Blake Griffin takes you through all the info you need to know as the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup schedule is announced. Catch all the action starting October 31 on Prime.
NEW YORK — The National Basketball Association announced today that the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals will be played at the home arena of the higher-seeded team in each conference, beginning with the 2026-27 NBA season.
Under existing rules that will continue through the 2025-26 NBA season, the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals and Championship are played at a neutral site (T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the upcoming season). Starting with the Emirates NBA Cup during the 2026-27 NBA season, the Championship will be the only game played at a neutral site.
Also today, the NBA Board of Governors approved a change to the Coach’s Challenge rules. Beginning with the 2025-26 NBA season, during review following a Coach’s Challenge of an out-of-bounds violation, the Replay Center official, instead of the on-court crew chief, will determine whether a proximate foul should have been called. The adjustment was approved to expedite the replay review process.
Last season marked the first time that, as part of a Coach’s Challenge to an out-of-bounds violation, NBA referees could determine whether a proximate foul should have been called on the play. The rule required the on-court crew chief to make this determination, but the decision will now be made by the Replay Center official.
The Coach’s Challenge rule change was unanimously recommended by the NBA Competition Committee and the league office.