NBA insider Shams Charania revealed on Wednesday that Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium is among the “strong options” being considered to host the 2026 NBA Cup championship.
The announcement comes after the New York Knicks secured their first NBA Cup title with a 124-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena hosted the NBA Cup for its first three seasons, providing a neutral-site stage for the league’s mid-season tournament. The Knicks’ triumph delivered the franchise its first NBA Cup banner and a significant financial bonus, with players on standard contracts earning $318,560 for the win, totaling $530,933 when including the run to the final.
New York overcame a second-half deficit behind standout performances from OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson, who combined for 53 points. Anunoby contributed 28, while Brunson added 25 and earned NBA Cup MVP honors. The Knicks erased San Antonio’s lead late in the third quarter with a decisive 13-1 run that put them ahead 100-95, a lead they maintained to the final buzzer.
San Antonio’s Dylan Harper scored 21 points off the bench, while Victor Wembanyama added 18 and De’Aaron Fox contributed 16. However, the Spurs struggled to match the Knicks’ interior dominance, allowing New York to control the boards 59-42 and score 56 points in the paint. Mitchell Robinson’s 15 rebounds, including 10 offensive boards, fueled the second-half comeback.
Karl-Anthony Towns played a stabilizing role for the Knicks despite a calf issue that temporarily sidelined him. He finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds, returning in the fourth quarter to anchor New York’s interior defense and rebounding efforts.
Charania’s disclosure of Duke as a potential host signals the league’s interest in experimenting with iconic college venues for high-profile NBA events.
