Guide to watching the 2025 NBA Cup: channels, schedule, streaming and more

The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks have each secured the NBA Cup in the last two seasons. Can either team claim the title again in 2025? Heres everything you need to know about following the 2025 NBA Cup.

The 2025 Emirates NBA Cup is wrapping up its group stage on Friday. This mid-season NBA tournament lasts about six weeks, with top players potentially earning over $500,000 in prize money. Last years champion, the Milwaukee Bucks, are aiming to defend their title.

Tournament Format

The NBA Cup starts with a group stage, dividing the league's 30 teams into six groups of five. Each team faces the others in its group once. The group winners advance to the knockout round, joined by two wild card teams with the best second-place records. From the quarterfinals onward, the tournament is single elimination. Quarterfinals are scheduled for December 910, with semifinals and the final taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on December 13 and 16.

Broadcast and Streaming

NBA Cup games are available on Prime Video, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and NBA League Pass. Prime Video holds exclusive rights to the playoffs and the Championship Final.

Live Broadcast Channels

• ESPN
• NBC
• NBA League Pass
• Prime Video
• Peacock
• DirecTV
• Fubo
• Hulu + Live TV

Upcoming Group Stage Games

• Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks, 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
• Philadelphia 76ers vs. Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
• Chicago Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets, 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
• Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons, 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
• Washington Wizards vs. Indiana Pacers, 7:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
• Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
• San Antonio Spurs vs. Denver Nuggets, 9:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
• Sacramento Kings vs. Utah Jazz, 9:30 p.m. (NBA League Pass)
• Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10:00 p.m. (Prime Video)
• Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 10:00 p.m. (NBA League Pass)

Group Standings

East

• Group A: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
• Group B: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers
• Group C: New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets

West

• Group A: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz
• Group B: Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans
• Group C: Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs

How to Watch Live

Some group stage games air on ESPN and NBC, accessible via DirecTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV. ESPN games stream through ESPNs service, while NBC broadcasts are simulcast on Peacock. Most group stage matches are available on NBA League Pass, and Prime Video streams select group stage games along with all playoff and Championship matches.

Streaming Options

• Prime Video: Streams ten group stage games and all playoff matches, including the December 16 Championship.
• ESPN Unlimited: For $29.99/month, access ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SECN, ACCN, ESPNews, ESPN Deportes, ABC programming, ESPN+, ESPN3, SECN+, and ACCNX. Fans can watch over 47,000 live events annually.
• DirecTV: The Choice tier ($79.98 first month) includes ESPN, NBC, unlimited Cloud DVR, and ESPN Unlimited, with a 5-day free trial available.
• NBA League Pass: Offers hundreds of live and on-demand games. Premium option streams on three devices simultaneously, includes NBA TV, discounted to $139.99 with $30 in Prime credits.

Analysis: NBA Cup 2025 - Can the Bucks or Lakers Defend Their Titles?

As the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup enters its final stages, the question on everyone's mind is whether last year's champions, the Milwaukee Bucks, can successfully defend their title, or if the Los Angeles Lakers can reclaim the trophy. Both teams have been dominant in recent years, with the Bucks clinching the championship last season and the Lakers lifting the trophy the season before. However, the competitive landscape is fierce, with several teams showing significant potential to upset the top contenders.

The format of the NBA Cup this year has added a new layer of excitement. The group stage has divided the 30 teams into six groups, with only the top teams advancing to the knockout round. This creates a high level of unpredictability, as even a single loss in the group stage can eliminate a strong contender. While the Bucks aim to defend their title, the Lakers, along with other teams like the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets, are also strong candidates for the championship, making it a wide-open tournament.

Furthermore, the tournament's timing and structure make it unique compared to the traditional NBA season. With a condensed six-week timeline and the allure of significant prize money (with top players potentially earning over $500,000), the intensity of each match is ramped up. Fans can expect thrilling matchups leading into the knockout rounds, which will ultimately determine the 2025 champion.

The broadcast and streaming options are extensive, ensuring that fans won't miss a moment of the action. With coverage across platforms like Prime Video, ESPN, NBC, and NBA League Pass, the accessibility of the games is unmatched. This broad coverage allows viewers to follow their favorite teams, whether they are playing in the group stages or advancing to the finals in Las Vegas.

In conclusion, while the Bucks and Lakers remain top contenders, the format of the 2025 NBA Cup leaves plenty of room for surprises. With multiple teams capable of challenging for the title, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining which team will emerge as the champion. Regardless of who comes out on top, the 2025 NBA Cup is set to be one of the most exciting tournaments in recent memory.

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• How to watch the 2025 NBA Cup: channels, schedule, streaming and more