College Basketball Crown
- Thread starter NYShoreGuy
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The College Basketball Crown is a premier 16-team postseason men's tournament launched by FOX Sports and AEG, featuring elite teams from the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East that did not make the NCAA Tournament. Held in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena, the inaugural 2025 event was won by the Nebraska Cornhuskers.
- Inaugural Winner: The Nebraska Cornhuskers captured the first-ever title, defeating UCF 77-66 in 2025.
- Key Participants: The tournament focuses on power-conference schools, including teams from the Big 12, Big Ten, and BIG EAST.
- Venue & Location: The tournament is held in Las Vegas, Nevada, utilizing both the MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena.
- Tournament Structure: It is a single-elimination format, often considered an alternative to the NIT, focusing on high-level competition for teams just outside the NCAA field.
- Prize & Exposure: The 2025 winner received a $300K prize for NIL opportunities, with games televised on FOX and FS1.
The College Basketball Crown returning to Las Vegas
16 February 2026(PRESS RELEASE) -- The College Basketball Crown and Circa Resort & Casino, Downtown Las Vegas’ premier adults-only luxury resort, have announced the return of the Crown Town Fan Fest at Stadium Swim, bringing back one of the tournament’s marquee fan experiences during the 2026 championship weekend in Las Vegas. Circa Resort & Casino is a proud Founding Partner and Official Host Hotel of the College Basketball Crown, with the agreement brokered by AEG Global Partnerships.
The annual College Basketball Crown will take place 1-5 April 2026, in Las Vegas at MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena, airing nationally on FOX and FS1. The elite eight-team postseason tournament will feature top programs from the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East conferences that narrowly miss NCAA Tournament selection, along with two wild-card teams selected by the tournament’s competition committee. The tournament will culminate with semifinal and championship matchups at T-Mobile Arena during championship weekend.
This year’s Crown Town Fan Fest will take place Friday, 3 April, from 12–4 p.m. at Stadium Swim at Circa Resort & Casino, the resort’s multi-level rooftop pool and amphitheater featuring a 143-foot screen. Timed ahead of the College Basketball Crown semifinals and championship games, the event will once again unite fans, tournament stakeholders, and college basketball insiders for an elevated, all-day celebration in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas.
“As a Founding Partner of the College Basketball Crown, we’re proud to once again host Crown Town Fan Fest at Stadium Swim and welcome fans back for another unforgettable championship-weekend experience,” said Derek Stevens, Owner and CEO of Circa Resort & Casino. “Stadium Swim was built to deliver moments like this – where sports, energy, and community collide – and we’re excited to offer fans multiple ways to be part of the action through Crown Town Fan Fest tickets and exclusive room packages.”
Tickets for the Crown Town Fan Fest and exclusive Circa room packages – which include a two-night stay, College Basketball Crown game tickets, and Crown Town Fan Fest access – are now available for purchase through Circa's website.
“The return of Crown Town Fan Fest reflects the continued momentum of the College Basketball Crown and the strength of our partnership with Circa,” said Nick Baker President and COO of AEG Global Partnerships and board member of the College Basketball Crown. “Together, we’re focused on delivering premium, fan-first experiences that elevate the championship weekend both inside and outside the arena.”