2025 Players Era Festival: Schedule & How to Watch

Players Era Festival Expands, Showcases Elite College Basketball Talent in Las Vegas

The 2025 Players Era Festival will feature an expanded field of 18 men’s teams and four women’s teams, promising a compelling showcase of college basketball talent in Las Vegas this November. Last year’s championship saw Oregon triumph over Alabama in a thrilling 83-81 contest.

Did you know? – The Players Era Festival began in 2022 as a way to provide a premier early-season college basketball event. It quickly gained traction among top programs.

Men’s tournament structure and Schedule

All 18 men’s teams will begin competition on Monday, Nov. 24, and continue through Tuesday, Nov. 25, in pre-persistent matchups. These initial games will establish the bracket for the championship rounds on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Teams achieving a 2-0 record entering Wednesday will automatically qualify for both the Players Era Championship game and the third-place game. Teams with a 1-1 record will follow.

In the event of ties, a extensive tiebreaker system will be employed, prioritizing point differential, followed by total points scored, and points allowed. The full schedule of men’s games for Wednesday and Thursday will be finalized following the conclusion of play on Tuesday.

Pro tip: – Pay close attention to team point differentials during the first two days. It’s the primary tiebreaker for championship contention.

Women’s Tournament to Feature Final four Contenders

the women’s tournament boasts a particularly strong field, including three teams that competed in the 2024 Women’s final Four. These teams will compete in semifinal matchups on Wednesday, Nov. 26, culminating in the championship and third-place games on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27.

Reader question: – Which teams do you think will make the biggest splash in this year’s tournament? Share your predictions!

Viewing Data and Location

All games will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas. Fans can catch all the action via live stream on HBO Max.

Men’s Players Era Schedule

Wednesday, Nov. 26

• Game 1 Consolation, 1 p.m.
• game 2 Consolation, 3:30 p.m.
• Third-Place Game, 7 p.m.| TNT
• Game 3 Consolation, 8 p.m.
• Championship Game, 9:30 p.m. | TNT
• Game 4 consolation, 10:30 p.m.
• Game 5 Consolation, 12 a.m.

Thursday, Nov. 27

• Game 6 Consolation, 2 p.m.
• Game 7 Consolation, 4:30 p.m.

Additional men’s matchups will be broadcast on Nov. 26 and Nov. 27, determined by the outcomes of the first two days of competition.

Women’s Players Era Schedule

Thursday, Nov.27

• Championship Game, 8 p.m. | truTV
• Third-Place Game, 10:30 p.m. | t