Kansas Commits to Players Era Festival Through 2030-31 Season
Kansas men’s basketball will remain a fixture in one of college basketball’s premier early-season events after signing a five-year agreement to participate in the Players Era Festival through the 2030-31 season.
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The long-term commitment ensures the Jayhawks will continue traveling to Las Vegas each November while providing the program with a significant source of name, image and likeness funding. Since its debut in 2024, the Players Era Festival has guaranteed participating schools at least $1 million for their NIL programs, with additional performance-based payouts available throughout the tournament.
Kansas head coach Bill Self said the event has quickly become one of the premier showcases in college basketball.
“The Players Era commitment to college basketball has been very impressive,” Self said. “They have brought in high-level teams which creates great matchups during the pre-conference season. The Players Era has also produced great NIL opportunities for our players.”
The tournament has grown rapidly since launching as an eight-team event in 2024. Last season, it expanded to 18 teams before announcing another expansion for 2026. This year’s event will feature 24 programs split into an eight-team championship bracket and a separate 16-team field.
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Kansas will compete in the eight-team bracket alongside Florida, Rutgers, Notre Dame, UNLV and fellow Big 12 members Houston and West Virginia.
The agreement also gives Kansas fans certainty when planning future trips to Las Vegas.
“Being locked in through the 2030-31 season is a reinforcement of the direction the Players Era is moving,” Self said. “Not only is it great for our players but it allows our fans to plan vacations to come cheer on the Jayhawks.”
Kansas finished third in last year’s tournament after defeating Tennessee, while eventual national champion Michigan captured the title. The event distributed at least $1 million to every participating school, with another $12 million awarded based on tournament performance.
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The Players Era Festival has also become increasingly intertwined with the Big 12. Last year, the conference announced a five-year partnership with the event, acquiring a 15% ownership stake while committing to send at least eight member schools annually.
With the new agreement, Kansas secures a marquee nonconference showcase and a consistent NIL revenue stream as college basketball continues adapting to the evolving financial landscape.
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