In its inaugural year, the NBA’s In-Season Tournament captivated fans with intense games, showcasing an energy often reserved for playoff battles. With bright courts and heightened competition, the games felt distinct from typical regular-season clashes. Players embraced the tournament wholeheartedly, and it wasn’t just the fans who noticed – star players described the environment as something akin to the playoffs, a high-stakes atmosphere that kept viewers glued to their screens.

Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns encapsulated this sentiment, noting that the build-up felt as thrilling as a playoff game. “It was exciting – the courts, the vibe, everything,” Durant said, highlighting the buzz surrounding each matchup. This enthusiasm wasn’t just about pride or a new title to chase. For many players, there was a tangible incentive: the prize money. And as the tournament gears up for its second season, stakes have been raised slightly, making this year’s NBA Cup even more lucrative.

For the 2024-25 NBA Cup, the prize pool has seen a slight bump, adding to the financial motivation for teams that make it past the initial stages. Once teams reach the Quarterfinals, players can start to earn extra cash, with the rewards escalating as they advance. Players on the championship-winning team will take home a significant bonus of $514,971 each, while runners-up will still earn a solid $205,988 each. Even those who exit in the Semifinals or Quarterfinals will receive $102,994 and $51,497, respectively.

While the top stars with hefty contracts may see this as an added perk, for many younger or lesser-paid players, this prize can be transformative. Oscar Tshiebwe, currently with the Utah Jazz, was on a two-way contract during last season’s tournament, which meant his base salary was significantly lower than many NBA peers. The added bonus from winning could have nearly doubled his pay, showcasing how the tournament could make a meaningful financial impact for rising players.

Beyond the payday: NBA Cup’s true value lies in competition and prestige for veteran stars

For veteran players like Buddy Hield, now with the Golden State Warriors, the prize money adds an extra layer of motivation. Though Hield’s $8.8 million salary far surpasses the bonus, he views it as a welcome addition – perhaps one that can go towards the mortgage of his Dallas home, where he often invites teammates for practices. Hield praised NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s efforts in “spicing up” the league, noting how the Cup gives fans and players alike something unique to look forward to.

However, not everyone is focused solely on the money. Andrew Nembhard, a Pacers guard who emerged as a key player in Indiana’s impressive run last season, said that while the bonus is nice, his priority remains on improving his game and winning for the team. “It’s just a nice bonus,” he shared, “but we’re more focused on the season and getting better as a team.” Nembhard, who earned just over $2 million in his second season, later secured a contract extension – a reflection of the opportunities that playing well in high-profile games can unlock.

Then there’s Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks, a perennial All-Star whose earnings tower above most of the league. For Lillard, the financial reward is secondary, but the pride and excitement of winning the Cup still hold allure. While he acknowledged that a larger prize could make the tournament more enticing, he stopped short of suggesting it should determine postseason standings, advocating instead for the prize money to be the primary driver.

As the NBA Cup kicks off its second season, the league is listening closely to feedback from players and fans, looking to fine-tune the format and prize structure. While the cash rewards offer motivation, the league recognizes that the prestige of the tournament itself will grow with each season. With sponsorships and viewership on the rise, there’s a good chance the prize pool could expand further in years to come, cementing the NBA Cup as a major feature of the NBA season.