The 2026 College Basketball Crown is gearing up for an exciting showdown from April 1st to April 5th, brought to you by Fox Sports Network. This single-elimination tournament features eight powerhouse teams, all vying for a share of the impressive NIL prize pool.
Here's how the prize money breaks down: $500,000 is up for grabs, with $50,000 awarded to each team that wins their quarterfinal matchup, $100,000 for the semifinal victors, and a whopping $300,000 for the team that clinches the championship.
The tournament showcases teams mainly from the Big East, Big 12, and Big Ten conferences, thanks to their partnership with Fox Sports Network. Let's take a closer look at the lineup:
Quarterfinal Matchups:
- Oklahoma Sooners vs.
Colorado Buffaloes
- Baylor Bears vs.
Minnesota Golden Gophers
- Stanford Cardinal vs.
West Virginia Mountaineers
- Rutgers Scarlet Knights vs.
Creighton Blue Jays
Venue Highlights: All the action unfolds in the vibrant city of Las Vegas. The quarterfinal games are set at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, while the semifinals and championship will light up the T-Mobile Arena.
Tune In: Fox Sports has you covered for every thrilling moment. Catch the quarterfinals on FS1, with the semifinals and championship game airing on Fox.
Tournament Evolution: This year marks a shift in the tournament format, scaling down from 16 teams to a more intense eight-team battle.
Last season, Nebraska took home the inaugural College Basketball Crown by defeating UCF. Now, with a tighter field, the stakes are higher and the competition fiercer.
Get ready for a week of high-energy hoops and unforgettable moments as these teams compete for glory and a chance to make history in the College Basketball Crown.