NBA Cup Semifinals Heading to Home Markets; League Confirms Rule Adjustments and International Notes
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New York — The NBA will shift its in-season tournament semifinals to teams’ home courts beginning with the 2026/27 campaign, the league announced this week. Higher-seeded clubs will host those games, while the championship contest will remain at a neutral site.
For the first two editions of the NBA Cup, including the event scheduled for this winter, both the semifinals and final have been held in Las Vegas. Next season marks the first time only the title game will be played on neutral ground.
Replay Center Gains Expanded Role
The league also revealed a minor change to the coach’s challenge. When officials review an out-of-bounds call, the NBA Replay Center—not the on-court crew chief—will decide whether a foul should have been assessed on the play.
Statistical Update for Buzzer Heaves
Unsuccessful full-court or late-clock shots at the end of quarters will no longer count against individual players’ field-goal percentages, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania. Starting this fall, those attempts will be recorded as team misses. The policy was tested during July’s Las Vegas Summer League to encourage players to attempt desperation shots without fear of damaging personal statistics.
European Collaboration Talk
Former Spurs star and ASVEL Basket owner Tony Parker continues to push for cooperation among the NBA, EuroLeague and FIBA as the NBA studies the possibility of launching a European league. “If the EuroLeague, the NBA and FIBA can work together to build a strong league, that will be amazing for European basketball,” Parker said during a promotional stop in Chengdu.
Mitrou-Long Joins Napoli Basket
Guard Naz Mitrou-Long has signed with Napoli Basket for the 2025/26 season. The Canadian appeared in 20 NBA games with the Jazz and Pacers between 2017 and 2020 and has since played for Olimpia Milano, Zalgiris Kaunas and Olympiacos.
Source: HoopsRumors
