeding pots. NBA.com
Eastern Conference groups
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| East Group A | Brooklyn Nets, Detroit Pistons, Milwaukee Bucks, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors |
| East Group B | Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers |
| East Group C | Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards |
Western Conference groups
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| West Group A | Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks |
| West Group B | LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder |
| West Group C | Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs |
Each group contains five teams from the same conference. That means teams face four group opponents once each during the Group Play stage. NBA.com
Groups to keep an eye on
East Group B has several teams with strong recent credentials and plenty of star power. The Knicks, Cavaliers, Pacers, Heat, and 76ers all have reasons to take the tournament seriously. With only one game against each group opponent, a single loss can make the standings much tighter.
West Group B also looks competitive. The Thunder, Timberwolves, Clippers, Grizzlies, and Pelicans will compete for one automatic qualifying spot or a possible wild-card position. Strong defense and point differential could become important if teams finish with similar records.
West Group C brings together the Lakers, Warriors, Spurs, Kings, and Trail Blazers. It gives fans several high-profile matchups, including games involving established stars and teams looking to make a statement early in the season.
How does NBA Cup Group Play work?
Group Play is the first stage of the competition. All 30 NBA teams participate, and each team plays four games against the other teams in its group.
Each team gets two home games and two road games. The games take place on designated Cup Nights during October and November.
A team’s Group Play record determines its position in the group standings. Winning games is the main priority, but the tournament also has tiebreaking rules to separate teams that finish with identical records.
How teams qualify for the knockout rounds
Eight teams advance from Group Play:
- The top team in each of the six groups qualifies automatically.
- One additional team from the Eastern Conference advances as an East wild card.
- One additional team from the Western Conference advances as a West wild card.
The wild-card spots go to the best second-place teams in each conference based on their Group Play records. This gives a team that finishes second a chance to advance even if another group winner has a stronger record. NBA.com
NBA Cup tiebreaker rules
If two or more teams finish with the same Group Play record, the NBA uses a set order of tiebreakers.
| Order | Tiebreaker |
|---|---|
| 1 | Head-to-head record between tied teams |
| 2 | Group Play point differential |
| 3 | Total points scored in Group Play |
| 4 | Record from the 2025–26 regular season |
| 5 | Random drawing, if still tied |
Point differential can be especially important. For example, if two teams finish 3–1, their results against group opponents may determine which team earns the higher position. The NBA does not include overtime scoring when calculating point differential or total points for these specific tiebreakers. NBA.com
NBA Cup 2026 knockout-round schedule
The knockout stage begins after Group Play concludes on November 27. Eight teams qualify, and every knockout game is a win-or-go-home matchup.
The quarterfinals are scheduled for December 4 and 5. The four winners move on to the semifinals, which will be played on December 8 and/or December 9. The championship game follows on December 11. NBA.com+1
Quarterfinals: December 4–5
The quarterfinals feature the eight teams that advance from Group Play. Four games will determine which teams move one step closer to the trophy.
These games are held in NBA team markets rather than at a single neutral-site venue. The higher-seeded teams receive home-court advantage under the tournament’s quarterfinal hosting rules.
The exact matchups depend on the final Group Play standings, so the bracket cannot be finalized before the group stage ends.
Semifinals: December 8–9
The four quarterfinal winners advance to the semifinals. These games will also take place in NBA team markets, with the higher-seeded team hosting.
The semifinals are a major test because there is no second chance. A team that wins its semifinal earns a place in the championship game; a loss ends its Cup title run.
Championship game: December 11
Confirmed date and venue
2024 NIT: Who’s playing in NIT Final Four at Hinkle Fieldhouse? – Deseret News
Emirates NBA Cup Championship
Date: Friday, December 11, 2026
Venue: Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana
The final will crown the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup champion. Unlike the earlier tournament games, the championship does not count toward the teams’ regular-season win-loss records. The game is scheduled to be streamed on Prime Video. NBA.com+2
Where to watch the NBA Cup in the US
US viewers have several ways to follow the tournament. The broadcast schedule includes Prime Video, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and NBA League Pass, depending on the game.
Here is a quick guide to the main options:
- Prime Video: Carries selected Group Play games and all seven games in the knockout rounds, including the championship.
- ESPN: Shows selected Group Play matchups, including games on November 25.
- NBC and Peacock: Carry selected games, including scheduled coverage on November 24.
- NBA League Pass: Offers access to many Group Play games that are not part of the national broadcast schedule.
A national broadcast listing does not necessarily mean every game is available on the same service. Check the listing for the specific matchup, and remember that local and national broadcast availability can differ. NBA.com+1
How to watch without missing a game
If you follow one particular NBA team, start with its official team schedule. That makes it easier to identify the four Cup games and see which ones are nationally televised.
If you want to watch games from around the league, check the NBA’s tournament schedule and compare it with your streaming subscriptions. NBA League Pass is useful for many games, while Prime Video, ESPN, and Peacock carry selected national broadcasts.
It is also worth checking the time zone. The official schedule generally lists tipoff times in Eastern Time. Fans on the West Coast should subtract three hours to convert an ET listing to Pacific Time.
What makes the 2026 NBA Cup different?
The NBA Cup follows a familiar tournament structure, but several details make it different from an ordinary stretch of regular-season games.
Every team has a reason to compete
All 30 teams enter Group Play. A team does not need to be a championship favorite to participate, and every team has a chance to qualify for the knockout stage by performing well in its group.
Group games count toward the regular season
The Group Play games count toward the 82-game regular-season schedule. The quarterfinals and semifinals also count as regular-season games for the teams involved.
The championship game is the exception. It is a standalone tournament final and does not count toward the regular-season standings. NBA.com
The knockout stage raises the pressure
Group Play gives teams room to recover from a loss, but the knockout rounds are different. A team that loses a quarterfinal or semifinal is eliminated from the Cup.
That creates a different atmosphere from a typical regular-season game. Coaches must balance their lineups, players have to execute under pressure, and every possession can become important.
The championship is held at a neutral site
The 2026 championship will be played at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The venue is known for its basketball history and offers a distinctive setting for the tournament’s final game. NBA.com+1
Teams and players worth watching
The NBA Cup is a team competition, but individual performances often shape the tournament. Star players can influence close games, while depth and defensive consistency can help teams survive a busy schedule.
Here are a few storylines that could make the 2026 tournament interesting.
New York Knicks: The Knicks enter the competition as the reigning NBA and NBA Cup champions, according to the NBA’s published tournament coverage. They will be looking to maintain their winning momentum against a challenging East Group B schedule. NBA.com
Philadelphia 76ers: Philadelphia is also in East Group B. Its group matchups include games against Cleveland, Miami, Indiana, and New York. Those games provide an early test against several Eastern Conference rivals.
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers are in West Group C with Golden State, Portland, Sacramento, and San Antonio. Their group schedule includes several matchups that should attract national attention.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder compete in West Group B, where they face the Clippers, Grizzlies, Timberwolves, and Pelicans. Their ability to defend consistently and win close games could be important.
Golden State Warriors: Golden State’s West Group C schedule includes the Lakers and Spurs, among other opponents. Their tournament run will depend on how well they handle a competitive group.
These are teams to watch, not predictions about who will qualify. The final standings will decide the eight knockout-round places.
How the NBA Cup affects the regular-season schedule
The NBA Cup is built into the regular-season calendar. It does not add a separate set of 82-game obligations on top of the normal schedule.
Each team still plays 82 regular-season games. Group Play games are included in that total, and the quarterfinal and semifinal games count toward the regular-season record. The championship game is the only Cup contest excluded from the regular-season standings. NBA.com+1
The league also uses the tournament results to help determine some regular-season matchups later in the schedule. Each team has 80 regular-season games assigned in advance, while two games are left unassigned until the Group Play results help determine the schedule for December 4–10.
Teams that do not advance to the knockout rounds will play regular-season games during that period. The four teams that lose in the quarterfinals will also have regular-season games scheduled around December 7, 9, or 10. NBA.com+1
This approach allows the NBA to keep the full regular-season schedule while using the Cup results to create additional competitive matchups.
NBA Cup 2026: What fans should know before the tournament ends
If you plan to follow the tournament from the group stage through the final, keep a few important details in mind.
1. Group standings matter as much as wins
Winning is the most important goal, but teams should also pay attention to their scoring margins. Point differential is one of the official tiebreakers, so a team may benefit from building a healthy lead when the opportunity is there.
2. Every group game is important
Each team has only four Group Play games. There is less time to recover from a poor start than in the full regular season. A team that loses its first two games may need to win its remaining games and rely on other results to stay in contention.
3. The wild-card race can be exciting
Finishing second does not automatically end a team’s tournament hopes. The best second-place team in each conference earns a wild-card spot. This gives teams another route into the knockout rounds.
4. Knockout games are different from group games
Group Play uses a standings format, but the knockout rounds are single elimination. Teams cannot afford a bad night in the quarterfinals or semifinals.
5. Check official updates before making plans
Game times, broadcast assignments, and tournament standings are worth checking regularly. The NBA’s official website provides the tournament schedule, groups, standings, and other updates.
For the latest information, visit the official NBA Cup key dates and schedule or the complete Group Play schedule announcement.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026 NBA Cup start?
The 2026 Emirates NBA Cup began on Friday, October 30, 2026. That date marked the start of Group Play, with the first games featuring the New York Knicks at the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Golden State Warriors. NBA.com
When does the 2026 NBA Cup end?
The tournament ends on Friday, December 11, 2026, with the championship game at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NBA.com+1
How many teams participate in the NBA Cup?
All 30 NBA teams participate. They are divided into six groups of five, with three groups in each conference. Eight teams qualify for the knockout rounds: six group winners and two wild cards. NBA.com
How many games does each team play in Group Play?
Each team plays four Group Play games, facing every other team in its group once. Each team has two home games and two road games. NBA.com
When are the NBA Cup quarterfinals?
The quarterfinals are scheduled for December 4 and 5, 2026. Eight teams will compete, and the four winners will advance to the semifinals. NBA.com+1
When are the NBA Cup semifinals?
The semifinals are scheduled for December 8 and/or December 9, 2026. The exact matchups depend on the quarterfinal results. NBA.com+1
Where is the 2026 NBA Cup championship game?
The championship game will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on December 11, 2026. NBA.com+1
What channel is showing the NBA Cup?
Coverage is split among Prime Video, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and NBA League Pass. Prime Video is scheduled to stream all seven knockout-round games, including the championship. Selected Group Play games will air on national networks and streaming platforms. NBA.com+1
Do NBA Cup games count toward regular-season records?
Yes. Group Play, quarterfinal, and semifinal games count toward regular-season records. The championship game is the exception and does not count toward the regular-season standings. NBA.com
Is the NBA Cup the same as the NBA playoffs?
No. The NBA Cup is a separate in-season competition that takes place during the regular season. The NBA playoffs happen after the regular season and determine the league champion. Winning the Cup does not automatically qualify a team for the playoffs.
Can a team qualify for the NBA Cup after finishing second in its group?
Yes. The best second-place team in each conference earns a wild-card position. This means a team does not necessarily need to finish first in its group to reach the knockout rounds. NBA.com
Where can I find the latest NBA Cup standings?
You can follow the latest standings, results, and tournament updates through the official NBA Cup page. It is the most direct place to check which teams are leading their groups and which teams remain in contention.
Final thoughts
The 2026 Emirates NBA Cup adds another layer of competition to the 2026–27 NBA season. With all 30 teams involved, six groups, four games per team in Group Play, and an eight-team knockout stage, there are plenty of important matchups before the championship.
The nba cup schedule 2026 runs from October 30 through December 11. Group Play concludes on November 27, the quarterfinals take place December 4–5, and the semifinals follow on December 8–9. The championship game is set for December 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
For fans, the best approach is to follow the group standings, watch the nationally televised matchups, and check the official NBA schedule for updated game information. The final stretch should bring the most pressure, as eight teams compete for the opportunity to lift the Emirates NBA Cup trophy.
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