Players Era Festival organizers betting big NIL is the future of college basketball tournaments
Houston forward Joseph Tugler (11) reacts after sinking a 3-point basket against Hofstra during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 22, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Michael Wyke)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Michael Wyke]
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Players Era Festival organizers have done what so many other have tried. They bet their fortunes in Las Vegas that a big payoff is coming. Money made off that kind of daring is why so many massive casino-resorts have been built on Las Vegas Boulevard. But it doesn’t mean the organizers are wrong. They’re counting on the $1 million in guaranteed name, image and likeness money that will go to each of the eight teams competing in the neutral-site tournament beginning Tuesday will create a precedent for other such events.
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Alabama's bench cheers during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Illinois, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024, in Birmingham, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS/Vasha Hunt