The Emirates NBA Cup 2026 is set to tip off on Friday, October 30, bringing the NBA’s in-season tournament back with a slate of nationally featured matchups throughout October and November.
The announced schedule features several marquee games, including the New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets, and a Black Friday matchup between the Miami Heat and New York Knicks.
The tournament will eventually move into its knockout stage in December, culminating with the NBA Cup Championship on December 11, 2026.
When Does the NBA Cup 2026 Start?
The 2026 NBA Cup tips off Friday, October 30, with two featured games:
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- Group: East B
- Date: October 30
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
- Group: West C
- Date: October 30
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
The opening night immediately puts four high-profile franchises into NBA Cup action.
NBA Cup 2026 Featured Schedule
Here are the featured NBA Cup games announced for the tournament:
Friday, October 30
New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers — 7:30 p.m. ET — East B
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors — 10 p.m. ET — West C
Friday, November 6
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers — 7:30 p.m. ET — East B
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Los Angeles Lakers — 10 p.m. ET — West C
Friday, November 13
New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers — 7 p.m. ET — East B
Golden State Warriors vs. San Antonio Spurs — 9:30 p.m. ET — West C
Friday, November 20
Atlanta Hawks vs. Detroit Pistons — 7:30 p.m. ET — East A
Houston Rockets vs. Denver Nuggets — 10 p.m. ET — West A
Black Friday — November 27
Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks — 7 p.m. ET — East B
Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs — 9:30 p.m. ET — West C
NBA Cup Black Friday Games 2026
The NBA Cup will have a prominent spot on the sports calendar on Black Friday, November 27.
Miami and New York meet at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Lakers and Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Both games could carry major implications for the tournament standings as the group stage reaches its conclusion.
When Are the NBA Cup 2026 Knockout Rounds?
Following group play, the qualifying teams advance to the elimination portion of the tournament.
The NBA Cup 2026 knockout rounds are scheduled for December 4-9.
Unlike group-stage games, a loss during the knockout portion means elimination from contention for the NBA Cup title.
When Is the 2026 NBA Cup Championship?
The 2026 NBA Cup Championship is scheduled for Friday, December 11.
The championship will feature the final two teams remaining after group play and the knockout rounds, with the winner being crowned the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup champion.
How to Watch the NBA Cup 2026
The featured NBA Cup schedule shown by the league indicates the tournament will be available on Prime Video, giving basketball fans another major NBA event to follow throughout the early portion of the 2026-27 season.
The NBA Cup begins October 30, continues through November group play and the December knockout rounds, and concludes with the championship on December 11, 2026.