NBA Cup Semifinals: The Game-Changing Move to Home Arenas

Get ready for an electrifying shift in the NBA landscape! The league has announced a monumental change for its burgeoning in-season tournament, now officially dubbed the NBA Cup: the semifinals are moving from neutral sites to the hallowed grounds of competing teams’ home arenas. This isn't just a tweak; it's a strategic masterstroke designed to inject unparalleled excitement and local fervor into the tournament's critical penultimate stage.

For the past few seasons, basketball fans have grown accustomed to the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas hosting the semifinals and championship game.

While exciting, there was often a feeling that something was missing – the visceral roar of a home crowd, the distinct energy only a passionate local fanbase can provide. The move to home arenas for the semifinals, expected to kick off with the 2025-26 season, directly addresses this, promising to transform these high-stakes matchups into unforgettable spectacles for cities across the nation.

This pivotal decision signals the league's commitment to evolving the NBA Cup, ensuring it resonates deeply with fans and teams alike.

By bringing the semifinals to the home courts, the NBA is not only rewarding successful teams with a significant home-court advantage but also empowering communities to rally behind their franchises at a crucial moment. Imagine the atmosphere: a packed arena, adorned in team colors, with every possession amplified by the passionate screams of thousands – it’s a recipe for instant classics.

The benefits are manifold.

For the teams, a genuine home-court advantage could be the decisive factor in reaching the championship game, adding another layer of strategic depth and motivation. For the fans, it means an opportunity to experience elite tournament basketball without having to travel, fostering a stronger connection to their local team’s quest for glory.

Economically, host cities will also see a boost, as the influx of fans and media generates local revenue.

While the exact details of the new format – such as whether the championship game will remain at a neutral site like Las Vegas – are still being finalized, this foundational shift for the semifinals is a clear indicator of the NBA's vision.

They are building a tournament that is not just about competition, but about creating indelible moments, celebrating local pride, and delivering an unmatched fan experience. The NBA Cup is no longer just a mid-season diversion; it's rapidly becoming a highlight of the basketball calendar, and this move to home arenas for the semifinals is set to make it even more compelling.