The NBA has revealed the Phoenix Suns' new court design for the 2026 NBA Cup, the league's annual midseason tournament. This comes as the Suns prepare for their next preseason game against the San Antonio Spurs on October 14, following a 102-98 win over the same team on October 10. The tournament tips off on Friday, October 30, with the championship set for Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on December 11.
The tournament features all 30 NBA teams split into six groups of five. Each team plays four games in the group stage. The knockout rounds begin on Friday, December 4. The full schedule for every team, including the Suns, was released earlier. The 2025 final saw the New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs, a matchup that later repeated in the NBA Finals.
This year's final location is a change. It moves from Las Vegas to the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse for the first time. The NBA Cup aims to add competitive stakes to the early part of the regular season schedule.
For the Suns, the tournament presents an early opportunity to build chemistry and momentum. The team's specific group assignment and opponents will be key to their path. Success in the NBA Cup can provide a psychological boost and valuable playoff-like experience before the All-Star break.
Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming games on our schedule page. The new court design itself, featuring unique tournament graphics, will give Footprint Center a distinct look for these games. It's a visual marker of the event's significance.
The Suns' recent preseason results offer a glimpse into their current form. They secured a 102-98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on October 10. However, they dropped close games to the Chicago Bulls (124-117 on October 7) and the Detroit Pistons (109-107 on October 5).
These games are testing rotations and player conditioning. The narrow margins show the team is competitive but still fine-tuning execution. Preseason outcomes don't count in the standings, but they matter for rhythm and evaluation.
Head coach Frank Vogel will use these games to solidify his rotation before the NBA Cup and regular season begin. Player health and managing minutes will be a constant focus.
Immediately, the Suns face the San Antonio Spurs again in an away preseason game on October 14. This provides a quick chance for adjustment and revenge after their previous meeting. Following the preseason, attention fully shifts to the NBA Cup opener on October 30.
The tournament's compressed schedule means every game has high intensity. Winning the group is important to advance directly to the knockout stage. The Suns will need strong performances from their star players and consistent contributions from the bench.
The new court design is just the start. The real story will be written on that court over the coming weeks. The Suns have the talent to make a deep run, and the NBA Cup is their first major test of the 2026-27 campaign.
