UNLV’s men’s basketball team is being added to the 2025 Players Era Men’s Championship field, an in-season tournament offering each school $1 million in name, image and likeness earning opportunities.

The event, which will take place Thanksgiving week in Las Vegas at a venue that has yet to be announced, will also feature Alabama, Auburn, Baylor, Creighton, Gonzaga, Houston, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego State, Saint Joseph’s, St. John’s, Syracuse, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

“We’re thrilled to represent Las Vegas in the 2025 Players Era Men’s Championship, an event that is redefining early-season college basketball,” UNLV coach Kevin Kruger said in a statement. “Playing in our hometown, in front of our fans, is always special, and this tournament presents an incredible opportunity for our program to compete at the highest level.”

The tournament debuted last year with eight teams and distributed $9 million to the programs involved. The games were held at MGM Grand Garden Arena and aired on TNT, TBS and truTV.

Student athletes on each team will have the opportunity to participate in $1 million worth of NIL activities during the event through Players Era and its sponsors.

UNLV was previously slated to play in the Maui Invitational during Thanksgiving week, but opted out to participate in a tournament closer to home.

“We’re excited to welcome UNLV for next year’s Players Era Men’s Championship and further bolster the field for what is going to be a truly special event,” Players ERA CEO Seth Berger said in a statement. “Las Vegas continues to establish itself as the premier destination for top sporting events and it’s a tremendous boost to have Vegas’ hometown team participating in next year’s tournament.”

Contact Mick Akers at [email protected] or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.