Players Era Festival reveals new bracket format for 2026, what it means for Gonzaga

Mark Few and the Gonzaga Bulldogs have never been afraid to challenge themselves during the non-conference portion of the schedule, which is what made the Players Era Festival so appealing last season.

That, and the $1M NIL payout to every participating team.

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This year, that payout will still be in effect, but nearly everything else about the fledgling event will look different.

Entering its third year, Players Era has now expanded to 24 teams and will divide the event up into two distinct bracketed tournaments – the Players Era 8, featuring eight teams and running the week of Nov. 16, and Players Era 16, featuring the remaining 16 teams and running during ‘Feast week’ Nov. 23-27.

Gonzaga will be part of the 16-team bracket, giving them three guaranteed games and potentially a fourth if they advance to the championship game.

The Zags defeated Alabama and Maryland before losing to Michigan in the championship game in 2025, and could face all three of those teams again in 2026.

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Gonzaga, Michigan, Alabama, and Maryland are joined by St. John’s, Louisville, Tennessee, Iowa State, Miami, Texas Tech, Baylor, TCU, Kansas State, Oregon, Creighton, and fellow Pac-12 team San Diego State in the 16-team bracket.

Florida, Houston, Kansas, Auburn, West Virginia, Notre Dame, Rutgers, and hometown UNLV make up the Players Era 8.

Specific matchups, dates, times, and locations will be announced at a later date this offseason. Gonzaga can expect to avoid Creighton and San Diego State, at least in the first round, with a road matchup against Creighton expected elsewhere in the non-con and two matchups set against the Aztecs in Pac-12 play.

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Oregon could also be on Gonzaga’s non-con in Seattle, with that game slated to take place either in 2026-27 or 2027-28, according to Ducks head coach Dana Altman.

Worldwide Leader in the mix

In addition to announcing the new format, Players Era revealed a multiyear agreement with ESPN to serve as the exclusive broadcast…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/players-era-festival-reveals-bracket-201914743.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-07 20:19:00

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