The recent Players Era Championship in Las Vegas has been a whirlwind of excitement. Top college basketball teams, especially from the Big 12 Conference, really put on a show this year.
The Big 12 not only impressed on the court, but also landed a landmark deal off it. With these moves, the conference is making a serious case as a dominant force in college basketball.
Big 12 Dominates Day 1 of Players Era Championship
Day 1 of the Players Era Championship saw the Big 12 Conference go 4-0 in their matchups. The wins weren’t easy, but they underlined the league’s depth and talent.
Key Matchups and Results
The Big 12 teams had a stellar Monday:
- Baylor took down Creighton, 81-74.
- No. 15 Iowa State squeaked past No. 14 St. John’s in a wild 83-82 finish.
- Kansas beat Notre Dame 71-61, even with Darryn Peterson sidelined.
- No. 3 Houston needed overtime but held off Syracuse, 78-74.
These wins have energized the conference. There’s a real sense that the Big 12 is out to prove it’s still the top league in the sport.
Big 12’s Landmark Partnership with Players Era
Off the hardwood, the Big 12 just locked in a five-year deal with Players Era, worth at least $50 million. It’s a huge move for revenue and exposure.
Details of the Partnership
Eight of the Big 12’s 16 teams will play in the Players Era Championship over the next five years. That’s a big chunk of the league guaranteed a spot in one of the flashiest non-conference events out there.
Seth Berger, co-founder of Players Era, stressed the financial perks for Big 12 schools. The deal promises long-term involvement from powerhouses like Kansas and Houston, as long as their current coaches stick around.
Standout Performances and Key Players
The tournament’s already seen some eye-popping performances from Big 12 players. Iowa State’s Tamin Lipsey and Baylor’s Cameron Carr, for instance, have really stood out.
Tamin Lipsey’s Impact
Iowa State’s senior point guard, Tamin Lipsey, had to exit the St. John’s game with a groin injury. Still, the Cyclones pulled off the win, thanks in large part to Milan Momcilovic dropping 23 points and going 5-of-9 from deep.
Lipsey’s status is up in the air for now. He’s a key leader for Iowa State, so fans are holding their breath a bit.
Cameron Carr’s Breakout Performance
Baylor’s Cameron Carr, who transferred in from Tennessee, poured in 21 points against Creighton. His big night shows how well Baylor’s new faces are fitting in after some major offseason changes.
Head coach Scott Drew’s knack for building chemistry fast is really paying off early on.
The Future of the Players Era Championship
The Players Era Championship looks set to become a big deal on the college basketball calendar. There are plans to expand the field to 32 teams by 2026, which should bring in even more heavy-hitters and raise the level of play.
Format and Structure
By 2026, the tournament will feature four pools of eight teams each, with at least two Big 12 squads in every group. The action will stretch across three weeks in November, ending with the pool winners battling for some serious prize money.
It’s a format built for drama and tough matchups. Organizers are working on a four-year media rights deal, with games currently on TNT and truTV. The hope is to make this a sustainable, revenue-generating showcase that keeps college hoops in the spotlight.
The Big 12 Conference made a splash at the Players Era Championship. Their solid performance caught plenty of eyes.
They’ve teamed up with the event organizers, which could shake things up this season. It’s not just about the games—there’s some serious financial backing behind these moves.
With standout talent and a bunch of competitive matchups ahead, the Big 12 might just be the powerhouse to watch in college basketball for a while.
Want more updates or a deeper dive? Check out CBS Sports for the latest on the Players Era Championship and Big 12 hoops.
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