By Mark Anderson Associated Press

May 7, 2026 - 4:04 pm

The Players Era will expand from 18 to 24 teams this year and split into two tournaments, with the two most recent national champions headlining a pair of loaded fields — one of which includes UNLV.

Michigan, which won the national title in April, will be in the Players Era 16 on Thanksgiving week in Las Vegas. The Wolverines routed Gonzaga 101-61 to win last year’s Players Era title. They are expected to contend again next season for the national championship even with nine newcomers.

Florida, which won the national title a year ago and could be the No. 1 team heading into next season, will be in the Players Era Eight a week earlier. The Gators should have the nation’s top frontcourt with the returns of Thomas Haugh and Alex Condon as well as Rueben Chinyelu if he opts out of the NBA draft. Florida was not in the Players last year, but opened its season in Las Vegas with a 93-87 loss to Arizona.

The Players Era and ESPN also announced a multiyear agreement for the men’s tournaments, though details weren’t released. There also was a women’s tournament last year, but there has been no announcement regarding another one.

In the Players Era Eight, joining Florida will be UNLV, Auburn, Houston, Kansas, Notre Dame, Rutgers and West Virginia.

Michigan’s field in the Players 16 includes Alabama, Baylor, Creighton, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Kansas State, Louisville, Maryland, Miami, Oregon, St. John’s, San Diego State, Tennessee, Texas Christian and Texas Tech.

The Players Era, which will be in its third year, has replaced the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis as the premier early season event in college basketball. Participating teams receive on average at least $1 million in NIL money.