FOX Sports and The Basketball Tournament (TBT) have entered into a multi-year media rights agreement to broadcast games on FOX, FS1, and FS2. TBT, a $1 million winner-take-all summer hoops event, will have 27 of its games aired live, including three on FOX. This new partnership aims to elevate the event to new heights and reach more basketball fans than ever before. TBT co-owner Chris Paul and founder Jon Mugar expressed their excitement about the collaboration, with FOX Sports Executive Vice President Bill Wanger noting that TBT provides an opportunity to offer top-notch basketball action to fans across the nation.
TBT is a 64-team, single-elimination tournament hosted across eight regionals, with each regional event being hosted by an alumni team representing a college basketball program. The regionals will take place from July 19-24, with one team from each region advancing to the quarterfinals on July 29-30. The semifinals are scheduled for August 2, and the $1 million championship game is set to be played on August 4. Notable players committed to this year’s tournament include former NBA players Eric Bledsoe and Willie Cauley-Stein of La Familia, the Kentucky alumni team, and Russ Smith and Montrezl Harrell of The Ville, the Louisville alumni team. The tournament promises to be competitive and entertaining this summer.
Three games are scheduled to air live on FOX, including The Ville’s first-round game of the Louisville Regional on July 20, La Familia’s second-round game (if they advance) of the Lexington Regional on July 21, and the championship game on August 4. The full television schedule and additional broadcast details will be released at a later date. The popularity of TBT has grown significantly over the years, with a record-breaking number of fans attending games across the country last year. More than 75 players with NBA experience competed in the event in 2023, making it the most competitive tournament in history.
TBT is also known for introducing the Elam Ending®, an alternate ending to basketball games where teams play to a Target Score™. This format has been used in the NBA All-Star game and is currently in use in the G League, the CEBL, and other events worldwide. As TBT enters its 11th year, this new partnership with FOX Sports is expected to further solidify the tournament as a mainstay on the basketball calendar. Fans can visit thetournament.com for more information on The Basketball Tournament and stay tuned for updates on the upcoming games and broadcast schedule.
In conclusion, FOX Sports and TBT have announced a multi-year media rights agreement to broadcast games on FOX, FS1, and FS2. The partnership aims to bring more top-notch basketball action to fans across the nation and elevate the tournament to new heights. With notable players committed to this year’s event, including former NBA players and alumni teams representing college basketball programs, TBT promises to be competitive and entertaining. The tournament’s unique format, including the Elam Ending®, has garnered attention from basketball fans and players alike, making it a must-watch event this summer. Stay tuned for the full television schedule and additional broadcast details as the tournament approaches.
