While the NBA Cup will be a permanent part of the league’s schedule going forward, there will likely be some changes to the format and schedule in future seasons, The Athletic’s Joe Vardon and ESPN’s Tim Bontemps report.

Managing the schedule for both knockout round games and additional regular season contests for teams not in Las Vegas is challenging, but thunder Head coach Mark Daigneault is not thrilled that his team will play two straight away games on the East Coast after the Cup final in Las Vegas on Thursday and Friday, Vardon relays.

“Basically, we’re on a six-day road trip to the West Coast right now, and our next game is three time zones away, a four-hour flight to Orlando and then a back-to-back game against Miami – what if…” “You see like a road trip is a road trip like no other.” Daigneault said. “The NBA would never plan this. You would never send a team on a six-day road trip to the West Coast and then fly them back to back to the East.”

In addition to exploring possible scheduling adjustments, the league may consider a new venue for the NBA Cup Final Four. According to Vardon, Abu Dhabi’s Public Investment Fund has expressed interest in hosting the event, although it would create major scheduling issues. According to Sports Business Journal’s Tom Friend, cities like Mexico City, Nashville, Tampa and San Diego have also inquired about hosting.

As for the format, the NBA and Amazon — which will broadcast the knockout rounds of the NBA Cup starting next season — have discussed possible changes, including a possible postponement of the tournament later in the regular season, Bontemps says.

Sources who spoke to ESPN cautioned that there is no guarantee the format will be different next season. However, Bontemps suggests that the NBA could consider expanding the group play phase from four to eight games, as this would increase the league’s chances of top teams reaching the knockout rounds and ensure more top matchups.

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