• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 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

Maverick Carter, LeBron James
exclusive

New International Basketball League Plans Launch, Without Maverick Carter

The venture plans to launch men’s and women’s leagues next fall.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.

Amazon Adds Golf to Its Packed Black Friday Sports Lineup With NFL,..

On Nov. 28, The Skins Game will return for the first time since 2008.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Mar 15, 2025; Buffalo, New York, USA; Vegas Golden Knights center Jack Eichel (9) reacts after scoring a goal during the third period against the Buffalo Sabres at KeyBank Center.

How Connor McDavid’s Extension Set Off a Wave of Big-Money Deals

Several notable contracts are completed in the wake of the superstar’s deal.
exclusive
October 8, 2025

Bud Selig: ‘Remarkable’ Brewers Run Can’t Mask MLB’s Money Divide

The former commissioner lauds his hometown team while raising economic concerns.
Alexis Ohanian
October 8, 2025

Alexis Ohanian Tweaks Track Rivals With Promise of Instant Payments

Athletes will be paid minutes after finishing their races at Athlos.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
October 8, 2025

MLB’s Rare October Day: Four Playoff Games, Four Possible Clinchers

Four separate clinching opportunities are available during the day.
October 7, 2025

‘Absolutely Ridiculous’: Trump Blasts NFL Over Bad Bunny Choice

The president predictably panned the NFL’s selection of the Puerto Rican superstar.
Taylor Swift
October 7, 2025

Taylor Swift Explains Why She Isn’t Playing Super Bowl Halftime

She said she’s “too locked in” on Travis Kelce’s season to perform.
October 7, 2025

NHL Skates Into Season With Record Revenue, Rising Cap, and Labor Peace

The new season begins after a productive and historic summer.