The future of college basketball has arrived, and it’s being played out under the bright lights of Las Vegas.
The stage is set, the players are on the court, and the inaugural Players Era Festival is officially underway at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. With its blend of elite competition and groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, the festival marks a paradigm shift in college basketball. It is orchestrated by Players Era, a trailblazing company under EverWonder Studio.
From the opening whistle, it’s clear this isn’t just another basketball tournament. The Players Era Festival has reimagined early-season competition, fusing high-stakes matchups with unprecedented NIL opportunities. Each team is guaranteed more than $1 million in NIL engagements, ranging from autograph sessions to community outreach, setting a new benchmark for collegiate sports.
Seth Berger, CEO, Players Era: Players Era is helping to move college basketball forward by guaranteeing at least $9 million in NIL opportunities to the players in 2024. For the first time, we have direct and complete alignment between an event operator and the athletes.
— ””Eight top-ranked teams, including powerhouses Alabama and Houston, are vying for supremacy in two four-team round-robin tournaments, aptly named the Impact and Power Tournaments. With every possession and every point carrying weight, this format ensures fans and athletes remain glued to the action. The much-anticipated clash between Alabama and Houston, both preseason top-five teams, promises to be a marquee moment, showcasing why this festival has already captured national attention.
“This space has seen an explosion of interest, and we are excited to collaborate on and present the first-ever Players Era Festival,” said Raphael Poplock, senior vice president at TNT Sports, which is airing all 12 games across TNT, TBS, truTV, and Max. “It’s a unique opportunity to enhance fans’ access to thrilling competition while helping drive opportunities for college athletes.”
The collaboration between EverWonder Studio, TNT Sports, Publicis Sports, and MGM Resorts International has transformed the festival into a multifaceted experience. “We are honored to partner with legends in the space,” said Ian Orefice, CEO of EverWonder Studio. “TNT Sports delivers world-class events, Publicis redefines how brands engage with fans, and MGM Resorts provides an unparalleled stage for this groundbreaking showcase.”
— ””Beyond the court, the Players Era Festival offers a glimpse into the future of college athletics. Publicis Sports has opened doors for sponsors to engage meaningfully with the sport’s dedicated fan base, and select players are being tapped for additional NIL opportunities to recognize their elevated market value during the event.
“We believe these will be the premier in-season tournaments,” said Jon Tuck, president of Publicis Sports. “It’s a game-changing model supporting players while creating impactful connections for brands,” said Tuck.
For MGM Resorts, hosting this festival aligns perfectly with its legacy of landmark sporting events. “Over the past decade, the MGM Grand Garden Arena has hosted some of the biggest programs in college basketball as well as the sport’s top student-athletes,” said Lance Evans, senior vice president at MGM Resorts International. “We’re thrilled to partner with Players Era and showcase why Las Vegas is the World Entertainment and Sports Capital.”
This festival is only the beginning. Next year, Players Era plans to expand to at least 18 teams, incorporating an international-style group play format and adding women’s tournaments and offseason events. Educational programming, financial planning, and a charitable initiative will enhance its impact, promising a holistic experience for athletes and fans.
— ””The Players Era Festival is already proving its revolutionary vision as games unfold. By aligning competition with NIL opportunities, it’s creating a sustainable model where college basketball thrives both on and off the court. “As a fan and a coach, I can’t wait to watch these tournaments, with ridiculously talented players, phenomenal coaches, and a format where every second matters,” said Berger.
