What happened: Hinkle Fieldhouse will host the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup Championship. The historic arena is set to stage the title game of the league's in-season tournament.

Why it matters: Placing the NBA Cup final inside one of basketball's most storied buildings leans into the venue's deep history in the sport. The choice gives the championship an outsized, tradition-rich backdrop rather than a standard NBA arena.

What to watch: Watch for the championship date and the two finalists to be set once the 2026-27 in-season tournament bracket plays out.