(Las Vegas) The NBA has unveiled the details of the first NBA Cup, which will take place during the regular season and which will have approximately 18 million in the purse.
The tournament will begin in November and end with the presentation of the final on December 9 in Las Vegas. Tournament games will count towards the regular season standings, but not the final.
Commissioner Adam Silver had been trying to set up this project for several years, offering teams a trophy to win during the season.
“It’s a concept that’s been discussed in league offices for about 15 years,” Silver said. This is not a new concept in the sports world. For those who follow international soccer, the presentation of tournaments during the season is part of the tradition. We believe this is a perfect opportunity for an international league like the NBA. It’s the perfect concept for our sport. »
Members of the winning team will each receive $500,000 and those of the finalist team, $200,000. Players from teams eliminated in the semi-finals will each receive $100,000 and those from teams eliminated in the quarter-finals, $50,000.
“I can understand the goal of the tournament,” Miami Heat guard Josh Richardson said. It gives you a chance to win something else. »
Tournament matches will begin on November 3 and will mostly be shown on Tuesday and Friday. The four aces will be played in Las Vegas.
“This city knows how to host big events,” Silver said.
The teams were separated into six groups of five teams. They will play a game against each other member of their group and the six winners will advance to the quarter-finals, along with the two best teams that finished second in their group.
The Toronto Raptors have been placed in Pool C East, along with the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bulls and Orlando Magic.
NBA vice president of basketball operations Joe Dumars said he believes players will enjoy the tournament, although it may take some getting used to.