When Adam Silver introduced the NBA Cup last year, many criticized the idea, claiming that it could not match the prestige of lifting the Larry O’Brien trophy. Although that assumption might be correct, the initiative has proven to be a massive success, as it has brought more excitement to the regular season. Moreover, the players seem hyped about competing in the tournament. Particularly because the winners end up over half a million dollars richer. But what about the losers? Well, they are not going home empty-handed either.

During the inaugural in-season tournament last year, every member of the losing team of the NBA Cup final bagged $200,000. And the amount is even bigger this year. As the Bucks and Thunder face each other in the final, the losing team is set to take home $205,988 each.

Well, the cash prize has increased and will continue to do so each season as part of last year’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. Of course, this is now a regular basketball-related income for players. And every year, the BRI Growth Factor will multiply the current sum to determine next year’s prize.

As per the CBA, “the BRI Growth Factor for a Salary Cap Year is a fraction, the numerator of which is BRI for the immediately preceding Salary Cap Year and the denominator of which is BRI for the 2022-23 Salary Cap Year; provided, however, that the NBA and Players Association may agree to reduce the BRI Growth Factor for one (1) or more Salary Cap Years to a smaller fraction with value of no less than one (1).”

So, you can expect a nearly 3% hike each season. That’s why the team that lifts the Emirates NBA Cup this year will take home $514,971 each as opposed to last season’s $500,000. Obviously, that does a great job of keeping the players motivated. Even LeBron James said so!

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LeBron James looked out for his Young Teammates last year

Sure, for superstars like LBJ and Giannis, this prize money does not have much impact on their bank balance because they are already making millions in salary. However, it’s enough to change the lives of players on two-way contracts and those who usually don’t get much playing time.

That’s why LeBron used it as motivation last year as he led the Lakers to become the first-ever NBA Cup champions. “My youngins over here, my rookies, my second-year guys, some of them haven’t experienced playoff basketball. Some of their paychecks are not as equipped as some of the older guys on our team… It’s my obligation and it’s my responsibility to keep everybody engaged.”

Moreover, the four-time champ also revealed how excited his teammates were to get their hands on the six-digit amount. “The first question they asked me when I came off, they was like ‘So, when do we get our money?’ I was like ‘I don’t know!’ But I kind of do know, but I’m not gonna tell them just yet.”

Even this year’s finalists chimed in on the importance of hefty prize money.

Doc Rivers said, “It’s funny, a lot of people say it’s the money, and it’s not; it’s the competition… Now, the guys who aren’t playing, it’s the money. You know, I’ve never been hugged more by our rookies in my life than after that game. They were celebrating like it was a big game.”

Meanwhile, OKC star Jalen Williams remarked, “The NBA Cup does have a certain energy to it that makes it very competitive. It’s probably because of the money… Obviously, everybody wants free money.” Sure, it’s not exactly free money as teams have to fight hard to reach the top. But everyone is ready to put in extra effort for an additional paycheck.

Even the semi-finalists take home $102,944 each while the quarter-finalists bag $51,497! Moreover, Adam Silver might continue tweaking the already successful initiative.

Adam Silver planning major change as the Bucks lift Emirates NBA Cup

With all eyes on Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, the Bucks created history by becoming the second NBA Cup champions after blowing out the Thunder. Sure enough, Giannis took home that MVP trophy with a 26-point triple-double. And of course, both teams are going home richer. But this could be the last time the festivities are taking place in Sin City.

Don’t worry! The NBA Cup is not coming to an end.

The reason, as per AP’s Tim Reynolds, Silver suggested that there is a chance the tournament final might go to the teams’ home arenas from next year. Yes, it would create an even more playoff-like atmosphere for the final, with the home crowd cheering their favorite team.

However, this is just a floating idea right now that will be monitored in the coming months. But one thing is certain. Silver’s initiative has taken the hoop world by storm and given the fans and the players something to be excited about before the holiday season.