The Copa del Rey is, without a doubt, a huge success story – not just for the sport itself, with Spanish basketball being the best in Europe for over a decade, but also for the electric atmosphere in the stands, where eight passionate fan bases come together, creating an incredible spectacle. This model has even inspired the NBA, with its European stars calling for a similar format, which led to the creation of their in-season tournament. Although the success of this tournament is debatable, with only two editions so far, won by the Lakers and Bucks, it’s clear that the NBA is trying to replicate the magic of the Copa del Rey.
What sets the Copa del Rey apart
The NBA Cup, on the other hand, is a different story altogether. The atmosphere in Las Vegas is, quite frankly, lukewarm, and the fans just aren’t as invested. José Manuel Calderón, a veteran player with a long career in the NBA and a winner of the 2004 Copa del Rey with Tau Cerámica, puts his finger on the problem: “It lacks the heat of the fans.” He should know, having experienced the excitement of the Copa del Rey firsthand.
Calderón explains that the Copa del Rey is a unique experience, with a day-to-day intensity that’s hard to match. “It’s a special weekend, different from all the others,” he says. His only national title was that 2004 Copa del Rey win, but he’s lived through it all, and he knows what makes the Copa del Rey so special. As he puts it, “The differential element is both the fans and the importance that the players themselves give.” This is what sets the Copa del Rey apart from other tournaments, including the NBA Cup.
A formula for success
The NBA Cup, with its regular season games, just doesn’t have the same allure. The players don’t seem to be as invested, and the whole thing feels, well, a bit flat. In contrast, the Copa del Rey is full of surprises, stories, and legends. It’s no wonder that players like Luka Doncic are fans of the format and want to see it replicated in the NBA. But, as Calderón points out, it’s not that simple. The Copa del Rey’s success is rooted in its unique blend of fan passion and player commitment, which is hard to replicate.
In the end, it all comes down to two key factors, according to Calderón: “The fans and the importance of the players themselves.” These are the elements that make the Copa del Rey a one-of-a-kind event, and something that Spanish basketball has been perfecting for over 40 years. As the photos of Calderón with the fans and the Valencia players show, this is a tournament that’s all about the passion and energy of the game.
