Players Era Festival 2024: College Basketball’s Holiday Showdown in Las Vegas
The Players Era Festival is set to thrill college basketball fans this holiday season. It will feature some of the nation’s top teams in a thrilling tournament in Las Vegas. From November 26 to 30, eight powerhouse programs will compete for glory and substantial prize money in the world’s entertainment capital.
Tournament Structure and Participants
The festival is organized into two groups:
Impact Group:
- Alabama
- Houston
- Notre Dame
- Rutgers
Power Group:
- Creighton
- Oregon
- San Diego State
- Texas A&M
After group stage play, teams will be seeded based on their overall records for the final day of competition on Saturday, November 30.
Key Matchups and Schedule
The tournament kicks off with exciting matchups, including:
- Houston vs. Alabama (November 26, 8 p.m. ET)
- Rutgers vs. Notre Dame (November 26, 10:30 p.m. ET)
- Oregon vs. San Diego State (November 27, 4 p.m. ET)
- Texas A&M vs. Creighton (November 27, 6:30 p.m. ET)
The final day will feature four games, culminating in the championship match between the top seeds from each group.
Broadcast Information
Fans can catch the action on various channels:
- TBS and TNT will broadcast most games
- truTV will air two games on the final day
- Max will exclusively stream two matchups on November 27
For cord-cutters, Sling TV offers live streams of the games on TBS, TNT, and truTV.
Spotlight on Houston
The No. 6 Houston Cougars are among the tournament favorites. Led by senior guard L.J. Cryer, the team is eager to make its mark. “I’m super excited that we have the opportunity to do something special,” Cryer remarked, highlighting the team’s determination.
Houston’s first challenge comes against No. 9 Alabama, a team known for its offensive firepower and improved defensive efficiency. The Crimson Tide, featuring standout players like Mark Sears and Grant Nelson, will test the Cougars’ resolve.
More Than Just Basketball
The Players Era Festival offers more than just on-court action. Participating schools will receive a million dollars for booster-funded collectives, with additional prizes for the top four teams. Players will engage in various NIL-related activities off the court, including sponsor meet-and-greets and a pre-tournament banquet.
For many players, like Houston’s freshman guard Mercy Miller, the tournament also provides a chance to spend time with family during the holiday season. “It’s exciting that I get the chance to spend time with them and play in front of them,” Miller shared.
A Test of Skill and Strategy
Coach Kelvin Sampson of Houston views the tournament as a crucial early-season test. “This is an opportunity for us to play some of the best teams in the country in the early season,” Sampson stated, emphasizing the high caliber of competition.
As the teams descend upon Las Vegas, basketball fans can look forward to a feast of high-stakes games showcasing the best college basketball talent. The Players Era Festival promises to be a highlight of the holiday season, blending competitive spirit with the glitz and glamour of Sin City.