LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) — Kansas has signed a five-year contract for the Jayhawks to participate in the Players Era Festival, tying one of college basketball's storied programs to one of the more innovative, forward-thinking tournaments in the sport.
The Players Era began in Las Vegas in 2024 with the idea of funneling at least $1 million toward each participating school's name, image and likeness fund. Oregon wound up beating Alabama in the finale of the eight-team competition.
The tournament expanded last year to 18 teams, when it went from an elimination-style tournament to a pool-based system where margin of victory mattered, and a four-team women's event began. The Jayhawks beat Tennessee in the third-place game of the men's event, while eventual national champion Michigan routed Gonzaga to win the championship.
Along with at least $1 million in guaranteed payouts, an additional $12 million was allocated to teams based on performance.
Now, the Jayhawks are locked into the tournament through the 2030-31 season, giving coach Bill Self's team a marquee early-season showcase while ensuring the program has a lucrative NIL stream in an era where finances matter more than ever.
#least
The Players Era began in Las Vegas in 2024 with the idea of funneling at least $1 million toward each participating school's name, image and likeness fund. Oregon wound up beating Alabama in the finale of the eight-team competition.
The tournament expanded last year to 18 teams, when it went from an elimination-style tournament to a pool-based system where margin of victory mattered, and a four-team women's event began. The Jayhawks beat Tennessee in the third-place game of the men's event, while eventual national champion Michigan routed Gonzaga to win the championship.
Along with at least $1 million in guaranteed payouts, an additional $12 million was allocated to teams based on performance.
Now, the Jayhawks are locked into the tournament through the 2030-31 season, giving coach Bill Self's team a marquee early-season showcase while ensuring the program has a lucrative NIL stream in an era where finances matter more than ever.
#least
3 months ago
