The Players Era Championship is shaking up the early-season college basketball scene, and honestly, it’s about time. This tournament is offering some serious Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) compensation—Seth Berger, one of the co-founders, says the average payout per team is over $1 million. Not every team is guaranteed that exact amount, but still, it’s a wild leap from the old days.
This year’s event brings together top-ranked men’s and women’s teams. It’s not just another tournament—it feels like it could change the whole conversation around athlete compensation in college hoops.
**A New Era in College Basketball: The Players Era Championship**
In just its second year, the Players Era Championship is already being talked about as a must-watch event. Last year was its debut, and now it’s already eclipsing classics like the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis, at least when it comes to prestige and the money on the line.
For 2023, there are 18 men’s teams and, for the first time, a four-team women’s bracket. Eight men’s teams are sitting in the AP Top 25, and three women’s teams are in the top four. That’s some serious talent on display.
**Significant NIL Compensation**
The NIL payouts are what really set this tournament apart. Berger says the average is north of $1 million per team, which is a big deal for college athletes. It’s a clear sign that the business side of college basketball is changing, fast.
- Average Compensation: Over $1 million per team
- Not Guaranteed: Not every team will receive $1 million
- Commitment to NIL: Reflects the tournament’s dedication to athlete compensation
**Tournament Structure and Format**
The tournament format is intentionally lively. Men’s teams started with round-robin games on Monday and Tuesday, then moved into championship and third-place games on Wednesday. Consolation games are lined up for Wednesday and Thursday.
The women’s bracket is similar—semifinals on Wednesday, then the championship and third-place game land on Thanksgiving. It’s a packed week, for sure.
**Expansion Plans and Future Commitments**
Expansion is already on the horizon. By 2026, the men’s field will double to 32 teams, split into four quadrants of eight. It’s a bold move, but it seems like the demand is there.
Next year’s tournament already has 26 teams committed, including all 18 from this year. That’s a strong sign the event is catching on.
- Future Expansion: Men’s field to grow to 32 teams by 2026
- Commitments: 26 teams committed for next year
- Equity Stake: Big 12 Conference has purchased an equity stake in the event
**Addressing Criticism and Format Adjustments**
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. There’s been some grumbling about the format—specifically, how teams didn’t know who they’d play in the championship or third-place game until late at night. The point-differential system meant coaches were left guessing until after the last game wrapped up around 9 p.m. Pacific time on Tuesday.
Seth Berger’s heard the complaints. He’s said the format’s up for review for next year, especially outside of the four-team groupings.
**Feedback and Improvements**
Nothing’s been finalized yet for the new format, but Berger seems open to ideas. The willingness to tweak things shows they’re listening to teams and fans, which is refreshing.
- Format Issues: Criticism regarding late announcement of matchups
- Reconsideration: Berger is open to adjusting the format for next year
- Commitment to Improvement: Focus on enhancing the tournament experience
**The Impact of the Players Era Championship**
The Players Era Championship isn’t just another stop on the college basketball circuit. With these big NIL payouts, it’s forcing other tournaments to rethink how they treat athletes. The speed at which it’s become relevant is kind of wild, honestly.
**A Bright Future for College Basketball**
Seth Berger’s vision for the Players Era Championship isn’t about pushing aside classic tournaments like the Maui Invitational or Battle 4 Atlantis. Instead, he wants these events to thrive alongside each other and make college basketball even more exciting.
Berger puts it simply: *Why can’t they play more college basketball tournaments in November? It’s fantastic. I hope they continue to succeed and have the impact they’ve had for years.*
- Coexistence: Berger’s all for keeping the traditional tournaments around.
- Enhanced Experience: More tournaments just make the sport better, honestly.
- Positive Impact: The new tournament hopes to lift up the whole college basketball scene.
The Players Era Championship is shaking things up with its big NIL payouts and fresh approach to tournament play. If you’re curious or want the full story, check out the article on the Fox Sports website.
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