The NBA Cup 2026 is set: group play runs October 30 through November 27, quarterfinals go December 4–5, semifinals December 8–9, and the championship is Friday, December 11 at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This guide covers the format, the full schedule shape, and how to watch every Cup night — starting with the NBA schedule.
2026 Key Dates
- October 30: Group play opens — Knicks at 76ers and Lakers at Warriors headline a Prime Video doubleheader.
- November 6, 13, 20: Friday Cup-night doubleheaders on Prime Video.
- November 24–25: Thanksgiving week special — NBC doubleheader on the 24th, ESPN tripleheader on the 25th.
- November 27: Group play finale, Black Friday doubleheader on Prime — including Lakers at Spurs.
- December 4–5: Quarterfinals at higher-seed home arenas.
- December 8–9: Semifinals at higher-seed home arenas.
- December 11: Championship at Hinkle Fieldhouse, Indianapolis.
The defending NBA Cup and NBA champion New York Knicks open group play in Philadelphia — a Finals-level atmosphere in October.
How the Format Works
All 30 teams are drawn into six groups of five. Each team plays four group games, and eight teams advance: the six group winners plus one wild card per conference (best second-place record).
- Tiebreakers: Head-to-head, then point differential — which is why November blowouts matter and starters stay in late.
- What counts: Quarterfinals and semifinals count as regular-season games. The championship does not count toward records or stats.
- What's new in 2026: Quarterfinals and semifinals are hosted by the higher seed — no neutral-site Vegas rounds until the final, which moves to iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse.
Why Cup Nights Matter
Cup games count in the standings (except the final), so November results shape April seeding. Contenders treat group play as a playoff rehearsal, while young teams use the spotlight to announce themselves. Follow the race on the standings page and individual surges on the leaders board.
How to Watch NBA Cup 2026 Games
Of the 60 group games, 15 air nationally across Prime Video, NBC, and ESPN; the rest run on local broadcasts and League Pass:
- Flag Cup nights on the schedule — October 30, November Fridays, and Thanksgiving week.
- Open each game hub for live scores and stream options.
- New to streaming? Read how to watch this season.
- Keep alternatives ready — knockout nights draw peak traffic.
For the full season context, read our 2026-27 season preview.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the NBA Cup 2026 final?
Friday, December 11, 2026, at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Where are the quarterfinals and semifinals played?
At the home arenas of the higher-seeded teams — December 4–5 for quarterfinals, December 8–9 for semifinals.
Do NBA Cup games count in the standings?
Yes — all except the championship game count toward regular-season records and stats.
Where can I watch Cup games free?
National games air on Prime Video, NBC, ESPN, and ABC. Streaming options live in our watch guide, with backups in alternatives.