Shoot, Score, Celebrate: NBA Cup Returns to Las Vegas with Star-Studded Experiences

Photo Credit: NBAE/Getty Images 

Las Vegas is famous for its world-class entertainment, but this December, the city will once again prove its place as the ultimate destination for sports and culture with the return of the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 Semifinals and Championship games, going down at T-Mobile Arena on December 13 and 16.

Now in its third year, the NBA Cup has carved out a unique place in the league’s season. The in-season tournament runs alongside the regular schedule, giving early-season games a sense of urgency and playoff-style momentum. Fans get to see teams compete in high-stakes, single-elimination matchups at a time of year usually reserved for warm-ups.

But the NBA Cup is more than just what happens on the court. All week long, Las Vegas turns into a celebration of sports, style, and community. Toshiba Plaza outside the arena becomes a lively hangout spot with interactive games, photo moments, limited-edition merchandise, and appearances from former NBA stars. It’s a fun, accessible space for families, locals, and visitors looking to be part of the buzz.

The red carpet experience also returns this year, giving fans a chance to enjoy a taste of the celebrity side of basketball. It adds a uniquely Vegas twist, part fashion and part entertainment, making the event feel even more special.

For those who love the lifestyle side of sports, the NBA Tees & Threes Golf Tournament is back on December 14 at Wynn Golf Club. It’s a chance to spend a morning outdoors with athletes, comedians, and musicians on one of the city’s most beautiful courses. Last year’s tournament included more than 25 well-known names, and this year brings stars like Andre Iguodala, Blake Griffin, Michelle Wie-West, Anthony Anderson, Ja Rule, Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Tucker Halper,n and more surprise guests.

The tournament’s path to Las Vegas begins earlier in the season, as teams compete in group play to earn a spot in the knockout rounds. The winners of those matchups head to Las Vegas for the Semifinals (2:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. PST) and the Championship (5:30 p.m. PST), giving fans a chance to watch some of the league’s best talent compete on a national stage.

The NBA Cup has quickly become one of the most exciting weeks of the year because it mixes everything people love about Las Vegas: energy, entertainment, and connection. This season features 135 international players from 43 countries, bringing a global feel to a week filled with basketball, culture, and community.

Whether you’re watching from courtside, stopping by Toshiba Plaza for the fan activities, or checking out the action at the Wynn Golf Club, the Emirates NBA Cup offers a memorable way to celebrate basketball and the Las Vegas lifestyle all in one place.

For complete ticketing information and a look at all NBA Cup experiences, visit NBAEvents.com/cup and NBAExperiences.com.