NBA Weighs Moving Cup Final From Las Vegas as Players Say Prize Money Keeps Stakes High
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LAS VEGAS — Sparse crowds at T-Mobile Arena during Saturday’s Emirates NBA Cup semifinals have prompted league officials to rethink the event’s location strategy, sources told ESPN. With the tournament now in its third season, the NBA has already decided that 2025 will be the last year the semifinals are staged at a neutral site. The league is also studying whether to relocate the championship game from Las Vegas.
Neutral-site plan loses momentum
Commissioner Adam Silver launched the in-season competition to boost early-season interest, and television ratings have improved. However, empty upper-deck seats during the New York Knicks–Orlando Magic and San Antonio Spurs–Oklahoma City Thunder semifinals underscored the challenge of creating a lively atmosphere without a home crowd.
If the new format were in place this season, Orlando and Oklahoma City would have hosted the semifinals as the top seeds in their respective conferences. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley called the shift “very important,” while Thunder coach Mark Daigneault described it as “further incentive” for teams to pursue higher Cup seeding.
Financial carrot still drives participation
Players continue to point to the $500,000 winner’s share as a key motivator. “Half a million dollars is a lot of money,” Thunder forward Jalen Williams said. Spurs forward Keldon Johnson went further, declaring he would “run through a wall” for the payout.
Veterans also highlight the benefit for teammates on two-way deals. “A lot of guys that didn’t really need it were motivated knowing those guys get an extra piece of the cake,” Dallas Mavericks guard D’Angelo Russell noted. Suns forward Ryan Dunn added that the bonus is “big” for players who do not earn superstar salaries.
Scheduling complaints meet mixed data
Some team executives have grumbled about a compressed calendar, yet league numbers show 354 games played through Sunday, four fewer than at the same point last season. While stretches of five games in seven days persist, overall totals are projected to dip from 2024-25. Coaches remain wary of post-Vegas fatigue; last year Bucks coach Doc Rivers said the Cup run “was hard” on Milwaukee after its title.
Cup stage doubles as playoff rehearsal
Young rosters view the tournament as a dress rehearsal for postseason pressure. Thunder guard Jalen Williams compared the media attention in Las Vegas to last season’s NBA Finals, calling it useful preparation. Magic forward Paolo Banchero said playing on this stage is “a tremendous opportunity,” and Spurs coach Mitch Johnson emphasized gaining experience amid “a lot of unknown.”
The Knicks meet the Spurs on Tuesday night for the 2025 Cup crown. Whether the championship returns to Las Vegas in future years remains undecided, but the financial stakes that pushed players to this point are expected to stay intact.
Source: ESPN
