Indianapolis, IN – The NBA Cup, formerly known as the In-Season Tournament, will unveil a new design along with its new name when it kicks off on November 12. Each of the 30 distinct courts designed by artist Victor Solomon will feature three concentric circles in tonal hues of a core team color. These designs aim to represent the three stages of the tournament: group play, the knockout quarterfinals in team markets, and Las Vegas.
Solomon explained that the new court designs were inspired by lessons learned from the previous year, aiming to strike a balance between being eye-catching yet not overwhelming. The courts will also feature additional elements such as team logos, NBA Cup trophy, and unique team-specific graphics underneath. The design process involved collaboration with all 30 teams’ creative directors to ensure that each court told a unique story.
Unlike the previous year, home teams will now wear their Statement Edition uniforms while road teams will wear their white Association Edition uniforms. This change is intended to emphasize each team’s core brand colors on the court, creating a cohesive visual experience for fans. The NBA Cup will commence on November 12 with group play followed by the quarterfinals and semifinals before concluding with the championship game on December 17 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The new court designs also incorporate symbolic references, such as representing a champion’s journey to the top through the three tiers of concentric circles. Each court was meticulously crafted by Robbins, painted by Bona, and finished by Praters Flooring to ensure a consistent and high-quality appearance. With every court being brand new this year, the NBA aims to avoid any potential manufacturing issues that occurred in the previous season.
This year’s tournament will build upon the success of the inaugural event, showcasing the collaborative efforts of artists, teams, and the league to create a visually captivating and engaging experience for fans. The NBA Cup promises to deliver thrilling basketball action on courts that not only reflect team identities but also embody the spirit of competition and unity within the league. The tournament represents a new tradition in the NBA, offering fans a unique and unforgettable viewing experience.