In this season, the NBA In-Season Tournament captivated fans with fast-paced games and an intensity that often felt akin to playoff basketball. The atmosphere, with vibrant courts and heightened competition, provided a refreshing contrast to the usual regular-season games. Players embraced the tournament wholeheartedly, and it didn’t go unnoticed by the fans. Star players themselves compared the environment to that of the playoffs, recognizing the high stakes that made each game a must-watch.
The Excitement Builds: Players Embrace the NBA Cup
For many, the NBA Cup has been more than just a new trophy to win; it’s been an opportunity to compete in a high-energy, high-pressure environment. Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns was one of many players who spoke about the tournament’s intensity, calling it as thrilling as a playoff game. "It was exciting — the courts, the vibe, everything," Durant shared, noting the palpable buzz that surrounded each matchup.
While the new title brought excitement, it wasn’t just about the pride of winning for many players. The NBA Cup offers an additional tangible reward: the prize money. As the tournament enters its second season, the stakes have only increased, with the prize pool swelling to offer even more financial motivation for teams as they advance.
2024-25 NBA Cup: A Lucrative Prize Pool
For the 2024-25 NBA Cup, the prize pool has been increased slightly, offering more financial incentive for players. The prize structure rewards teams as they progress through the tournament:
NBA Cup Champion: $514,971 per player
Runners-up (Championship Losers): $205,988 per player
Semifinal Losers: $102,944 per player
Quarterfinal Losers: $51,497 per player
While the top stars, with their hefty contracts, may see this as an added bonus, for younger or lesser-paid players, the prize money can be transformative. Take Oscar Tshiebwe of the Utah Jazz, who played on a two-way contract last season. With a base salary significantly lower than most NBA players, the bonus from winning the NBA Cup could have nearly doubled his earnings — a significant financial boost for up-and-coming players.
Prize Money: An Added Incentive for Veteran and Rising Stars
While veteran players like Buddy Hield (now with the Golden State Warriors) have substantial contracts, the prize money is still a nice incentive. Hield, who earns $8.8 million, sees the prize as a bonus that could help cover expenses like his mortgage. He also expressed his appreciation for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, acknowledging how the NBA Cup spices up the league, giving both fans and players something unique to look forward to.
However, not all players are focused solely on the money. Andrew Nembhard, a Indiana Pacers guard who emerged as a key player during last season’s NBA Cup, emphasized that while the bonus is appreciated, his focus remains on improving his game and helping his team succeed. "It's just a nice bonus," Nembhard said. "But we're more focused on the season and getting better as a team." For players like Nembhard, performing well in high-profile games like the NBA Cup can lead to larger opportunities, as evidenced by his contract extension after a strong season.
Damian Lillard: Pride and Motivation Beyond the Money
For players like Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks, the financial reward of winning the NBA Cup takes a backseat to the pride of the achievement itself. Although Lillard, a perennial All-Star, earns far more than the prize money, he finds the tournament exciting and rewarding. He acknowledged that a larger prize pool could make the tournament even more enticing, but he believes the prize money should remain the primary motivator, rather than having the tournament determine postseason standings.
The Growing Prestige of the NBA Cup
As the NBA Cup heads into its second season, both players and the league are fine-tuning the format and prize structure. While the financial rewards certainly provide motivation, the true value of the tournament lies in the competition and its growing prestige. With viewership and sponsorships on the rise, the NBA Cup is becoming an increasingly important part of the league's calendar, and there’s a good chance that the prize pool will continue to grow in the coming years.
As Doc Rivers, head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, pointed out, the financial rewards are not the only thing driving players. "It’s funny, a lot of people say it’s the money, and it’s not; it’s the competition," Rivers said. "Now, the guys who aren’t playing, it’s the money. You know, I’ve never been hugged more by our rookies in my life than after that game. They were celebrating like it was a big game."