The NBA 2K26 Summer League is starting up at Las Vegas, and the competition is greater than ever. Preseason action, which was previously regarded as a mere formality, now is a tournament in which the victors will receive a practical prize. Championship rings are presented to a winning team in 2022, and it makes every game even more important and significant. Considering that only four teams pass on to the semifinals, every point counts.
Only four teams advance to the semifinals after the first roundThe NBA 2K26 Summer League takes place from July 10 to 20 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. It's more than just a development event; it has a structured format. Every team is set to play a minimum of five games, with the first four games determining which four teams make it to the semifinals. The final two teams will then compete for the championship title and a ring.
The competition is fierce—even exhibition games have to follow strict tiebreakers. Semifinal positions are decided by head-to-head records and point differentials; if teams are still tied, seeding might even be determined by a random draw. With just one game capable of making a huge difference, every possession is crucial in this format.
Starting in 2022, the champions of the Summer League have been awarded real championship rings—not just plastic trinkets, but luxurious jewelry similar to NBA Finals rings . The Portland Trail Blazers were the first to get theirs after winning in Las Vegas in 2022, where they beat the New York Knicks 85–77, and Trendon Watford took home the MVP title.
The Cleveland Cavaliers got theirs in 2023, followed by the Miami Heat in 2024, who pulled off an incredible 120–118 overtime victory against the Memphis Grizzlies—and their rings marked the 20th anniversary of the event.
Also Read: Vanessa Bryant quietly amplifies Mexican rescue efforts as Texas flood death toll climbs past 129 victims
These championship rings have changed Summer League from a casual preseason warm-up into a serious, high-stakes tournament. Players such as Miami’s Josh Christopher, who snagged the MVP title in the 2024 Championship Game, understand that every basket, block, and rebound could matter more than just personal stats—it could lead to gold on their fingers.
Only four teams advance to the semifinals after the first roundThe NBA 2K26 Summer League takes place from July 10 to 20 at the Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion in Las Vegas. It's more than just a development event; it has a structured format. Every team is set to play a minimum of five games, with the first four games determining which four teams make it to the semifinals. The final two teams will then compete for the championship title and a ring.
For the first time, rings will be handed out to the Summer League champions. We got an exclusive look on NBA Today. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/HovjFNXKFE
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 8, 2022
The competition is fierce—even exhibition games have to follow strict tiebreakers. Semifinal positions are decided by head-to-head records and point differentials; if teams are still tied, seeding might even be determined by a random draw. With just one game capable of making a huge difference, every possession is crucial in this format.
Here is a first look at the 2023 Summer League Championship rings. Rings were introduced at Summer League in 2022. pic.twitter.com/YwFvqAvTFd
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 10, 2023
Starting in 2022, the champions of the Summer League have been awarded real championship rings—not just plastic trinkets, but luxurious jewelry similar to NBA Finals rings . The Portland Trail Blazers were the first to get theirs after winning in Las Vegas in 2022, where they beat the New York Knicks 85–77, and Trendon Watford took home the MVP title.
🌟 Get ready to witness history! 🌟
— NBA Summer League (@NBASummerLeague) July 20, 2024
Join us on July 22nd at 5pm PT/8pm ET as we crown our #NBA2KSummerLeague champions 🏆 with these incredible rings 💍 .
🎟️ Order your tickets » https://t.co/o8RNOUCU6R pic.twitter.com/YD3kCjFlZP
The Cleveland Cavaliers got theirs in 2023, followed by the Miami Heat in 2024, who pulled off an incredible 120–118 overtime victory against the Memphis Grizzlies—and their rings marked the 20th anniversary of the event.
Also Read: Vanessa Bryant quietly amplifies Mexican rescue efforts as Texas flood death toll climbs past 129 victims
These championship rings have changed Summer League from a casual preseason warm-up into a serious, high-stakes tournament. Players such as Miami’s Josh Christopher, who snagged the MVP title in the 2024 Championship Game, understand that every basket, block, and rebound could matter more than just personal stats—it could lead to gold on their fingers.
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