In college hoops' new era, traditional multiteam events are less attractive for high-major programs. Are alternatives such as the Players Era Festival the answer?
The Players Era Festival, a new college basketball event, is set to revolutionize November nonconference scheduling by hosting a unique tournament in Las Vegas from November 26-28, 2024. This event will feature eight high-profile teams including Alabama, Houston, Notre Dame, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego State, Texas A&M, and one yet-to-be-announced team. The festival aims to provide a high-energy, fan-focused experience with teams playing in a bracket format, culminating in a championship game. Each team will participate in two games, with the event also offering a $1 million prize for the winning team, alongside other incentives like a fan-voted MVP award. This initiative not only seeks to enhance the appeal of early-season college basketball but also to foster a new tradition in the sport's calendar, potentially attracting more viewers and participants in future years.