The 2024 NBA Cup is entering its decisive phase as the group stage comes to a thrilling close this Tuesday night. Fans are eagerly watching as teams battle for their place in the knockout stage, leading up to a series of intense matchups scheduled throughout December. The quarterfinals are set for December 10 and 11, followed by the semifinals in Las Vegas on December 14, culminating in the championship game on December 17.
Teams on the Brink
With only a few games left before the quarterfinal designations, the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, and Atlanta Hawks have already secured their spots in the coveted eight-team knockout bracket. Their consistent performance and strategic gameplay have paid off, positioning them as serious contenders in this year's Cup. As competition intensifies, five more slots remain open, creating a thrilling end to the group stage as other teams strive to secure their advancement.
Prize Pool Revealed
Beyond the prestige of securing the NBA Cup, financial incentives also add an enticing layer to the tournament. Players eliminated in the quarterfinals will pocket $51,497 each, while those who fall in the semifinals earn $102,994. For those who make it to the final but do not clinch the trophy, the prize is $205,988. The ultimate reward, however, awaits the championship-winning players, each of whom will collect a substantial $514,971.
This year, players can appreciate a near 3% increase in prize money compared to the previous tournament. This uplift is credited to the 'BRI Growth Factor'—a key determinant in the distribution of increased prize pools in correlation with league revenues. Specifically, the BRI Growth Factor is calculated by comparing the league’s Basketball Related Income from the immediately preceding Salary Cap Year to that of the 2022-23 Salary Cap Year.
Equitable Distribution
The prize distribution rules also make provisions for players on two-way or 10-day contracts. These players, often seen as the unsung heroes who lend depth and flexibility to rosters, receive half of the amounts designated for their elimination stage. Such measures highlight the league's commitment to acknowledging contributions across all levels of participation.
The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) outlines this structured prize distribution. It states, “For each subsequent Salary Cap Year: (A) for each [NBA Cup] Player on the Team that wins the [NBA Cup] Finals Game, an amount equal to $500,000 multiplied by the 'BRI Growth Factor' for such Salary Cap Year; (B) for each IST Player on the Team that loses the IST Finals Game, an amount equal to $200,000 multiplied by the BRI Growth Factor for such Salary Cap Year; (C) for each IST Player on a Team that loses an IST Semifinals game, $100,000 multiplied by the BRI Growth Factor for such Salary Cap Year; and (D) for each IST Player on a Team that loses an IST Quarterfinals game, $50,000 multiplied by the BRI Growth Factor for such Salary Cap Year.”
Anticipation Builds
As teams vie for the remaining spots in this prestigious tournament, the stakes are undoubtedly high. The NBA Cup offers not just monetary rewards but also the opportunity for players to etch their names into basketball history. With every team bringing their best to the court, fans worldwide are set to witness basketball at its finest.
Such tournaments don’t just test skill; they reveal the heart and resilience of teams that have architects of thrilling sports narratives. With the quarterfinals around the corner, the drama promises to be every bit as captivating as fans have come to expect from this storied tournament. In the end, it will take more than talent to lift the NBA Cup—it will take a team united by a common dream, fighting as one until the final buzzer sounds.