Now that the NBA Tipoff is over, we’re nearing the NBA Cup. So, what does this mean? The start of the NBA Season brings games, games and more games, and the NBA Cup brings even more games on top of that. All 30 teams will compete in the annual tournament, which gives them the opportunity to win an additional title. So, whether you’re cheering on LeBron and Steph every single season or are new to the NBA scene, sit back and relax. Our guide tells you how to follow the NBA Cup, where to watch, which dates to live stream games and where to shop before the cup starts.
Your Guide to the NBA Cup
What is the NBA Cup?
The NBA Cup is an annual tournament in which all 30 teams compete. It takes place starting on Friday, October 31 and runs through Tuesday, December 16. Whether you’re a fan of the Atlanta Hawks, the New York Knicks or the Los Angeles Lakers, several of your favorite teams will be competing from 7 pm to 10:30 pm EST. View the full schedule here.
Not only does the NBA Cup hype up fans for the season, but it also allows teams to compete for an additional title in conjunction with the regular season and championship. It consists of two rounds: the group play rounds and the knockout rounds. Following the end of group play, each team’s record determines whether or not they advance to the knockout rounds.
Key Dates:
- Friday, October 31
- Friday, November 7
- Friday, November 14
- Friday, November 21
- Tuesday, November 25
- Wednesday, November 26
- Friday, November 28
- Tuesday, December 9
- Wednesday, December 10
- Saturday, December 13
- Tuesday, December 16
Competing Teams
East A Group
- Atlanta Hawks
- Indiana Pacers
- Toronto Raptors
- Cleveland Cavaliers
- Washington Wizards
East B Group
- Boston Celtics
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Orlando Magic
- Detroit Pistons
- Brooklyn Nets
East C Group
- New York Knicks
- Chicago Bulls
- Charlotte Hornets
- Miami Heat
- Milwaukee Bucks
West A Group
- Utah Jazz
- Phoenix Suns
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Sacramento Kings
West B Group
- Los Angeles Lakers
- Memphis Grizzlies
- New Orleans Pelicans
- LA Clippers
- Dallas Mavericks
West C Group
- Denver Nuggets
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Houston Rockets
- San Antonio Spurs
- Golden State Warriors
Where to watch
There are several ways to stream the NBA Cup games. Certain games, like Celtics vs. 76ers or the Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Memphis Grizzlies, are available to stream via Prime Video. A Prime Video membership is included with an Amazon Prime Membership, which costs $15 a month or $139 a year. You can also opt for a standalone Prime Video membership at $9 a month.
NBA fans can also sign up for League Pass to stream live games. A regular League Pass subscription is only $110 for the season. It lets you view games on one device, and while this subscription does have commercials, it’s still an affordable option for someone planning on watching the games on one device.
But if you want an upgrade, go with the League Pass Premium subscription for $160 for the season. It lets you view games on up to three devices, online or offline. Plus, you’ll have access to Multiview mode, which lets you watch up to four games at once. And there are no commercials; just in-arena streams during each break.
If you prefer to pay monthly, snag the League Pass membership for $17 a month and the League Pass Premium membership for $25 a month.
Select games are also live-streaming on Peacock and ESPN. To watch live sports, fans can snag a Peacock Premium subscription for $11 a month or $110 annually, which gives you access to your favorite sports, TV shows and movies with ads. For an ad-free experience and additional perks, the Peacock Premium Plus subscription is available for $17 a month or $170 annually.
Traveling to Games
If you plan on going to game this season, take a look at the schedule and select the ‘tickets’ option to purchase tickets for your desired game. The NBA cup semi-finals and finals will take place on December 13 and December 16 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Hosting a Watch Party
Hosting a watch party this season is the perfect excuse to watch your favorite teams, cheer on your favorite players and scarf down appetizers while doing so. For starters, you need a television with high-quality picture and sound. We love this 75-inch Amazon Fire TV and will use any excuse to brag about it.
And of course, meals, snacks and drinks are a must-have. This large charcuterie board is perfect for snacking on, and fits everything from cheese to crackers to fruit to dips and more. It even includes four cheese knives, four sauce bowls, four dessert forks, a wine opener, two chalk markers and two labels. If you don’t already have a Crock-Pot, grab this one to make some chili, Rotel dip or buffalo chicken dip for the party. And if you’re too lazy to cook a meal or pull out the Crock-Pot, a pizza and wings make for the perfect gameday meal. Just order from your favorite restaurant on DoorDash, Uber Eats or Grubhub.
FAQs
Where can I stream the games?
You can view the games live via Prime Video, League Pass, Peacock and ESPN.
Which teams should I follow?
The beauty of sports is that you can follow any team that you’d like! Personally, we’re fans of the Los Angeles Lakers, the New York Knicks, the Miami Heat and the Golden State Warriors. Check out the schedule to view when each team is playing and follow them from there.
Where are the games taking place?
View the entire NBA Cup schedule here, which lists the competing teams and the arenas they’ll be playing at.
What to Shop for the Games
- Game Day Dishes: Like we mentioned earlier, a Crock-Pot is a must-have game day essential. Use this one to make large batches of soup, chili and dips for the games.
- Watch Games In 4K: And of course, a high-quality TV is important. Because who wants to watch the game on a blurry screen? Upgrade to this Amazon Fire 75-Inch Smart TV for the ultimate game-watching experience. It has 4K ultra HD, Dolby vision, HDR 10 and can be controlled via Alexa.
- Lakers Gear: Any Lakers fans in the building? Snag this hat while you watch the G.O.A.T., aka Lebron James, compete for the title. This snapback features a 3D printed version of the team’s logo, along with the iconic colors.
- Stay Hydrated: Cheer on the Chicago Bulls with this handy dandy water bottle by your side. The large 32-ounce size is enough to get you through a game or two, and the stainless steel insulation keeps drinks cold for hours.
- Funko Pop Fun: Whether you’re bringing a hostess gift for the game or looking to decorate your space beforehand, this Funko Pop of Stephen Curry makes the perfect addition to any basketball-loving home.
- Rep Your Team: If you love the New York Knicks just as much as we do, sport this shirt on NBA Cup day. Featuring the iconic New York Knicks logo, this shirt comes in sizes extra small to 3X for men, women and kids.
- Stylin’ Shorts: And you gotta get some shorts to match. These royal blue and orange shorts are a nod to the classic uniform and are perfect for any Knicks fan.
- Shoot Some Hoops: Take your skills to the basketball court before the game and grab this Wilson Evolution Basketball, perfect for indoor play.
- Gear, Gear and more Gear: Shop more NBA gear for the season at Amazon’s NBA Fanshop. Choose from hats, hoodies, jerseys and more.
