Mandy
The Players Era Festival is set to make college basketball history with its unprecedented NIL payouts.
According to CEO Seth Berger, teams competing in Wednesday’s championship game will be playing for a combined $1.5 million—the largest single-game NIL payout ever announced in the sport.
Record-Breaking NIL Rewards For Championship And Third-Place Games
Berger revealed that the championship-winning team will secure an additional $1 million in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings.
The team that comes up short will still take home $500,000, marking the first time a college basketball matchup carries such a massive financial incentive.
The festival is also rewarding teams in the third-place game:
- Winner: $300,000 NIL payout
- Loser: $200,000 NIL payout
These figures highlight a dramatic shift in the landscape of college sports compensation.
Participants Expected To Earn Over $1 Million On Average
Berger emphasized that all 18 teams participating in this year’s event will receive more than $1 million on average in total NIL compensation. He clarified that players are required to complete authentic NIL obligations such as:
- Marketing activations
- Social media promotions
- Brand-related services
This ensures that compensation meets fair-market value and avoids the label of a pay-for-play model.
Expansion Planned For 2026 — Big 12 Partnership Announced
The festival will expand to 32 teams in 2026, further elevating its national presence. As part of a new $50 million equity partnership, the Big 12 Conference will send eight teams to the event.
The expansion signals the festival’s growing influence and its commitment to transforming early-season college basketball.
Event Profitability And Future Growth
Berger stated that the Players Era Festival is already profitable in its second year. However, the women’s tournament—featuring South Carolina, Texas, UCLA, and Duke—is expected to operate at a loss this year. Still, he believes the women’s division will expand and become profitable as the event gains traction.
Understanding The Format: “Like An AAU Tournament”
Fans have expressed confusion about how teams advance. The festival uses a unique system based on:
- Margin of victory
- Overall record
- Total points
- Head-to-head results
These factors determine which teams compete in Wednesday’s championship game.
Berger compared the structure to AAU events, emphasizing that the goal is to bring the excitement of November basketball to everyday fans.
He noted that every possession counts, making the format both competitive and engaging.
The Players Era Festival is redefining college basketball with groundbreaking NIL compensation, innovative tournament formatting, and major expansion plans.
With payouts surpassing $1 million per team and a rapidly growing event structure, the festival is positioning itself as a key force in shaping the future of college athletics.
As it evolves, fans can expect even more excitement, greater financial opportunities for athletes, and a format where every moment truly matters.