Irving, Texas, November 25, 2025
The Big 12 Conference has secured an equity stake in the Players Era Men’s Basketball Championship, ensuring that its top eight teams will receive automatic invitations from 2026 to 2030. This partnership includes a guaranteed $1 million NIL payout for each participating team and a commitment of at least $50 million to Big 12 basketball programs over the next six years. It reflects the growing importance of NIL opportunities and enhances the league’s presence in early-season basketball events, while the tournament aims to expand to a 32-team field in 2026.
Irving, Texas – The Big 12 Conference has secured an equity stake in the Players Era Men’s Basketball Championship, marking a significant development in collegiate sports partnerships. This agreement ensures that the top eight teams from the Big 12 will receive automatic invitations to the tournament from 2026 through 2030, enhancing the league’s presence in early-season basketball events.
As part of the partnership, the Big 12 will receive a guaranteed $1 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payout for each participating team. Over the next six years, Players Era is committed to contributing no less than $50 million to Big 12 basketball programs in rights fees. This financial commitment underscores the growing importance of NIL opportunities in collegiate athletics.
The Players Era Men’s Championship, a subsidiary of EverWonder Studio, debuted in 2024 and has rapidly expanded. This year, the tournament features 13 teams ranked or receiving votes in the Associated Press Top 25 poll, including six that advanced to the previous year’s NCAA Sweet 16. The event is currently underway in Las Vegas, with games broadcast on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max.
Big 12 teams participating in this year’s tournament include No. 2 Houston, No. 15 Iowa State, Kansas, and Baylor. The partnership with Players Era provides these teams with a platform to showcase their talents on a national stage, while also benefiting from the financial incentives associated with the agreement.
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, highlighting the tournament’s role in elevating the conference’s profile and providing valuable exposure for student-athletes and coaches. The collaboration reflects a strategic move to adapt to the evolving landscape of college sports, where financial considerations and media exposure play increasingly pivotal roles.
The Players Era Men’s Championship is set to expand to a 32-team field in 2026, further solidifying its position as a premier event in the college basketball calendar. The inclusion of Big 12 teams in this expansion is expected to enhance the tournament’s competitiveness and appeal, benefiting both the conference and the broader college basketball community.
This partnership signifies a progressive approach to collegiate sports, emphasizing collaboration between conferences and emerging events to create mutually beneficial opportunities. It also highlights the growing significance of NIL deals in shaping the future of college athletics.
FAQ
What is the Players Era Men’s Basketball Championship?
The Players Era Men’s Basketball Championship is an early-season college basketball tournament that debuted in 2024. It aims to provide teams with significant exposure and financial incentives, including guaranteed NIL payouts for participants.
How does the partnership between the Big 12 and Players Era benefit the conference?
The partnership grants the Big 12 an equity stake in the tournament and ensures that the top eight teams from the conference receive automatic invitations to the event from 2026 through 2030. This arrangement provides financial benefits and increased visibility for Big 12 programs.
What financial commitments are involved in the agreement?
Over the next six years, Players Era is committed to contributing no less than $50 million to Big 12 basketball programs in rights fees. Additionally, each participating team receives a guaranteed $1 million NIL payout.
Which Big 12 teams are participating in this year’s tournament?
This year’s tournament features No. 2 Houston, No. 15 Iowa State, Kansas, and Baylor, all representing the Big 12 Conference.
When will the Players Era Men’s Championship expand to 32 teams?
The tournament is set to expand to a 32-team field in 2026, further enhancing its stature in the college basketball landscape.
Key Features of the Partnership
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Equity Stake | The Big 12 Conference has secured an equity stake in the Players Era Men’s Basketball Championship, marking a significant development in collegiate sports partnerships. |
| Automatic Invitations | The top eight teams from the Big 12 will receive automatic invitations to the tournament from 2026 through 2030, enhancing the league’s presence in early-season basketball events. |
| NIL Payouts | Each participating team is guaranteed a $1 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) payout, reflecting the growing importance of NIL opportunities in collegiate athletics. |
| Financial Commitment | Over the next six years, Players Era is committed to contributing no less than $50 million to Big 12 basketball programs in rights fees, underscoring the financial significance of the partnership. |
| Tournament Expansion | The Players Era Men’s Championship is set to expand to a 32-team field in 2026, further solidifying its position as a premier event in the college basketball calendar. |
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