NBA In-Season Tournament (United States) 2023/24

The NBA In-Season Tournament, currently branded as the Emirates NBA Cup, launched in 2023 to address a historical gap in the league calendar between the start of the regular season and the All-Star break. Initiated by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the competition sits within the top tier of American basketball and operates as an integral part of the NBA regular season structure rather than as a standalone league.

All 30 NBA teams participate in the initial group stage, where they are divided into six groups of five, with three teams per conference. Each club plays four group games against group opponents on Tuesdays and Fridays in November. These fixtures count toward regular-season standings, maintaining the standard league format while adding mid-season intensity. The top team from each group and the two best-performing runners-up, known as wild cards, advance to the knockout stage.

The knockout phase features single-elimination quarterfinals and semifinals, which also count as regular-season games. The tournament culminates in a championship game played at a neutral site, specifically the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Unlike the regular season, this final match does not count toward regular-season standings. The competition distinguishes itself through unique stakes, including cash prizes for players based on tournament performance and a dedicated trophy.

Notable winners include the Los Angeles Lakers, who secured the inaugural title, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks and the New York Knicks in subsequent editions. The format has been praised for increasing viewership and competitiveness, with a high percentage of games decided by small margins. The tournament remains distinct from the NBA Playoffs, which determine the league champion in a best-of-seven series held in the spring, and the All-Star Game, an exhibition match in February with no competitive stakes. There is no promotion or relegation, as the NBA is a closed league. The competition continues to evolve as a significant mid-season event for fans and players alike.