NBA Cup Final Offers Life-Changing Money For Players

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams (8) drives in front of Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) during the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game, Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, in Okl

When the Milwaukee Bucks secured their spot in the NBA Cup championship game, it was a moment of jubilation for many of the team's younger and lower-paid players. The NBA Cup final, featuring the Bucks against the Oklahoma City Thunder, is set to take place in Las Vegas on Tuesday, with a substantial prize money of $308,983 awaiting each player on the winning team.

For the league's superstars, this amount may not be as significant, representing perhaps just a game's pay or even less. However, for many players in the league, this sum is substantial and potentially life-changing.

The prize pool for the NBA Cup incentivizes players at various stages of their careers. Winning players on standard NBA contracts will receive $514,971, while those on the losing team will still take home $205,988 each. Players on two-way deals will receive half of these amounts.

$308,983 prize money for winning team, significant for lower-paid players.

Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder to compete in NBA Cup final.

Players on standard contracts get $514,971 for winning, $205,988 for losing.

Two-way deal players receive half of standard contract amounts.

Players like Thunder's Ajay Mitchell, who typically earn around $7,056 per game, are set to see a significant increase in their earnings regardless of the game's outcome.

While the focus remains on winning the game, the financial implications are not lost on the players. The NBA Cup prize pool rewards players at different levels, with losing semifinalists collecting $102,994 each and quarterfinalists receiving $51,497 per player.

For many players, this bonus represents a substantial windfall. Some players, like Knicks forward Josh Hart, humorously contemplate how they might spend their bonus, while others, like Bucks forward Bobby Portis, reflect on their humble beginnings and the impact of such earnings.

Despite the significant financial rewards at stake, players emphasize that their primary focus remains on winning the game. The NBA Cup serves as a reminder of the varying financial circumstances of players in the league, with some seeing this bonus as a life-changing opportunity.

Ultimately, the NBA Cup prize money underscores the financial disparities within the league and the potential impact of such earnings on players' lives, regardless of their current salary levels.