California Classic (United States) 2026/27

The California Classic is an annual NBA Summer League tournament held in California. It serves as one of the three official off-season developmental circuits, operating alongside the Las Vegas and Salt Lake City events. The NBA founded the competition in 2018 to replace the Orlando Pro Summer League, consolidating regional summer activities into a more streamlined structure.

The Sacramento Kings serve as the primary host and organizer for the event. The tournament typically takes place in July, prior to the Las Vegas Summer League and the start of training camps. It is currently sponsored by CarMax, officially known as the California Classic presented by CarMax. The format has evolved from a four-team round-robin tournament to a multi-team showcase. In recent years, the event has operated as a dual-location affair hosted by the Sacramento Kings and the Golden State Warriors.

Participating teams usually include California-based franchises alongside invited squads. The games are played with 10-minute quarters, distinct from the standard 12-minute NBA quarters. This structure focuses on player evaluation for rookies and two-way contracts. The competition sits outside the standard NBA pyramid as an exhibition developmental league.

Historically, the California Classic did not crown an official champion or award an MVP, functioning primarily as a showcase. However, winners have been identified in round-robin standings or championship games in earlier years. The Miami Heat won the inaugural 2018 event, while the Los Angeles Lakers claimed victory in 2019. The Golden State Warriors won in 2022, and the Sacramento Kings secured titles in 2023 and 2024. The 2025 event did not have an official declared champion or MVP in the same manner as the main Summer League. The competition distinguishes itself by its regional focus on California markets and its role as a precursor to the main Las Vegas tournament.