This NBA Court was used for the NBA Canada Series game between the Raptors and Jazz in Edmonton, AB. (Wil Brennan, CMRU.ca)
The National Basketball Association’s newest event is underway. The 2023/24 season hosts the beginning of the In-Season Tournament, and with it comes new jerseys, new courts, and new games for NBA fans to look forward to.
In-Season Tournament: What It Is
The In-Season Tournament is a competition that features all thirty teams competing for the all new NBA Cup. The NBA takes influence from international soccer leagues as this tournament aims to add some much needed competition to regular season play. League Commissioner Adam Silver says the goal of this tournament is, “to take existing games and create some new excitement around them.” In the past few seasons fans have seemed to lose interest in regular season games as players elect to rest in preparation for the playoffs. The in-season tournament looks to create a more competitive environment for players and fans alike.
How The Tourney Works
The In-Season Tournament spans over five weeks from November 3rd to December 9th. An important part of this tournament is that there are no added games to the regular eighty-two game schedule—except for the one added championship cup game. Teams are drawn into groups of five that will play in four “group play” games. After the group stage the best standing team and one wildcard team from each group will advance to the knockout rounds. This round consists of single-elimination games which will lead to semi-finals and championship matchups.
Why Fans Should Be Excited
Yes, the In-Season Tournament is new. Why should players and fans care about it? For NBA players, the reason is simple: more money. There is definitely more motivation, like competitive spirit or being among the first to win the NBA cup. However, the money is quite the bonus, as each member of the winning team will earn $500,000. Losers will also get a payday with $200,000 to the 2nd place, $100,000 to semi-finalists, and $50,000 to quarterfinalists.
Why should fans care? Simply, because the players care. NBA players caring about these games leads to the stars of the league playing and matching up against other stars. This tournament should lead to more exciting games, stories, and statlines.
Have Fun With It
Change isn’t always accepted or given a good chance. NBA fans should appreciate the league’s willingness to make changes for the betterment of the game. The NBA’s last change was the Play-In Tournament, which at first wasn’t welcomed whole-heartedly—now it is a beloved part of the season. Don’t be too quick to dismiss this tournament because it could soon become a staple of the league.
Comments