Players Era Festival to Revamp 32-Team Event Format for 2026
In a recent announcement, Seth Berger, CEO of the Players Era Festival, revealed plans to alter the event format in 2026 as it expands to include 32 teams. This decision follows considerable feedback from fans regarding the current structure that has been met with confusion.
Changes to Players Era Festival Format
Initially, Berger confirmed that the format would remain for the upcoming tournament. However, the announcement of the matchups occurred late, prompting a reconsideration of the current approach to organizing the games. Berger stated, “The reality of this is having the humility to listen.” He recognized that the existing 18-team format may not be suitable for a larger 32-team event.
Matchup Concerns and Team Performance
The decision to revisit the format came after the Iowa State Cyclones secured two victories in the festival, defeating St. John’s and Creighton despite the absence of their star player, Tamin Lipsey. However, Iowa State faced Syracuse in their next matchup due to a calculated margin of victory that fell short of allowing them access to the championship or third-place games.
- Iowa State defeated St. John’s (Big East Champion)
- Iowa State beat Creighton by 18 points
- Iowa State triumphed over Syracuse (95-64)
Financial Incentives for Participants
The Players Era Festival offers significant financial rewards for its participants. The winners of the title game will receive $1 million in additional NIL compensation, along with a guaranteed $1 million for each participant. Additionally, the runner-up will earn $500,000, while the third-place game between Tennessee and Kansas awards $300,000 to the winner and $200,000 to the loser.
Future Format Expectations
The 2026 edition of the Players Era Festival will introduce four eight-team pods. Each pod will culminate in matchups featuring the top teams from these groups. This change aims to revitalize the competitive atmosphere and provide a clearer pathway for teams and fans alike.
With the revision of its structure, the Players Era Festival is poised to become a more engaging and understandable event for fans and players. The focus will remain on delivering exciting basketball while ensuring that all teams have a fair chance to compete for the title and financial rewards.
