NBA reveal plans for inaugural in-season tournament

The NBA have revealed plans for an inaugural in-season tournament to begin on November 3.

The tournament will have a prize pool of roughly $18million and will be capped by a championship game on December 9.

NBA commissioner Adam Silver said: “This is a concept that has been rumbling around the league office for about 15 years. 

"It’s not a new concept in sports. For those that follow particularly international soccer, it’s a long tradition of having in-season tournaments. 

"So we thought, what a perfect opportunity for a global league like the NBA and it’s a perfect fit for our game.”

Games will be played mostly on Tuesdays and Fridays in November – except for November 7, when the league will play no games to commemorate Election Day.

The Final Four will be played in Las Vegas.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr said: “I’m excited about this midseason tournament. 

"I think it’s going to add an element of energy and excitement for the players and coaches and the fans. I think it’s a great idea.”

Teams were assigned to a five-team group and will play against each other; the six group winners will make the quarter-finals, as will the best two second-place teams from the groups.

All tournament games except the championship will count in the standings.

It has been known for some time that teams will be getting only an 80-game schedule when the 2023-24 slate is released by the NBA in the coming weeks.

Games 81 and 82 will be added in December.