ESPN has secured the broadcast rights for the 2026 Players’ Era Tournament, which will return to Las Vegas. The agreement was announced Thursday morning.
With its new network partner, the tournament will expand from 18 to 24 teams. The event launched in 2024 with eight teams and grew to 18 last season. The first two tournaments aired on TNT and were won by Oregon (2024) and eventual National Champion Michigan (2025).
“College basketball is the hottest and one of the fastest-growing sports properties in the country,” Players Era CEO Seth Berger said in a release. “The players have never been better, and record ratings for early season college basketball reflect that. Led by top programs from multiple conferences across the sport, the teams in our field are stronger than ever. We can’t wait to bring March to November with the number one college basketball network in the world, ESPN.”
The 24 teams will be divided into two groups. The ‘Players Era Eight’ will compete the week before Thanksgiving, while the ‘Players Era Sixteen’ will play during Thanksgiving week.
According to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, Kansas will receive the highest payment among participating teams. Most programs will earn approximately $1 million in NIL compensation.
Last season, Michigan dominated the Players Era Tournament, defeating San Diego State 94-54 and No. 21 Auburn 102-72. The championship was awarded to the team with the best record and largest margin of victory, which Michigan achieved with a 70-point differential. Michigan later won the National Championship.
Eric Butler is a Contributor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on Instagram and X via @ReportandOpine
