During the inaugural Players Era Festival in 2024, $9 million in Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) payments was distributed among all tournament participants, which included the Oregon Ducks. In the fall of 2025, this figure is anticipated to rise to $24 million as reported by On3, and it will be distributed among all the participating programs in the second yearly iteration of this distinctive tournament.
The men’s category will include the Gonzaga Bulldogs, Tennessee Volunteers, Kansas Jayhawks, Auburn Tigers, Iowa State Cyclones, Michigan Wolverines, Syracuse Orange, Baylor Bears, Saint John’s Red Storm, and Saint Joseph’s Hawks according to the On3 report.
TheLinkU has played a vital role in the success of Players Era 2024, and we are excited to continue our partnership into 2025. With the addition of Tennessee, Kansas, Auburn, and other prestigious universities for the men’s championship alongside the debut of our first women’s championship tournament, the future of Players Era looks promising. TheLinkU’s knowledge in NIL and their backing for our athletes will keep raising the tournament to higher standards.” Seth Berger, CEO of Players Era.
There is no limit on the number of teams that may participate next season. Once more, Oregon together with the Alabama Crimson Tide, San Diego State Aztecs, Houston Cougars, Creighton Bluejays, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and Texas A&M Aggies is anticipated to make a return to the tournament.
“We are thrilled about the advancement and expansion of the Players Era Festival for 2025.” As the designated NIL Partner, we will maintain our dedication to smooth and compliant implementation of NIL. With 10 additional teams entering and the thrilling new women’s championship, the competition will be more exciting and intense than ever before. “We take pride in our significant role in creating NIL opportunities for athletes and are eager for an even more thrilling event this year.” Austin Elrod, TheLinkU president/founder
It was also revealed that the Players Era Festival will host its inaugural women’s tournament this coming fall in 2025. The South Carolina Gamecocks, UCLA Bruins, Duke Blue Devils, and Texas Longhorns will be showcasing the main event. Every program will be awarded $1 million in NIL for their participation. The festivals for both men and women are scheduled to occur in Las Vegas during the Thanksgiving weekend once more.
The Ducks claimed the first championship of the Players Era Festival by defeating Texas A&M (80-70), San Diego State (78-68), and Alabama in the final (83-81) last November. Oregon achieved a point differential of over 20 during pool play.
After remaining unbeaten in non-conference games, coach Dana Altman’s team has faced challenges in Big Ten Conference competition. The Ducks hold a 17-8 overall record but sit at 6-8 in conference games, placing them in eleventh in the conference rankings.
Even with Oregon’s decline, they still possess seven Quad 1 victories this season, in addition to holding a No. 34 NET ranking. KenPom positions the Ducks as the 39th program in college basketball, featuring the 37th offense and the 50th defense. As per ESPN bracket expert Joe Lunardi, Oregon is forecasted to be the No. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s West Region located in Wichita, Kansas.
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