The NBA is contemplating adopting a March Madness-style single-elimination format for its in-season NBA Cup tournament, driven by the need to generate fan interest. While the current setup struggles to elicit excitement due to its predictable group stages, expanding the league to 32 teams could enable a more engaging tournament structure. This would replicate the Cinderellas and high-stakes drama seen in NCAA basketball. However, significant logistical challenges remain, such as maintaining the regular season’s game count. For now, the league's interest lies in finding ways to invigorate fan engagement through potential tournament modifications.

By the Numbers
  • NCAA Tournament features 67 games, while the NBA Cup currently operates under a less engaging group stage format.
  • The NBA needs 32 teams for true single-elimination; it currently has 30.
State of Play
  • NBA owners are set to vote on potential expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas next week.
  • The target for expansion could set the stage for a single-elimination tournament as soon as the 2028-29 season.
What's Next

If the NBA expands to 32 teams, the league could feasibly implement a single-elimination structure for the NBA Cup, potentially changing fan engagement significantly. This could lead to more high-pressure games that attract wider viewership and support.

Bottom Line

The NBA must explore innovative structures like a single-elimination tournament to enhance excitement and draw parallels to the beloved March Madness format, which may prove crucial for sustaining fan interest in the regular season.