The NBA's in-season tournament isn’t just about bragging rights or adding a new piece of hardware to the trophy case - there’s real money on the line. And for the players involved, that payday just got a little sweeter.
When the New York Knicks and Oklahoma City Thunder square off in Las Vegas, the stakes go beyond the court. The winner won’t just join the Lakers and Bucks as early champions of the NBA Cup - they'll also be cashing in big time.
Here’s the breakdown of the prize money:
- Champions: $530,933 per player
- Runner-ups: $212,373 per player
- Semifinalists: $106,187 per player
- Quarterfinalists: $53,093 per player
That’s a significant bump from last year’s payout, and it’s clearly making waves around the league.
Knicks forward Josh Hart already has plans for his winnings - he’s eyeing a watch. Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns, who isn't in the final but spoke about his potential cut earlier in the tournament, said he’d donate his share to the Dominican Republic. And in classic Texas fashion, Spurs guard Keldon Johnson joked about using his bonus to buy a sheep or a llama for his ranch.
While the Knicks and Thunder are still chasing the top prize, the other teams that made deep runs didn’t walk away empty-handed either. The Orlando Magic and Oklahoma City Thunder (who are still in the hunt) earned semifinal shares, while the quarterfinalists - including teams like the Pacers and Pelicans - also pocketed solid bonuses.
This payout structure adds a new layer to the in-season tournament. It’s not just a midseason novelty anymore - it’s a competitive, financially rewarding opportunity that players are taking seriously.
And with each round, the intensity has ramped up. You can see it in the way teams are approaching these games - the energy, the urgency, the playoff-like atmosphere.
As the Knicks and Thunder prepare to battle it out under the bright lights of Vegas, there’s more than just a trophy on the line. There’s legacy, pride, and a six-figure check waiting at the finish line. Not bad for a tournament that’s still in its infancy - and already changing the way we think about the NBA’s regular season.