Players Era Festival Reveals 2025 Team Matchups

The 2025 Players Era Festival, an NIL-driven men's college basketball tournament, will be held in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week and feature 18 teams, including Kansas, Michigan, Iowa State, UNLV, and San Diego State. Kansas will play Notre Dame and Syracuse, while Michigan opens against San Diego State and Auburn, providing a Sweet 16 rematch. Iowa State is set to face St. John’s and Creighton, both ranked in ESPN’s Top 25. UNLV will take on Maryland and Alabama, and San Diego State will play Michigan and defending champion Oregon, with further matches based on tournament results. The tournament highlights key matchups and star players such as Kiyan Anthony for Syracuse. Each team is guaranteed a share of the $20 million NIL pool, with extra prizes awarded to winners.