A new postseason college basketball tournament called the College Basketball Crown is set to kick off in 2025, with games taking place in Las Vegas at the MGM Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena. Teams that did not make it to the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament will be eligible to qualify for this 16-team tournament. The Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East Conferences will have automatic entries, with additional teams being selected by a committee. Fox Sports, in partnership with AEG and the mentioned conferences, is excited to provide more opportunities for student-athletes to compete and for viewers to enjoy the competition.
Fox Sports Executive Vice President, Jason Bazant, expressed the network’s pride in being at the forefront of efforts to evolve and elevate the sport of college basketball. The College Basketball Crown aims to provide a high-quality postseason experience for both the players and the fans, building up anticipation and excitement for the event. The tournament is seen as a direct competitor to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), with the College Basketball Invitational and CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament among the others in the mix. As a key player in sports broadcasting, Fox Corp. is leveraging its platform to bring this new tournament to viewers.
The College Basketball Crown is already shaping up to be a significant addition to the college basketball landscape. With games scheduled at top venues in Las Vegas, the tournament is poised to attract attention from fans and players alike. The inclusion of powerhouse conferences like the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East ensures that the competition will be fierce, providing a compelling viewing experience for audiences. As the closest competitor to the well-established NIT, the College Basketball Crown is expected to offer an exciting alternative for teams and fans looking for postseason action.
Fox Sports and AEG’s collaboration with major conferences to establish the College Basketball Crown represents a strategic move to enhance the postseason experience for college basketball enthusiasts. By creating additional opportunities for student-athletes to compete at a high level, the tournament opens up new pathways for teams that may have narrowly missed out on the NCAA Tournament. The evolution of the college basketball postseason will bring new energy and excitement to the sport, driving interest and engagement among fans. This initiative underscores Fox Sports’ commitment to advancing and innovating in the world of sports broadcasting.
With the College Basketball Crown set to debut in 2025, the anticipation for the tournament is already building. As teams gear up for the opportunity to compete for the crown, fans can look forward to witnessing thrilling matchups and intense competition on the court. Fox Sports’ involvement in bringing this new tournament to life underscores the network’s dedication to showcasing high-quality sports events for viewers. As the tournament unfolds and teams battle for supremacy, the College Basketball Crown is poised to become a staple in the college basketball postseason landscape, offering a fresh and exciting addition to the calendar for players, fans, and broadcasters alike.
