Mar 16, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Streamers fall as Iowa State Cyclones head coach TJ Otzelberger hoists the Big 12 Tournament trophy alongside his team after defeating the Houston Cougars at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-USA TODAY Sports
T.J. Otzelberger‘s Iowa State men’s basketball team could be poised to play in a groundbreaking basketball tournament in November of 2025, according to a social media post by Matt Norlander of CBS Sports.
https://x.com/MattNorlander/status/1805731448848367842
Norlander typed late this afternoon that the Cyclones and Baylor had recently committed to play in the Players Era Festival, which is expected to dole out considerable NIL money to each program that participates.
Other schools slated to play in the 2025 event include Alabama, Creighton, Houston, Gonzaga, Michigan, Notre Dame, Rutgers, San Diego State, Saint Joe’s, St. John’s, Syracuse and Texas A&M, according to Norlander.
The first Players Era Festival is scheduled for this November.
Norlander’s article about the event on CBSSports.com included this passage: “In a college sports first, the Players Era Festival will also include $1 million NIL payouts for all participating schools. Players will have future earnings opportunities through long-term NIL contracts, sources said.”
