The NBA has announced that the 2026 NBA Cup Championship game will be held at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. This landmark decision marks the first time the league’s tournament final will be played outside of Las Vegas and brings a major professional basketball event to a venue steeped in the sport’s history and pop culture significance.
A Venue Rich in Basketball Heritage
Hinkle Fieldhouse, often referred to as ‘Indiana’s Basketball Cathedral,’ boasts a storied past dating back to its opening in 1928. The arena has been the home of Butler University’s basketball program since its inception and has witnessed countless collegiate games, including two NCAA Tournament East Regionals and multiple rounds of the tournament during the COVID-impacted 2021 season. Notably, the venue also served as the home for the NBA’s Indianapolis Olympians from 1949 until the team disbanded in 1953.
The fieldhouse’s collegiate legacy includes Butler’s back-to-back national championship appearances in 2010 and 2011 under then-coach Brad Stevens, who later became president of the Boston Celtics. The university’s success during that era brought significant national attention to Hinkle.
The ‘Hoosiers’ Connection and the ‘Milan Miracle’
Beyond its direct basketball history, Hinkle Fieldhouse holds a special place in American cinema. It was the iconic filming location for the championship game scenes in the beloved 1986 film Hoosiers. The movie itself was inspired by the true story of the 1954 Indiana High School Boys’ Basketball State Championship, where the small Milan High School team, against all odds, defeated the much larger Muncie Central High School. This legendary upset, known as the ‘Milan Miracle,’ captivated the state and became a symbol of underdog triumph, immortalized on Hinkle’s court.
The fieldhouse also witnessed another significant moment in Indiana basketball history: the consecutive state championships won by Indianapolis’ Crispus Attucks High School in 1955 and 1956. Led by the future NBA legend Oscar Robertson, Crispus Attucks became the first all-black high school to achieve this feat, with their victories taking place on Hinkle’s floor.
NBA Cup’s Move to an Iconic Setting
The decision to host the NBA Cup Championship at Hinkle Fieldhouse is a departure from the tournament’s previous format. The first three NBA Cup finals were held in Las Vegas. This move aims to leverage the unique atmosphere and historical resonance of Hinkle Fieldhouse to enhance the prestige of the NBA Cup.
Kelly Flatow, NBA Head of Global Events, expressed enthusiasm for the choice, stating, ‘Hinkle Fieldhouse offers a special setting to capture the excitement and drama of the Emirates NBA Cup Championship. Playing the championship in an iconic basketball environment like this will further establish it as a signature moment on the NBA calendar.’
The NBA Cup, introduced to add excitement to the early part of the regular season, has seen the Los Angeles Lakers win the inaugural tournament in 2023, followed by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024. The New York Knicks were the most recent champions, winning the 2025 NBA Cup before going on to secure the NBA Finals title in the same season.
Fan and Media Reception
The announcement of the NBA Cup Final at Hinkle Fieldhouse has been met with widespread enthusiasm from basketball fans and media personalities. Social media buzzed with positive reactions, with many hailing the decision as a stroke of genius. Longtime college basketball analyst Seth Davis lauded the move, calling it the ‘best idea ever’ and referencing the Hoosiers movie with a comment about players assessing rim height.
Fans echoed this sentiment, with comments like ‘Best decision the league has made in YEARS. Count me in,’ and ‘This is probably one of the coolest things the league has done in recent memory,’ appearing across platforms. The choice taps into a deep well of nostalgia and appreciation for basketball’s roots, blending the excitement of a modern professional league event with the charm and history of a beloved landmark.
Hinkle Fieldhouse has also hosted numerous other significant events throughout its long history, including speeches by several U.S. presidents and various entertainment spectacles like circuses and ice shows. However, its enduring legacy remains firmly tied to the sport of basketball, making its selection for the NBA Cup Championship a fitting tribute to its storied past.
