The 2025 NBA Cup is set to commence on October 31. If you were unaware, it’s understandable given the timing amid Halloween festivities. This year, the tournament deviates from the usual schedule, beginning with four Fridays: Oct. 31, Nov. 7, Nov. 14, and Nov. 21. Following these dates, additional group stage games will occur during Thanksgiving week.

However, the fragmented scheduling over the last two years makes it hard for fans to engage with the event. The current format feels arbitrary, with a colorful court often confusing fans. Unlike the NCAA’s March Madness, which thrives on excitement and stakes, the NBA Cup struggles to capture similar engagement.

Interestingly, while the NBA Cup has had mixed receptions, the Play-In Tournament introduced in 2020 garnered immediate approval from fans, illustrating the need for significant stakes to foster interest. Unlike the Play-In Tournament, the NBA Cup lacks that thrilling urgency.

Moving forward, the league could consider adopting a single-elimination format to enhance competitiveness. The challenge lies in the number of teams; with only 30 teams currently, a proper bracket is tough to establish without byes. The solution may be to expand the league, adding two teams to create a more playable structure.

Questions persist about the NBA’s commitment to this event. Many fans hoped for expansion to support a more stable and captivating tournament design. The NBA’s challenge remains finding a way to reformulate this event into a competition that resonates strongly with casual fans, similar to existing beloved formats.