The Big Picture: What Was The Players Era Tournament

Las Vegas, Nevada - The 2025 Players Era event, held in Las Vegas, marked the second edition of what has swiftly become one of the most talked-about early-season events in college basketball.

This year’s field expanded dramatically from 9 teams in 2024 to 18 men’s teams plus a 4-team women’s bracket. 

A key part of the appeal: the tournament was backed by substantial name, image, and likeness (NIL) support. Organizers have stated that on average, participating schools will receive more than $1 million in NIL payouts. It was a major draw in today’s college hoops landscape. Tennessee was able to secure 200k in bonus money to the team. They are set to receive 1 million in payouts, just for attending.

Held during Thanksgiving week, the Players Era Festival has rapidly positioned itself as a marquee “Feast Week” event with national TV coverage (via TNT/TruTV + streaming on HBO Max), and a loaded field.  The backdrop was the historic  MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas. 

Championship Style Games & Standout Tennessee Performers

As for Tennessee, In their first game of the tournament, Tennessee routed Rutgers 85–60.

Guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie led the way with a career-high 32 points, hitting six 3-pointers. 

Freshman Nate Ament added 20 points, bolstering the Volunteers’ balanced attack. Tennessee dominated the glass (43 rebounds to Rutgers’ 28), scored 21 second-chance points, and converted well from both inside and beyond the arc where they shot over 50% from the field. 

That performance set an assertive tone. Tennessee looked sharp, energetic, and clearly in control throughout the game. Tennessee was able to finally get substantial minutes out of JP Estrella and Bishop Boswell as well. Both have battled through injuries early this season. 

In game 2 of the tournament, Tennessee pulled off a significant upset, defeating No. 3 Houston 76–73. 

Gillespie again delivered, scoring 22 points, including 15 in the second half, and calmly sinking two clutch free throws in the final 35 seconds to seal the win. 

Supporting efforts came from Jaylen Carey (13 points, 7 rebounds) and Bishop Boswell (10 points), while Tennessee’s defensive pressure and second-half execution proved decisive. 

That victory was not only a revenge game with the team that put Tennessee out of the final 4 run last season, but it elevated Tennessee’s tournament profile. The Vols demonstrated poise under pressure and the ability to close tight games. The stress test was passed. 

Hear from Coach Barnes and members of the  team post-game with Houston: 

Tennessee (23 tournament pts) advanced to the third-place game, where they faced Kansas (21 tournament pts) Unfortunately, the Volunteers fell 81–76, as Kansas outscored them 40–23 in the final 15:28 to rally from a 12-point second-half deficit. Despite the loss, Tennessee’s overall showing was strong: they finished the Players Era with a million-dollar-plus cash payout to the team and a 7–1 record.

Controversies & Criticism: Not Everyone Is Impressed

Despite the hype, the Players Era has faced scrutiny. The tournament’s format is not a traditional bracket, but rather group-play followed by matchups determined by a complex algorithm involving point differentials, record, rankings, and other metrics has drawn criticism from fans, analysts, and even coaches. 

One notable example:

Tennessee Volunteers beat Houston Cougars in a close game. But, because of the tournament’s tiebreaker criteria, Tennessee was not guaranteed a trip to the final despite the win. That outcome has frustrated some fans who argue the system undermines the idea of “win and advance.” 

There is growing pressure for the organizers to revisit the structure. In response to the blowback, the event’s CEO has indicated potential format changes for future editions, especially as the tournament looks to expand to 32 teams next year. 

Legacy Begins, but Growing Pains Show

The 2025 Players Era accomplished much of what its founders intended: high-stakes games, national visibility, deep NIL support, and dramatic March-like contests that culminated into a dominant championship run by Michigan that has immediate implications for the college basketball season.

At the same time, the backlash over format complexity reveals a real tension: balancing competitive fairness, fan clarity, and financial incentives. The Tournament’s sophomore year demonstrated its potential to reshape early-season college basketball. 

What It Means: Impact Beyond the Tournament

Because the field included several top-ranked teams, the Tournament served as an early litmus test. Michigan’s dominating run may well reshape national rankings and expectations, while others (like some pre-season favorites) may emerge with more questions than answers.

On the men’s side, the Michigan Wolverines emphatically captured the 2025 title, dismantling the Gonzaga Bulldogs 101–61 in the final. Michigan’s victory marked a historic performance. They won all three of their games by 30 points or more, posting a +110 overall point differential across the tournament.

Key contributors included Yaxel Lendeborg (20 points, 11 rebounds in the final), Trey McKenney (17 points), and a balanced supporting cast.

On the women’s side, the tournament set up a final between the Texas Longhorns and South Carolina Gamecocks. These two teams are powerhouse programs, each featuring experienced, sharpshooting guards. The matchup promised a clash of elite defense and efficient offense. In a highly viewed SEC vs. SEC game, Texas came out on top.

Overall, the tournament delivered high-level basketball, compelling matchups, and compelling storylines, especially for Michigan, which used the stage to assert itself among the nation’s elite as the season ramps up. 

As expansion looms and adjustments are reportedly being considered, one thing is clear: the Players Era is no longer a fringe curiosity. It’s a major player in the college basketball calendar.