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On October 31, the Emirates NBA Cup tips off. The lights feel a little brighter. Every possession matters that much more. And this year, that same intensity flows through Sorare. For the entire Group Play phase of the Emirates NBA Cup—from October 31 through November 28—we’re turning up the heat: cards that matter more, competitions that reward bold plays, and a cadence that keeps you coming back.

Key information

• The Emirates NBA Cup Group Play runs October 31 through November 28.
• NBA Cup Edition cards: five percent scoring bonus during the Group Stage; five percent chance to pull them in Early Access; additional mint via late-October card sales.
• 5x Hot Streaks for Limited and Rare Champion and Contender run from Game Week 4 to Game Week 12.
• The Super Rare and Unique Championship is an exclusive cumulative leaderboard running from Game Week 8 – Game Week 12 that rewards $30K in total cash rewards*.

*Rewards may be offered in cash, ETH or other digital assets of equivalent value. Prizes may vary and are subject to applicable law.

Game Changing Special Editions

You will be able to find NBA Cup Edition Cup cards during the Early Access reveal. Early Access cards come with a five percent chance to pull an NBA Cup Edition card, which means the earliest buyers have a shot at unlocking an extra edge before the season even tips off.

When you slot a Special Edition into your lineup from October 31 through November 28, it grants a five percent scoring bonus in our core competitions—Champion, Contender, Challenger, the Super Rare + Unique Championship (see below), and Daily Pickup. There is no bonus in Arena. That early boost does more than pad your nightly scores; it could help you hit that all important boosted Hot Streak.

For those who aren’t lucky enough to pull one, additional NBA Cup Edition cards will be on sale in late October. These cards will have a slightly altered design, preserving a sliver of history for those lucky enough to reveal one.

Hot Streaks 5x Boost

From Game Week 4 – Game Week 12, Hot Streaks get a major boost for Limited and Rare Champion and Contender. If you have already started a streak, we will convert your progress so you can roll straight into NBA Cup Group Play without losing pace.

Think of it as a richer milestone ladder: progress that pays off as you keep showing up—and who knows, your NBA Cup Edition cards may just be the difference.

The Super Rare & Unique Championship

If you live for pressure, the Super Rare and Unique Championship runs on a cumulative leaderboard from Game Week 8 – Game Week 12, and $30,000 in total cash rewards* are on the line.

Key information

• Format: cumulative leaderboard during Group Play phase. Game Week 8 – Game Week 12. The best 4 out of 5 scores will count
• Lineup rules: Cap 140 + MVP 
• Minimum 2 Unique Cards required
• 3 In-Season cards required
• 1 Lineup per Manager per Game Week
• NBA Cup Edition cards: five percent scoring bonus applies

Note: Unique Cards will not receive a reward boost for this competition

*Rewards may be offered in cash, ETH or other digital assets of equivalent value. Prizes may vary and are subject to applicable law.

Are you ready?

Reminder, the Market opens tomorrow October 7. Use this window to plan your first moves. Build your watchlist, think through your lineups, and get ready to reveal on October 17. When October 31 arrives, every lineup will carry a little more weight—and you will be ready to make it count.

The Emirates NBA Cup is one more reason to feel the charge of a new season—another spark layered on top of fresh cards, new rotations, and hopeful storylines. NBA Cup Edition cards, enhanced Hot Streaks, and a high-stakes Championship are all tuned for the moment the lights go up.

The countdown is on. The season is bigger than any one tournament—but the NBA Cup will definitely feel different.