How Players Era Festival Chooses Teams for Thanksgiving Week

The sports landscape is evolving with new events emerging that offer alternative formats and opportunities for athletes. One such event is the Players Era Festival, a college basketball tournament set to take place during Thanksgiving week in Las Vegas. Its structure and selection process differ significantly from traditional tournaments.

Main News

The Players Era Festival is an eight-team college basketball tournament scheduled for November 26-30, 2024, in Las Vegas. It is distinctive because it is the first major college basketball event where participating schools and their athletes will receive direct financial compensation through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals.

Each of the eight participating teams will receive $1 million to be distributed among its players. An additional $1 million in NIL money will be awarded to the tournament’s winning team.

The selection process for the eight teams involves the tournament organizers. They have reportedly sent invitations to a number of high-profile programs. Schools that have confirmed their participation include Alabama, Houston, Notre Dame, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego State, and Texas A&M. Organizers have stated that one spot is being reserved for a team that will be determined by a fan vote.

Summary

A new NIL-based college basketball tournament, the Players Era Festival, is scheduled for Thanksgiving week in 2024. The event will be held in Las Vegas and will feature eight competing teams.

The tournament’s key feature is that all participating teams will receive $1 million in NIL money for their players. The champion of the event will earn an additional $1 million in NIL funds.

Seven teams have already been confirmed for the 2024 tournament. The final slot will be given to a team selected through a fan vote process.

FAQs

What is the Players Era Festival?
The Players Era Festival is a college basketball tournament in Las Vegas where teams receive direct NIL financial compensation. It is scheduled to occur during Thanksgiving week in 2024.

How are teams selected for the tournament?
Tournament organizers extend invitations to teams to participate. For the 2024 event, seven teams were invited and accepted, while one slot will be filled by a team chosen through a fan vote.

How much NIL money do players receive?
Each of the eight participating teams is guaranteed $1 million to distribute to its players. The tournament’s winning team will receive an extra $1 million in NIL money.

Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. All information is based on verified reporting available at the time of publication.