Las Vegas is once again set to be the epicenter of college basketball’s “Feast Week” as the Players Era Festival returns in 2025, bigger and more ambitious than ever. Following a successful inaugural event, the festival has expanded its field and will feature 18 men’s teams and a brand-new four-team women’s tournament, promising a jam-packed week of elite college hoops. The event, which will be broadcast across the TNT Sports networks, including TNT, truTV, and HBO Max, is not just a showcase of on-court talent but a testament to the growing influence of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in college sports, with participating teams earning a share of a guaranteed $20 million in sponsor activities.
The men’s tournament has grown from eight teams to a massive 18-team field, with many of the nation’s top programs converging on the MGM Grand Garden Arena and the Michelob ULTRA Arena. The format for the men’s event is a unique twist on the traditional tournament structure. Instead of a single-elimination bracket, teams will play two pre-set games on Monday, Nov. 24, and Tuesday, Nov. 25. The results of these games will then determine the matchups for the championship rounds on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
The stakes are high, with teams vying for a spot in the championship game and a chance to win a hefty prize. The top two teams with a 2-0 record after the first two days will qualify for the title game, while other teams will be slotted into the third-place game and various consolation matchups. Tiebreakers will be determined by point differential, followed by total points scored and points allowed. This innovative format ensures that every game matters and keeps the competition intense from the opening tip.
The schedule for the first two days is loaded with compelling matchups. On Monday, Nov. 24, fans can look forward to clashes like Tennessee vs. Rutgers, Baylor vs. Creighton, Kansas vs. Notre Dame, and a potential classic between last year’s champion, Oregon, and Auburn. Tuesday, Nov. 25, brings more high-stakes action, including a rematch of last season’s Elite Eight with Houston taking on Tennessee, and a showdown between Gonzaga and Maryland. The championship and third-place games will cap off the men’s portion of the tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
But the 2025 Players Era Festival isn’t just about the men. For the first time, a women’s tournament will take place, featuring four of the most prominent programs in the country: Duke, South Carolina, Texas, and UCLA. Three of these teams—South Carolina, Texas, and UCLA—were part of the 2024 Women’s Final Four, making this a highly anticipated event. The women’s tournament will begin with semifinal matchups on Wednesday, Nov. 26, followed by the championship and third-place games on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27. The semifinal matchups are set to feature Duke against South Carolina in a rematch of their 2025 Elite Eight game, while UCLA will face off against Texas.
The expansion of the Players Era Festival signifies its growing importance in the college basketball landscape. The event is quickly becoming a must-watch early-season tournament, attracting top-tier teams and providing a platform for the sport’s biggest stars. With a combination of elite competition, an innovative format, and the added excitement of a new women’s tournament, the 2025 Players Era Festival is poised to be a highlight of the college basketball calendars.
