The NBA’s Board of Governors is reportedly set to approve the Play-In Tournament as an annual part of the League’s future seasons.
ESPN Sources: NBA’s Board of Governors is expected on Tuesday to approve the Play-In Tournament as a regular part of future league seasons. The Play-In had been voted on a year-to-year basis in past two seasons, but support exists to turn it into annual element of NBA structure.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 11, 2022
The Play-In Tournament was voted on to be part of the season on a year-to-year basis since the Play-In first occurred during the 2020 bubble season. Since then, the end-of-season event has gained popularity and has continued to succeed in the T.V. rating department. This season, the Timberwolves went viral and received some praise and backlash for celebrating their Play-In win over the Clippers.
The No. 7, 8, 9, and 10 seeded teams in each conference receive a spot in the tournament. The No. 7 and 8 seeds play while the ninth and 10 play the other game. Whoever wins the first game gains the No. 7 overall seed in the playoffs. The loser plays the winter of 9/10 game for the No. 8 seed.