How does the NBA Cup work? 2026 schedule, format, groups and more

The fourth edition of the NBA Cup tips off on Friday, featuring all 30 NBA teams competing across multi-stage group play. Every team plays four group games that count toward their regular-season records, with eight franchises advancing to the knockout rounds. The competition also introduces special court designs across league arenas.

Players on the championship-winning squad will each receive $604,985, while runner-up players earn $241,994. Semifinalists take home $120,997 per player, and quarterfinalists receive $60,499. The defending champion New York Knicks open their campaign against the Philadelphia 76ers, alongside a slate that includes the Los Angeles Lakers facing the Golden State Warriors.