The NBA announced the 2026-27 NBA Cup championship game will move from Las Vegas to Butler's Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on Dec. 11. This marks the first time the in-season tournament final leaves Nevada after three years at T-Mobile Arena. Commissioner Adam Silver had signaled the league wanted "storied college arenas" for the showcase, and Kelly Flatow called Hinkle a "special setting" to capture the event's drama.

Hinkle, opened in 1928, seats roughly 9,100 and carries deep Indiana basketball lore. The 1954 Milan High upset that inspired *Hoosiers* played out on its floor, as did Oscar Robertson's Crispus Attucks state titles in 1955-56. Six U.S. presidents have appeared there, and it served as a military barracks during World War II. The arena also hosted WNBA games in 2022.

Celtics executive Brad Stevens, who coached at Butler, called the atmosphere deafening. The Knicks captured the 2025 Cup by beating San Antonio, previewing their Finals rematch win. Milwaukee won in 2024, the Lakers in 2023. The league hopes the historic venue elevates the Cup's profile as a signature December event, distinct from the All-Star weekend and playoffs.