NBA: the organization of a tournament in high season under study

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While the NBA season is already dense, the leaders of the league are studying the possibility of playing a tournament just before the holidays. This idea could be implemented as early as next year.

Soon an American Leaders Cup? While the NBA season already occupies a large part of the calendar between October and until May-June for the play-offs, the league is increasingly excited by the organization of a mini tournament organized during the season. , like the Semaine des As and the Leaders Cup, implemented in France since 2003. Anxious to offer something different to teams, players and spectators, the NBA is in the midst of negotiations with the union of players (NBPA) to set up this new competition. According to information from the American channel ESPN, the discussions are advancing and the interest of both parties for this event is increasing.

A 78-game regular season?

But what would be the format of this tournament? Just like the French version, there would be some tweaks. Based on the results of the first part of the regular season, eight teams would qualify for the quarter-finals, before the semi-finals and the final, scheduled just before the holiday season. This change in schedule could be implemented as early as next season but could be delayed for a year. In order to free up space in a very busy schedule, the NBA would agree to cut the regular season from 82 to 78 games, with each team losing two games at home.

To motivate teams and players, the winning roster would earn as much as $ 1 million per player. The topic should be on the agenda for the next players’ union meeting, on the sidelines of the All-Star Game in Cleveland, with players who could agree to the idea and formally launch the project.

RMC Sports