US EditionWest Virginia added to 2026 Players Era Festival
The Players Era tournament expands to 32 teams in 2026, guaranteeing eight Big 12 teams spots with $1 million NIL payouts per participant, boosting exposure and incentives.
- On Jan. 22, 2026, Kansas State Wildcats were added to the Players Era field and will participate in the 2026 Players Era Men's Championship next season in Manhattan, Kan.
- The Players Era and the Big 12 recently agreed to a partnership guaranteeing eight participants and automatic berths for teams finishing in the top 8 of the Big 12 regular‑season standings.
- During Thanksgiving week, tournament games take place at MGM Grand Garden Arena and Michelob ULTRA Arena, with each team receiving a $1 million payout plus extra awards for top finishers.
- The Players Era's format remains undecided and scheduling details are pending for the 32‑team event next year after the 18‑team field in 2025.
- The Players Era debuted with eight teams and expanded to 18, with Oregon winning in 2024 and Michigan the most recent champion, highlighting rapid growth and event prestige.
11 Articles
11 Articles
West Virginia added to 2026 Players Era Festival
NEW YORK — Players Era, an EverWonder Studio company, and the Big 12 Conference today announced that Kansas State, TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia will round out the eight Big 12 participants in the expanded 2026 Players Era Men’s Championship Field. Players Era and the Big 12 previously announced a first-of-its-kind partnership that guarantees the [...]
Kansas State added to early season hoops event
GoPowercat publisher Tim Fitzgerald offers his daily thoughts | The Players Era basketball showcase launched in 2024 with eight college teams, and expanded to 18 this past fall. For 2026, the event is expanding again, and with the Big 12 already holding down four spots — Baylor, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas — four new Big 12 additions were added Thursday, including Kansas State, as well as TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia. What does this opportu…
K-State men to compete in 2026 Players Era tournament
Kansas State men’s basketball has received an invitation to participate in the expanded 2026 Players Era Men’s Championship Field, which will take place in Las Vegas, Nev., during the Thanksgiving Week. “We are excited about the opportunity to play in the Players Era next season,” said head coach Jerome Tang. “It has become the preeminent in-season tournament for college basketball, and we can’t wait for our players to enjoy a top-notch experien…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
