College basketball has entered a new era with the advent of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness). In 2025, the Michigan Wolverines were selected to participate in the highly anticipated Players Era Festival basketball tournament held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. This tournament not only offers each team at least $1 million in NIL opportunities but also presents the winning team with a chance to earn additional funds.

Tournament Details and Participants

As of now, next year's field includes prominent teams such as Michigan, Baylor, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Syracuse, Saint Joseph's, and St. John's, with a total of 18 teams expected to be involved. It's not just a one-game affair; just last week, the Alabama Crimson Tide faced the Oregon Ducks in the championship game. Alabama, in preparation for the year ahead, faced three Power Four opponents across five days. According to Crimson Tide head coach Nate Oats, the experience was exceptional. "Yeah, we've always done an MTE. Theirs [UConn's] is a little different; they played three straight games. We're planning on going back to the Players Era event. I thought it was great. The accommodations were great. You were in the same building that you played in at MGM. They did a great job taking care of us. The food was great. The competition was good. The best officials in the country are doing it. Yeah, we're going back next year to the Players Era."

Michigan's First Season in Ann Arbor

Michigan head coach Dusty May has already positioned the Wolverines in several significant non-conference matchups in his first season in Ann Arbor. Most recently, they won the Fort Myers Tip-Off by defeating Virginia Tech and Xavier. This showcases their ability to compete on a high level and take advantage of the emerging NIL landscape.

Impact on College Athletics

In a world where revenue sharing is set to arrive in college athletics as early as next year, the NIL opportunities for sports outside of football are ripe for exploitation. The Players Era Festival provides a platform for teams to not only earn financial rewards but also enhance their resumes and gain valuable experience. It marks a significant shift in the landscape of college basketball, where players can now benefit directly from their on-court performances. This tournament serves as a testament to the evolving nature of college sports and the importance of embracing NIL in order to stay competitive.