Las Vegas, November 24, 2025
The Players Era Festival in Las Vegas will feature 22 top college basketball teams across men’s and women’s tournaments from November 24 to 27. Following a successful inaugural year, the expansion indicates a growing interest in college basketball and aims to provide significant NIL opportunities for athletes. This event not only showcases talent but also stimulates economic growth through high-stakes competition during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Las Vegas Hosts Expanded Players Era Festival with 22 Top College Basketball Teams
A Major College Basketball Event Comes to Life in Las Vegas
Las Vegas, Nevada – From November 24 to November 27, 2025, the Players Era Festival will showcase an expanded college basketball tournament at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. This early-season tournament features 22 top teams, setting the stage for high-stakes competition during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Following the success of the inaugural festival in 2024, which hosted eight teams, this year’s event reflects the growing engagement and support for college basketball. The increased participation highlights the entrepreneurial spirit driving innovation in sports, as local and regional sponsors recognize the significant opportunity to support athletic programs while energizing local economies.
Expanded Field and Tournament Format
The Players Era Festival has significantly grown, incorporating both men’s and women’s tournaments. The men’s competition will feature powerhouse programs such as Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, and Gonzaga, alongside other leading schools like Kansas and Michigan. For the women’s tournament, teams include top contenders like Texas, UCLA, and South Carolina.
This expanded format not only enhances the competitive landscape but also allows fans to enjoy a diverse range of matchups, creating an electric atmosphere reminiscent of March Madness. Early season tournaments like this provide a platform for showcasing talent while stimulating economic activity in the region.
Comprehensive Television and Streaming Coverage
The extensive broadcast of all games across platforms including TNT, TBS, truTV, and Max ensures that fans nationwide can follow their favorite teams’ journeys through the tournament. This multi-channel coverage broadens accessibility, allowing local and nationwide audiences to engage with college basketball like never before, thereby promoting the sport and associated businesses.
Significant NIL Opportunities for Athletes
One of the standout features of the Players Era Festival is its commitment to supporting athletes through substantial Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities. Each participating team is slated to receive at least $1 million dedicated to enhancing their players’ NIL activities. This initiative represents a significant shift in how athletes can capitalize on their talents and notoriety, providing them with greater financial freedom and recognition.
A Look at Future Expansion Plans
Looking ahead, organizers are planning to elevate the tournament further, with a projected expansion to 32 teams for the 2026 festival. This ambitious growth could position the Players Era Festival as one of the largest non-NCAA Tournament events in college basketball history, fostering a “November madness” environment. Such expansions have the potential to increase tourism and local economic growth, showcasing the power of sports events to generate significant revenue streams for their host cities.
Background of the Players Era Festival
The inception of the Players Era Festival can be credited to EverWonder Studio and Seth Berger, designed to provide an avenue for competitive college basketball coupled with robust NIL support. Hosted in partnership with MGM Resorts International, the event utilizes premier venues, aligning world-class athletic competition with hospitality and entertainment.
2025 Tournament Schedule
The tournament schedule is packed with exciting matchups:
- Monday, November 24:
- 1 p.m. ET: Tennessee vs. Rutgers (TNT)
- 2 p.m. ET: Baylor vs. Creighton (truTV)
- 3:30 p.m. ET: Kansas vs. Notre Dame (TNT)
- 4:30 p.m. ET: St. John’s vs. Iowa State (truTV)
- 6 p.m. ET: Houston vs. Syracuse (TNT)
- 8 p.m. ET: Oregon vs. Auburn (truTV)
- 9:30 p.m. ET: Alabama vs. Gonzaga (TNT)
- 10:30 p.m. ET: Michigan vs. San Diego State (truTV)
- 12 a.m. ET: Maryland vs. UNLV (TNT)
- Tuesday, November 25:
- 1 p.m. ET: Rutgers vs. Notre Dame (TNT)
- 2:30 p.m. ET: Iowa State vs. Creighton (truTV)
- 3:30 p.m. ET: Kansas vs. Syracuse (TNT)
- 5 p.m. ET: St. John’s vs. Baylor (truTV)
- 6 p.m. ET: Houston vs. Tennessee (TNT)
- 8:30 p.m. ET: Michigan vs. Auburn (TNT)
- 9:30 p.m. ET: Gonzaga vs. Maryland (truTV)
- 11 p.m. ET: Oregon vs. San Diego State (TNT)
- 12 a.m. ET: Alabama vs. UNLV (truTV)
- Wednesday, November 26:
- 7 p.m. ET: Third-Place Game (TNT)
- 9:30 p.m. ET: Championship Game (TNT)
- Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day):
- 8 p.m. ET: Women’s Championship Game (truTV)
- 10:30 p.m. ET: Women’s Third-Place Game (truTV)
For additional information and updates, fans can visit the Players Era Festival’s official website.
Conclusion
The Players Era Festival is set to be a landmark event in the college basketball landscape, showcasing talent while addressing the evolving needs of athletes through substantial NIL opportunities. With its expanding format and ambitious plans for the future, this tournament not only entertains but also symbolizes the resilience and innovative spirit that thrives within the college sports culture. As San Antonio continues to grow economically, let’s support initiatives that strengthen our local and regional ties to sports and athletics.
FAQ
What is the Players Era Festival?
The Players Era Festival is an early-season college basketball tournament that features top men’s and women’s teams competing in pool play, with championship games held on Thanksgiving Day.
When and where is the 2025 Players Era Festival taking place?
The 2025 Players Era Festival is scheduled from November 24 to November 27, 2025, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
How many teams are participating in the 2025 tournament?
This year’s tournament has expanded to include 22 teams, divided into men’s and women’s competitions.
Which teams are participating in the 2025 Players Era Festival?
The men’s tournament features teams such as Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Creighton, Gonzaga, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego State, St. John’s, Syracuse, Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Saint Joseph’s. The women’s tournament includes Texas, UCLA, Duke, and South Carolina.
What are the television and streaming options for the tournament?
All games will be broadcast across TNT, TBS, truTV, and Max (formerly known as HBO Max), ensuring extensive coverage for fans nationwide.
What are the NIL opportunities for players participating in the tournament?
Each team is set to receive at least $1 million toward their players’ Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) activities, marking a significant advancement in athlete compensation and recognition.
What are the future expansion plans for the Players Era Festival?
Organizers plan to expand the tournament to 32 teams in 2026, potentially making it the largest non-NCAA Tournament event in college basketball history, aiming to create a “November madness” atmosphere.
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