Kansas State Set to Join Star-Studded 2026 Players Era Tournament in Las Vegas
Kansas State men’s basketball is heading to Las Vegas next season - and they’re not going alone. The Wildcats will be part of a loaded Big 12 contingent in the 2026 Players Era Tournament, a Thanksgiving Week showcase that’s quickly becoming the crown jewel of the early college basketball calendar.
K-State will be joined by Kansas, Baylor, Houston, Iowa State, Texas Tech, and West Virginia, as the Big 12 continues to deepen its ties with the event. That’s seven teams from one conference, all heading to the desert for what promises to be a high-stakes, high-reward tournament - both on the court and in the NIL space.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t just another early-season invitational. The Players Era Tournament is redefining what these events can be.
Every team that participates walks away with at least $1 million in NIL funding - a game-changer in today’s college basketball landscape. And there’s even more on the table for teams that perform well.
Just this past season, Michigan reportedly earned an extra $1 million for winning the tournament. Kansas, which finished third, took home an additional $300,000.
That kind of payout isn’t just a nice bonus - it’s a serious recruiting and retention tool. And K-State head coach Jerome Tang knows it.
“We are excited about the opportunity to play in the Players Era next season,” Tang said in a statement. “It has become the preeminent in-season tournament for college basketball, and we can’t wait for our players to enjoy a top-notch experience in the Entertainment Capital of the World - Las Vegas.”
Tang’s no stranger to November tournaments - he’s taken teams to The Bahamas and Kansas City in recent years - but this is a different kind of opportunity. With NIL dollars now a central part of roster building, events like the Players Era Tournament offer more than just early-season bragging rights. They offer a financial foundation that can help programs compete at the highest level.
This year’s Players Era Tournament featured 18 teams. That number is expected to jump to 32 in 2026, signaling just how fast the event is growing. And with the Big 12 all-in - commissioner Brett Yormark has committed to sending eight teams annually - the conference is positioning itself at the forefront of this new era in college hoops.
For K-State, the trip to Vegas isn’t just about the games. It’s about exposure, experience, and a chance to show the nation what this program is building. With a deep and talented Big 12 field, the stage will be set for marquee matchups and major storylines - all under the bright lights of Las Vegas.
More details on the tournament format and full field are expected in the coming weeks, but one thing’s already clear: the Players Era Tournament is no longer just an event. It’s a movement. And Kansas State is right in the middle of it.