"As the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic tipped off the first of two Emirates NBA Cup semifinal games Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, plenty of empty seats -- particularly in the upper level -- were scattered across the building. The NBA Cup, which is in its third season, has largely accomplished the objective laid out by commissioner Adam Silver when he first championed the in-season tournament."
"What hasn't caught on is the atmosphere of the tournament's final stretch to decide a champion. That's in part why the league announced in September that 2025 would be the final Cup featuring a neutral-site semifinals, a recognition that the approach has lacked the energy and enthusiasm the league had hoped to create. And it seems the NBA is pondering another change. Sources familiar with the situation told ESPN recently that the league is considering also moving the title game out of Las Vegas."
The NBA Cup has increased attention for the league during the early season and delivered player engagement driven partly by more than $500,000 in player prize money. Neutral-site semifinals in Las Vegas produced many empty upper-level seats and failed to generate the desired atmosphere. The league announced that 2025 will be the final Cup with neutral-site semifinals and is considering moving the title game out of Las Vegas. Knockout rounds have increasingly showcased young talent. Player motivation, prize-money incentives, and schedule frustrations have shaped reactions from players and coaches. The semifinal venue shift has been welcomed.
Read at ESPN.com
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