Overview
- The multi‑year partnership commits at least $50 million in rights fees and guarantees the Big 12 eight spots in the Players Era Festival starting next season through the 2029–30 event.
- Players Era guarantees $1 million in NIL money per participating team, and organizers say payouts will exceed $20 million this year with the 2025 men’s tournament operating profitably.
- Event leaders plan a 32‑team format in 2026 featuring pool play and a final stage, with the Big 12 slated to have representation across the groups.
- Players Era is in talks with ESPN, Fox, Netflix and incumbent TNT for a multiyear media rights deal, with organizers targeting a four‑year agreement by the end of December.
- Big 12 selections are expected to track the prior season’s standings with flexibility for existing commitments, and reports indicate the league may take roughly a 15% equity stake in the event.