Catching the Action
For basketball fans across the globe, the In-Season Tournament is a must-watch event. U.S. viewers can catch all the action on ESPN or TNT, while international fans can tune in via NBA League Pass.
Tournament Format
The tournament kicks off on November 3 and runs until December 7. It's important to note that all games, barring the championship, count towards regular season standings.
All 30 NBA teams are grouped based on their performance from the previous season. Each team will face off against the other four teams in their group once, with two home and two road games ensuring a balanced competition.
These group stage games, dubbed 'Tournament Nights', take place every Tuesday and Friday from November 3 to 28. However, there's an exception for US Election Day on November 7, when no games are scheduled.
From these intense group stages, the winners of the six groups along with one wild card from each conference advance to the knockout rounds. The quarterfinals are hosted at the home arenas of the teams boasting the best group stage records.
The semifinals and final take center stage at a neutral venue, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, ensuring a fair ground for the ultimate showdown.
Prizes
There's more than just pride and glory on the line. Teams that reach the knockout stages share in a substantial prize pool, with the further a team progresses, the larger their share becomes. Additionally, an MVP and an All-Tournament team will be named, adding another layer of prestige to this exciting event.
NBA's Efforts for Viewer Engagement
The NBA is no stranger to innovation. They introduced a 'Play-In' between teams finishing 7th-10th in each conference during the Covid-enforced 'Bubble' in 2020. This feature has remained a staple in every season since, and has significantly boosted viewer engagement.
The NBA hopes to replicate this success with the In-Season Tournament. By adding another layer of competition and excitement to the regular season, they aim to keep fans on the edge of their seats from November through December. So, mark your calendars and get ready for some thrilling basketball action!