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.

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.