NBA
When does the 2024 NBA Summer League start?
This annual showcase in Las Vegas features all 30 NBA teams competing in off-season games as they get ready for the coming year.
The 2024 NBA Summer League kicks off on July 12, 2024, and runs through July 22. This annual event takes place in Las Vegas and features all 30 NBA teams competing in off-season games. The Summer League provides a platform for rookies, second-year players, and undrafted prospects to showcase their skills. It’s a chance for them to prove themselves and secure roster spots.
Coaches, scouts, and team executives closely watch the games. They evaluate talent, identify potential gems, and assess player performance. New draft picks and free agents get a taste of their team’s system and play alongside established players. Building chemistry early is crucial for success during the regular season.
The format of the NBA summer league
A total of 76 games are played during the Summer League. Unlike regular NBA games (48 minutes), Summer League games last 40 minutes (same as FIBA/WNBA) plus multiple 2-minute overtime periods.
All 30 NBA teams, including rookies, sophomores, and G League affiliate players, compete. The top four teams advance to the playoffs. A semifinal game takes place on July 16, followed by the championship game on July 17. The remaining 26 teams play a fifth game on either July 15 or July 16
The NBA Summer League was implemented in 2004 and has grown in popularity over the years. Initially held in Boston, it now takes center stage in Las Vegas. Additionally, there are other summer leagues leading up to the main event: the California Classic Summer League (Sacramento and San Francisco) from July 6-7 and 9, and the Salt Lake City Summer League from July 8-10.