Overview
- All 30 teams are split into six groups of five, each plays four group games, and group winners advance using tiebreakers in order: head-to-head, point differential, total points, prior-season record, then random selection.
- Group play runs from Oct. 31 to Nov. 28, with quarterfinals on Dec. 9–10, semifinals on Dec. 13 and the final on Dec. 16.
- Prize money is awarded only to players on teams reaching the knockout stages: $51,497 for quarterfinalists, $102,994 for semifinalists, $205,988 for runners-up and $514,971 each for champions.
- West C is highlighted as a particularly strong group featuring Houston, Denver, Golden State, Portland and San Antonio, with USA TODAY noting Kevin Durant’s arrival in Houston and Jimmy Butler’s addition to Golden State.
- BetMGM lists early winner odds led by the Thunder (+400) and Knicks (+600), followed by the Cavaliers (+700) and Nuggets (+1100).