LAS VEGAS — The Players Era Festival has returned for its second year, continuing to make waves with its ambitious concept and unprecedented payout structure in college basketball. Launched in 2024, this revolutionary tournament features 18 men’s teams and promises to change how the early college basketball season is approached.
Last year, the festival made headlines for guaranteeing $1 million to each participating school and offering an additional million in cash to the top-performing teams. Despite skepticism regarding the event’s financial foundation and operational execution, all eight teams were paid promptly, affirming the viability of Players Era as a legitimate platform.
Co-founder Seth Berger, who previously established the AND1 brand, spearheaded the initiative with a vision to create a marquee event in college basketball during November, a time traditionally overshadowed by the NBA’s start in December. “This could be a great American sporting event, a tentpole event in November,” Berger stated, and he has worked tirelessly to bring that vision to life.
The second iteration of Players Era is expected to be even grander, expanding from eight to 18 teams, with matches showcased across two venues and broadcasted on major networks like TNT and truTV during Thanksgiving week. The lineup will feature teams including No. 2 Houston, No. 7 Michigan, and No. 14 St. John’s, among others. Alongside the men’s competition, top women’s teams such as No. 2 South Carolina and No. 4 Texas will also participate, marking a significant moment for women’s basketball in the festival.
With an impressive $20 million committed in participation and prize money, the Players Era is here to establish itself as a dominating force in college basketball. Plans are already in motion for the 2026 tournament to include 32 men’s teams with a World Cup-style format, which could further revolutionize the non-conference calendar.
Although not without controversy, the event has prompted a reevaluation of traditional multi-team events (MTEs), with some tournaments likely facing challenges in maintaining their relevance as Players Era reshapes the competitive landscape. Established events like the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis may need to adapt significantly to keep pace with Players Era’s growth.
Berger and co-founder Ian Orefice have surmounted early doubts by investing in quality experiences for teams and players. Coaches have praised their organizational capabilities, and recruitment strategies have attracted notable programs eager to participate in a high-stakes environment that integrates NIL opportunities, benefiting student-athletes financially.
Despite the potential for skepticism about sustainability and profit, the Players Era is projected to be self-sustaining moving forward, assisted by major partnerships with organizations like Geico and MGM. The success of this year’s tournament could lay the foundation for a transformative era in college basketball, signaling a shift towards a player-first model that still honors the traditions of the sport.
As the college basketball world converges on Las Vegas for this exciting event, Players Era is poised to create an exhilarating atmosphere that emphasizes both competition and rewarding the players, marking a historical shift in the sport’s landscape and future.