Introducing the College Basketball Crown: New Opportunities and NBA Insights
The College Basketball Crown event is set to bring significant opportunities for players and teams while attracting NBA scouts during the NCAA's busiest season.
In a shift for college sports, basketball has embraced a traditional postseason structure dominated by the NCAA Tournament. However, with name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals now being crucial for programs and fierce competition for NBA Draft spots, a new event aims to enhance interest during this peak time.
The College Basketball Crown has been introduced by FOX Sports and AEG, featuring 15 games starting Monday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The semifinals and title game will occur on April 5 and 6 at the T-Mobile Arena. The tournament will offer a $300,000 NIL endorsement for the champion, while the runner-up earns $100,000, and semifinalists receive $50,000 each.
A notable number of NBA teams are set to attend, with a chance for them to evaluate prospects multiple times throughout the week. Among participating stars are NCAA leading scorer Eric Dixon of Villanova, Desmond Claude from USC, and player Tyson Degenhart from Boise State, allowing them to showcase their talents on a national stage.
Further, here is the list of NBA teams attending:
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Brooklyn Nets
- Phoenix Suns
- Golden State Warriors
- Dallas Mavericks
- Indiana Pacers
- Denver Nuggets
- Chicago Bulls
- Minnesota Timberwolves
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Houston Rockets
- Sacramento Kings
“This event is all about growing the game,” said FOX Sports Executive Vice President Jordan Bazant. “College basketball is a special sport and The Crown will create a way for more people to get behind it.”
Excitement also surrounds Boise State coach Leon Rice, whose team was close to the NCAA Tournament. He emphasized the significance of participation in this new event for players’ recognition and compensation.
“There’s something unique about being part of the inaugural event. Players are now pros and deserve compensation. The timing is perfect for a basketball opportunity during this season.”
The event will also implement rules aimed at improving game flow, particularly regarding out-of-bounds calls and coach challenges, to enhance the college basketball experience.
