Las Vegas, NV – The college basketball landscape is set to welcome a new postseason spectacle with the introduction of the College Basketball Crown tournament. This inaugural event, promoted by Fox Sports and Anschutz Entertainment Group, will feature 16 men’s teams competing from March 31 to April 6, 2025, on the iconic Las Vegas Strip.
Tournament Overview
The College Basketball Crown aims to provide an additional platform for teams to showcase their talents beyond the traditional NCAA tournament. The event will take place across two prominent venues: the MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena. The tournament’s structure includes multiple rounds, culminating in a championship game to crown the inaugural victor.
Participating Teams
The selection committee has announced the 16 teams invited to compete in this year’s tournament. The bracket, unveiled by Fox Sports Insider John Fanta on March 17, includes:
- Arizona State
- Butler
- Boise State
- Cincinnati
- Colorado
- DePaul
- Georgetown
- George Washington
- Nebraska
- Oregon State
- Tulane
- UCF
- USC
- Utah
- Villanova
- Washington State
These teams represent a diverse mix of conferences, including the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East, alongside at-large participants.
Schedule and Broadcast Information
The tournament will commence on Monday, March 31, with first-round games tipping off at 3 p.m. ET. Subsequent rounds will progress throughout the week, leading to the championship game on Sunday, April 6. Fans can catch all the action live on FOX and FS1, ensuring nationwide coverage of this inaugural event.
Ticketing and Partnerships
Tickets for the College Basketball Crown are available through Vivid Seats, the official ticketing provider for the tournament. In addition to Vivid Seats, the event has secured partnerships with several notable brands:
- GHOST® ENERGY: Serving as the Founding Partner and Official Energy and Hydration Provider, GHOST® ENERGY will supply products to all participating teams.
- JSX: As the Official Air Carrier, JSX will facilitate travel arrangements for teams and fans, ensuring a seamless journey to and from Las Vegas.
- Circa Resort & Casino: Hosting the tournament referees, Circa Resort & Casino will also be the venue for a Friday Fan Festival Pool Party at Stadium Swim, offering fans a unique blend of basketball festivities and leisure.
Looking Ahead
The introduction of the College Basketball Crown adds an exciting dimension to the postseason, providing teams with an additional opportunity to compete on a national stage. As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds among fans and participants alike, eager to witness which team will etch its name as the first champion of this new tradition.
