The University of Kansas men's basketball program has secured a five-year extension with Players Era, committing to participate in the early-season showcase through 2030-31. The 2026 Players Era Men's Championships will be held in Las Vegas during Thanksgiving week at the Michelob ULTRA Arena and T-Mobile Arena. This partnership ensures Kansas remains a key player in a high-profile tournament featuring elite teams, enhancing opportunities for student-athletes in terms of branding and NIL. Hall of Fame coach Bill Self emphasized the benefits of this collaboration for both players and fans.

By the Numbers
  • Kansas has won 16 Big 12 regular-season titles and 4 NCAA national championships.
  • The Players Era Championships will take place from Nov. 17-19 and Nov. 24-28 in 2026.
State of Play
  • Kansas remains one of the most prestigious and successful programs in college basketball.
  • The Players Era is focused on enhancing the student-athlete experience through innovative opportunities and world-class competitions.
What's Next

The continued partnership is expected to enrich the experience of student-athletes and fans alike, with plans for high-stakes, nationally televised matchups. Future tournaments will likely attract an even broader audience as Kansas helps shape the competitive landscape of college basketball early in the season.

Bottom Line

This long-term commitment from Kansas and Players Era underscores the growing importance of NIL opportunities in college sports and sets a precedent for future collaborations that benefit both players and fans in a premier competition environment.