NBA could be moving Cup championship game out of Vegas

The NBA Cup may soon have a new home.

According to ESPN’s Tim Botemnps, the league is strongly considering moving the championship game away from Las Vegas beginning next season. NBA officials have grown dissatisfied with the neutral-site setup, believing it has failed to deliver the atmosphere and energy they envisioned.

The league announced in September that this season would be the final one in which both the semifinals and championship game are played at a neutral site. Over the past three seasons, the eight games held in Las Vegas have often been played before less-than-capacity crowds.

League officials have also noted a noticeable drop in energy compared to the quarterfinal games, which are hosted by higher-seeded teams.

Despite the concerns about location, the NBA Cup has largely met its broader goals. The tournament has helped drive attention during the early portion of the regular season, and players have generally embraced the concept, according to Bontemps.

Any future change would focus primarily on restoring the intensity and atmosphere that has been more evident in games played on home floors. Alternative sites, including a return to team-hosted semifinals and finals, remain under consideration.

For now, the tournament will conclude as planned. The Knicks and Spurs are set to meet Tuesday night in the NBA Cup championship game in Las Vegas.