The league announced Tuesday that next season’s NBA Cup final will be at Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Dec. 11. Excitement is already building in Indianapolis for this major sporting event. The NBA has not yet specified the semifinal locations.
Previously, the NBA Cup semifinals and final were held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas since the 
This led to speculation that the NBA Cup might move to Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham, North Carolina, as the league sought a unique and historic basketball venue. However, Indianapolis ultimately became the chosen site.
Ultimately, the league selected another classic college basketball venue on Butler’s campus. With the city of Indianapolis hosting, the new location will have a reduced capacity of 9,100. However, the arena is expected to offer a lively college atmosphere. Additionally, it will provide an engaging Amazon Prime broadcast experience.
NBA Cup Finals Plans
By hosting the game at Butler’s campus rather than Cameron Indoor or another college venue like Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse, the league ensures the event stays in an NBA city. This keeps it in a city such as Indianapolis. This may address concerns that a December college campus game could attract less interest due to exams or winter break. All in all, Indianapolis is set to showcase its basketball tradition with this event.
The NBA Cup will enter its fourth season in 2025-26. Modeled after in-season tournaments in European soccer, it aims to increase stakes and generate interest in early-season NBA games. Importantly, this goal aligns well with the passion for basketball in Indianapolis.
Initially met with skepticism, the tournament has grown in popularity and intensity over three seasons. It draws more attention each year, especially with events now happening in places like Indianapolis. The Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks won the first two NBA Cups in 2023 and 2024.
In last season’s Cup final, the New York Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs, previewing both the matchup and outcome of the NBA Finals, but this year all eyes turn toward Indianapolis as the new host.
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Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
