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NBA Cup Semifinals Shift to Home Arenas Starting 2026

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Starting in the 2026-27 season, the NBA will hold Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals at the higher-seeded team's arena, moving away from the neutral venue format, except for the championship game.
T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host the semifinals and championship for the 2025-26 season.
The NBA Board of Governors approved a rule change for the Coach’s Challenge to expedite the replay process.
The NBA Cup, which debuted in 2023, has rapidly gained significance in the league's schedule.

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Story summary

Starting in the 2026-27 season, the NBA will hold Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals at the higher-seeded team's arena, moving away from the neutral venue format, except for the championship game.
T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas will host the semifinals and championship for the 2025-26 season.
The NBA Board of Governors approved a rule change for the Coach’s Challenge to expedite the replay process.
The NBA Cup, which debuted in 2023, has rapidly gained significance in the league's schedule.