The Basketball Tournament is back for its 11th edition, with 64 teams vying for the chance to win $1 million on the hardwood. The bracket and first-round matchups have been revealed, with games set to kick off on July 19. This year, TBT has partnered with FOX Sports, with a total of 27 games set to be broadcast on FOX, FS1, and FS2. The winner-take-all championship game, where one team will walk away with the $1 million prize, will air on August 4 on FOX.
One of the standout teams this year is La Familia, a squad made up of Kentucky alumni. This team features former NBA players like Willie Cauley-Stein and Eric Bledsoe. There’s also the potential for a dramatic showdown in the quarterfinals, where La Familia could face off against their archrivals, The Ville, a team of Louisville Cardinals alumni.
Another team to watch out for is Stars of Storrs, making their TBT debut in the Pittsburgh Regional. Led by former UConn national champions, this team is sure to bring some excitement to the tournament. Mass Street, a team representing Kansas alumni, is also back in action, with the addition of national player of the year Frank Mason.
The tournament also has some star power behind it, with Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal sponsoring a team this year called Team Diesel. Shaq’s son, Shareef, will be part of the squad, which is the top seed in the Louisville region.
Defending champions Heartfire are gearing up to defend their title, with most of the core team returning this year. Head coach and FOX Sports analyst Laphonso Ellis will lead the team as they aim for another victory.
The semifinals and championship game are set to take place in Philadelphia at Drexel’s Daskalakis Athletic Center. Quarterfinals will be held at the regional sites, with a tiebreaker based on attendance if two hosts make it to the next round.
With exciting matchups and storylines in every region, basketball fans are in for a treat this summer. From former college stars to NBA veterans, the 11th edition of The Basketball Tournament promises to deliver high-stakes action and intense competition. So mark your calendars and get ready to witness some thrilling basketball showdowns as the road to the $1 million prize heats up.