Re: NBA Cup Semifinals Could Be Played At Home Arenas Next Season

[RealGM Wiretap]

The NBA could play the semifinals of the 2025 NBA Cup next season at home sites before the championship game in Las Vegas, sources tell Tim Bontemps of ESPN. The NBA has hosted both the semifinals and finals in Las Vegas for the first two iterations of the tournament. 

The attendance for both games were in line with what the league got last year: a slight increase from 16,837 to 17,113 for the first game, and a slight drop from 18,017 (a sellout) for the second semifinal (featuring the Lakers) to 17,937.

If the NBA schedules the semifinals for home arenas, then those venues will have to keep more dates open to host games, which is complicated for arenas that also have a hockey team.

Amazon will take over broadcasting the quarterfinals, semifinals and championship next season.

Via Tim Bontemps/ESPN

[bqmuzik]

Im a Vegas resident so I went to the 1st game. Chose to cheer for the Bucks but actually like to watch both teams.

Weird environment. I'd say 35% Hawks fans, 30% Bucks fans and 35% people who were completely neutral. Just didn't make for an energetic environment when you pretty much have split fans mixed with people who werent overly invested either way.

Falcons being in town likely is what boosted game 1s numbers to exceed last year.

A lot of fun don't get me wrong just an odd environment unless you are a basketball junkie like myself.

[DoItALL9]

Let Seattle host next year's cup