NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared intriguing insights before the NBA Cup final on Tuesday between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks. He mentioned the possibility of moving the NBA Cup title game, which has been held in Las Vegas for the last three years, to notable college basketball arenas. Silver highlighted their positive experience in Las Vegas but noted ongoing discussions with Amazon Prime about potentially hosting the finals in unique venues, including prestigious university arenas.
This sparked a discussion on the “Eye on College Basketball” podcast with CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander and Gary Parrish, who debated the implications of playing the NBA Cup in college settings. Parrish suggested several iconic college venues such as Allen Fieldhouse (Kansas), Cameron Indoor Stadium (Duke), and the Palestra (Penn), emphasizing the appeal of bringing top professional talent to these historic sites despite smaller capacities. Norlander added to the discussion, listing Rupp Arena (Kentucky), Allen Fieldhouse (Kansas), Hinkle Fieldhouse (Butler), Assembly Hall (Indiana), and the Dean E. Smith Center (North Carolina), and expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event in states without NBA teams to attract new audiences.
While holding the finals at Cameron Indoor Stadium could be challenging logistically, it’s worth noting that Silver is a Duke alum and board member. Though nothing is set in stone, the idea presents an exciting opportunity to blend professional and college basketball cultures.
Fan Take: This potential shift is thrilling for basketball fans as it could bring NBA Finals-level excitement to historic college arenas, creating a unique atmosphere and broadening the event’s reach. It might also strengthen the bond between college hoops and the pros, offering fans a fresh and intimate viewing experience.
