• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 17, 2025

NBA’s Emirates Cup Features New 2024 Courts. What’s Changed?

  • The unified set of court designs again differs significantly from those used for other NBA games.
  • The league sought to address prior traction issues by using a longer production schedule with a single manufacturer.
NBA Emirates Cup Floor Designs
NBA

The National Basketball Association unveiled Thursday the floor designs for the second iteration of the Emirates NBA Cup, and while they’re just as distinctive as last year’s, there are still material changes—at least figuratively, if not literally.

As was the case last year for the event previously known as the in-season tournament, the floor designs for the upcoming Emirates Cup feature full-color motifs and no natural wood showing. Again utilizing a unified design template, the designs are aimed at creating a clear visual separation between regular-season games and these tournament matchups. That very different look became a defining element of the debut tournament last year, and it is poised to be so again in 2024. 

The new designs, created by artist Victor Solomon, tie in part into Nike’s NBA Statement Edition alternate uniforms that will be worn by home teams during the tournament games. Road teams will wear Nike NBA Association Edition uniforms. A trio of concentric circles in each individual team’s design denotes the three stages of the tournament: group play, quarterfinals, and then the semifinals and final. 

But while there are clear carry-overs from a year ago, the NBA is following through on planned efforts to address issues from last year with traction on tournament floors. Several players complained those floors were overly slippery, in part because of the heavy amount of paint involved. The three-point line in Denver’s Ball Arena also needed to be reapplied after it was wrongly measured for the tournament. 

Following the event, won last year by the Lakers, league officials vowed to review and adjust how the floors were designed, built, and installed. The league has employed a longer production runway for the second year of the tournament to help ensure quality control. The NBA also streamlined that development process, working this time with a single manufacturer, Ohio-based Robbins, one of its existing approved floor vendors. 

The NBA Emirates Cup begins Nov. 12 and will run through Dec. 17, again finishing up at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Silver: My Comments About Basketball Highlights Were ‘Misconstrued’

The NBA commissioner spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned in summit.
Apr 24, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) dribbles on New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) in the second half during game three of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.

Adam Silver: NBA’s Problems With Gambling ‘Have Been Predictable’

Silver originally advocated for legalized sports betting in a 2014 op-ed.
Maria Taylor

Maria Taylor Talks About ‘Moving Differently’ in ESPN-NBC Jump

Taylor will be NBC Sports’ lead NBA and WNBA studio host.

Featured Today

Premier Lacrosse League

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.
September 14, 2025

Crawford-Alvarez Bout Draws Biggest Crowd in Vegas Boxing History

Record attendance, a big gate, and growing ambitions mark the high-profile bout.
September 14, 2025

Low-Payroll Brewers Buck the Math, Clinch First MLB Playoff Berth

Milwaukee continues to defy its market size and economic constraints.