Players Era Secures 5-Year Extension with the University of Kansas Basketball Through 2030-31

NEW YORK – Players Era today announced a landmark five-year extension with the University of Kansas men's basketball program, one of the most prestigious and historic intercollegiate basketball programs in North America, who has committed its participation in the marquee early-season showcase through the 2030-31 season.

The 2026 Players Era Men's Championships will take place in Las Vegas, during Thanksgiving week (Nov. 17-19, Nov. 24-28), hosted across two world-class venues: Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay and T-Mobile Arena. Complete event details, team matchups, and tournament information are available at www.playersera.com.

The extension keeps Kansas among the premier programs participating in one of college basketball's most prominent early-season events, alongside four of the five last NCAA champions, including Kansas, Michigan, Florida and Baylor. The tournament provides student-athletes with NIL and brand-building opportunities while delivering nationally televised matchups against elite competition in a postseason-style atmosphere.

Kansas, led by Hall of Fame head coach Bill Self, has won 16 Big 12 regular-season titles, including an NCAA-record 13 consecutive conference championships, and owns four NCAA national championships and the most conference titles in college basketball history.

"We're grateful to have Kansas, one of the preeminent collegiate basketball programs, return for the next several years," said Players Era CEO Seth Berger. "It's an extraordinary testament to what we're building here with Player's Era –a competition that delivers an exceptional experience for both fans and student-athletes alike in an atmosphere that feels like March in November. I appreciate the University of Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff, Head Coach Bill Self, and Deputy Athletics Director Sean Lester for their partnership and commitment."

"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. Being locked in through the 2030-31 season is a reinforcement of the direction the Players Era is moving. Not only is it great for our players but it allows our fans to plan vacations to come cheer on the Jayhawks."

About Players Era
Players Era, an EverWonder Studio company, was founded in 2024 to reimagine college sports through innovative NIL opportunities, premier competition, and world-class fan experiences. Today, Players Era operates several marquee collegiate sports events, including the Players Era Men's and Women's Basketball Championships in Las Vegas, the inaugural Players Era Volleyball Showcase featuring Nebraska, Texas, TCU, and UNLV, and the Eternal City Tip-Off, a season-opening international men's and women's basketball doubleheader between Villanova and Notre Dame in Rome. Through partnerships with leading universities, broadcasters, and global brands, Players Era continues to elevate the student-athlete experience while creating destination events that showcase the best of college sports for fans around the world.

University of Kansas Athletics

Players Era Secures 5-Year Extension with the University of Kansas Basketball Through 2030-31

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