Emirates NBA Cup: Teams Host Semifinals 2026-27
NBA Announces Changes to Emirates NBA Cup and Coach’s Challenge Rules
Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals to Move to Home Arenas
The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced on September 10, 2024, 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. This represents a shift from the current format.
Currently, through the 2025-26 NBA season, the Emirates NBA Cup Semifinals and Championship game are held at a neutral site – T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for the upcoming season.Starting in 2026-27, only the Championship game will remain at a neutral location. More facts about the Emirates NBA Cup can be found on NBA.com.
Blake Griffin discusses the changes to the Emirates NBA Cup schedule, which begins October 31 on Prime.
Coach’s Challenge Rule Adjustment
The NBA Board of Governors also approved a change to the Coach’s Challenge rules,effective with the 2025-26 NBA season. The change aims to expedite the replay review process for out-of-bounds violations.
Previously, when a Coach’s Challenge was initiated regarding an out-of-bounds call, the on-court crew chief persistent whether a proximate foul should have been called. Now, that determination will be made by an official at the Replay Center.
This adjustment was unanimously recommended by the NBA Competition Committee and the league office. Last season marked the first time referees could consider proximate fouls during Coach’s Challenge reviews of out-of-bounds calls.