Players Era Festival Championship Game Tips Off With Tennessee vs Kansas Clash

The inaugural Players Era Festival in Las Vegas has its title game set. No. 17 Tennessee and No. 24 Kansas will face off for the championship on Wednesday night. The game tips at 9:30 PM ET at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Both teams powered through their groups undefeated to earn this spot. The winner will claim a significant early-season trophy and substantial NIL compensation.

Volunteers’ Gritty Path to the Final Showdown

Tennessee made a massive statement on Tuesday night. They defeated tournament-favorite and No. 3 ranked Houston to secure their championship berth. That win followed a dominant opening victory over Rutgers.

Guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the charge with a career-high 32 points against Rutgers. The team’s defense and composure against Houston showed their national contender credentials. According to ESPN, the victory reshapes early perceptions of the top teams in college basketball.

Jayhawks’ Methodical Advance in Las Vegas

Kansas took a more measured path to the final. They opened with a solid 71-61 win over Notre Dame. Their defensive pressure was a consistent theme throughout group play.

The Jayhawks then sealed their fate with a 71-60 decision over Syracuse. This two-win performance showcased their experience and ability to control tempo. Their systematic approach presents a stark contrast to Tennessee’s explosive style.

What the Championship Means for a New Era

This finale is about more than just a trophy. The Players Era Festival is a landmark event for name, image, and likeness (NIL) in college sports. Each participating team receives at least $1 million in combined NIL compensation.

That financial model attracted a powerful eight-team field to Las Vegas. It signals a shift in how high-profile early-season events are structured. The championship game puts this new model on national television for all to see.

The Players Era Festival championship promises high-stakes, high-level basketball between two proud programs. Tune in Wednesday night to see who claims the first title in this groundbreaking event’s history.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: What channel is the Players Era Festival championship on?

The title game airs live on TNT. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 26.

Q2: How does NIL work for this tournament?

Each team earned a guaranteed $1 million in NIL money just for participating. The winning team receives additional NIL compensation, though the exact amount has not been publicly disclosed by organizers.

Q3: Where is the tournament being held?

All games are played at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The venue is a classic host for major boxing and entertainment events.

Q4: Who plays in the third-place game?

The two teams that finished group play with 1-1 records will meet. That matchup also occurs on Wednesday, before the championship game.

Q5: Why is this event considered so important?

It’s one of the first major college basketball tournaments built around guaranteed NIL payments for athletes. Its success could pave the way for more events with a similar financial model for players.

Q6: Did any ranked teams lose in the group stage?

Yes. No. 3 Houston, a top title contender, lost to Tennessee. Other highly-touted teams faced stiff competition in the uniquely incentivized environment.