In-Season Tournament for the Raptors: Groups, Structure, Prizes
The new tournament has been finalized, and here is everything you need to know
Welcome to the NBA’s brand new in-season tournament which begins next season. Everything has been finalized now, so we ought to explain how it works and what it all means for the Toronto Raptors.
Groups
Groups are drawn to decide who plays who.
These groups, carefully selected through a random process, will consist of three groups in each conference, with five teams in each group. The tournament will span across the first two months of the season, adding an extra layer of competition and anticipation for fans.
To ensure fairness and diversity, each group will include a team from each sub-group based on the previous season’s performance. The first sub-group consists of teams that ranked 1st to 3rd in the previous season, showcasing their dominance on the court. The second sub-group comprises teams that finished 4th to 6th, displaying their competitive spirit and hunger for success. The third sub-group features teams that placed 7th to 9th, showcasing their ability to contend and challenge their opponents. Lastly, the fourth sub-group includes teams that finished 10th to 12th, eager to prove their worth and climb up the rankings. Finally, the fifth sub-group includes teams that ranked 13th to 15th, determined to bounce back and improve their performance in the new season.
How the In-season tournament groups are drawn:
- 1–3
- 4–6
- 7–9
- 10–12
- 13–15
Toronto’s group:
- Boston Celtics
- Brooklyn Nets
- Chicago Bills
- Orlando Magic
Structure
After playing four group games, the knockout stage consists of eight teams, carefully determined based on their performance in the preliminary group stage.
In each group, the team with the best winning percentage earns a well-deserved spot in the tournament. This ensures that only the most accomplished teams progress to the knockout stage, setting the stage for intense matchups and high-stakes basketball.
To add a touch of unpredictability and excitement, each conference also awards a “wildcard” spot to the team with the best winning percentage that finished second in their respective group. This wildcard entry grants an opportunity for a strong team that narrowly missed out on the top spot in their group to redeem themselves and showcase their abilities in the tournament.
Once the eight qualifying teams are determined, the knockout stage commences with a single-elimination format. In the first round, the team with the superior winning percentage from the preliminary stage enjoys the advantage of hosting the game, providing them with a home-court advantage and the support of their enthusiastic fans.
As the tournament progresses to the semifinals and ultimately the final, the games transition to a neutral setting. This neutral venue ensures fairness and eliminates any home-court advantage, making for thrilling matchups where teams must rely solely on their skills and strategy to emerge victorious.
What happens to teams that don’t qualify?
The 22 teams that do not participate in the knockout stage will play two additional regular season games on days when knockout stage games aren’t scheduled.
The four teams that play in the quarterfinals and lose will play one regular season game when knockout games aren’t scheduled.
All games except from the final counts as regular season games, adding to the end-of-season record and any tiebreaker situation.
The two teams who participate in the final will end up playing 83 regular season games, rather than the usual 82.
Key dates:
- Games to be played on a Tuesday and Friday in November
- These are called “Tournament Nights”
- Semis and Championship game: Dec. 7 and 9 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas
Prizes
The payout structure for this tournament is designed to recognize and reward the achievements of the participating teams at various stages of the competition, ensuring that their efforts are duly acknowledged.
For the ultimate champions who emerge victorious in the tournament, each player on the winning team receives a substantial prize of $500,000. This significant sum reflects the magnitude of their accomplishment and serves as a testament to their hard work and dedication throughout the tournament.
Even the runners-up in the final match receive a commendable reward for their outstanding performance. Each player on the losing team in the final game is awarded a prize of $200,000, recognizing their journey to the grand stage and their exceptional efforts in reaching the championship round.
Teams that make it to the semifinals but fall short of reaching the final are not left empty-handed. Each player on the losing team in the semifinals receives a prize of $100,000, acknowledging their remarkable progress in the tournament and their ability to compete at the highest level.
Additionally, the teams that reach the quarterfinals, displaying their talent and competitive spirit, are rewarded for their accomplishments. Each player on the losing team in the quarterfinals receives a prize of $50,000, acknowledging their contribution to their team’s success and their valiant effort in the tournament.
It is important to note that these prize amounts for the 2024–25 season and beyond are subject to potential fluctuations based on the Basketball Related Income (BRI). The BRI represents the revenue generated by the NBA and its subsidiaries, which can increase or decrease over time. This ensures that the payout structure remains responsive to the financial performance of the league, maintaining a fair and sustainable reward system for the players.
