Key Highlights:
- Tournament dates: November 24–28, 2026.
- Venues: Michelob ULTRA Arena at Mandalay Bay and T-Mobile Arena.
- Teams: 16 NCAA Division I programs competing in two eight-team brackets.
- Opening games: Tuesday, November 24, with eight matchups across both arenas.
- Thanksgiving games: Thursday, November 26, followed by placement games on November 27.
- Championship: Saturday, November 28, at 7:30 PM at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
- Tickets: Championship tickets start at $50, while announced all-tournament passes start at $510.
The Players Era 16 Las Vegas 2026 brings 16 major college basketball programs to the Strip during Thanksgiving week. Taking place November 24–28, the tournament features teams including Michigan, Gonzaga, Tennessee, Alabama, Iowa State, and Louisville.
Games will be held at Michelob ULTRA Arena and T-Mobile Arena, with the two bracket winners meeting in a championship game on November 28. Here’s the confirmed tournament schedule, participating teams, opening matchups, venues, and ticket information.
Players Era 16 Las Vegas 2026: Quick Information
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Players Era 16 |
| Dates | November 24–28, 2026 |
| Location | Las Vegas, Nevada |
| Venues | Michelob ULTRA Arena and T-Mobile Arena |
| Participating Teams | 16 |
| Format | Two eight-team brackets |
| Opening Round | November 24 |
| Thanksgiving Games | November 26 |
| Placement Games | November 27 |
| Championship | November 28, 7:30 PM |
| Championship Venue | Michelob ULTRA Arena |
| Championship Tickets | Starting at $50 |
| All-Tournament Passes | Starting at $510 |
| Official Ticketing | AXS |
All game times are Pacific Standard Time and subject to change.
Players Era 16 Teams and Bracket Breakdown
The tournament features two separate eight-team brackets, each assigned to a different arena.
| Bracket | Arena | Participating Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Bracket 1 | Michelob ULTRA Arena | Tennessee, Maryland, San Diego State, Iowa State, St. John’s, Oregon, Louisville, Texas Tech |
| Bracket 2 | T-Mobile Arena | Gonzaga, Kansas State, Baylor, Alabama, Michigan, Creighton, TCU, Miami |
Each bracket has its own opening games, advancement matchups, and placement contests.
The winners meet on November 28 to decide the overall Players Era 16 champion.
Players Era 16 Opening Games: November 24
The first round includes eight games across both arenas.
Michelob ULTRA Arena Schedule
| Matchup | Game Time |
|---|---|
| Tennessee vs. Maryland | 12:00 PM |
| San Diego State vs. Iowa State | 2:30 PM |
| Louisville vs. Texas Tech | 5:00 PM |
| St. John’s vs. Oregon | 7:30 PM |
T-Mobile Arena Schedule
| Matchup | Game Time |
|---|---|
| TCU vs. Miami | 12:00 PM |
| Michigan vs. Creighton | 2:30 PM |
| Baylor vs. Alabama | 7:00 PM |
| Gonzaga vs. Kansas State | 9:30 PM |
Times are approximate. Matchups and tipoff schedules may change.
Players Era 16 Daily Tournament Schedule
| Date | Tournament Activity |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, November 24 | Eight opening-round games |
| Wednesday, November 25 | No games scheduled |
| Thursday, November 26 | Bracket advancement and consolation games |
| Friday, November 27 | Bracket finals and placement games |
| Saturday, November 28 | Players Era 16 Championship |
Thanksgiving Day: November 26
Tournament action resumes on Thanksgiving with advancement and consolation games at both arenas.
The participating teams depend on opening-round results.
Friday, November 27
Both brackets conclude with their respective championship and placement games.
Teams also compete for third, fifth, and seventh place within their brackets.
Championship: Saturday, November 28
The two bracket winners meet at Michelob ULTRA Arena.
- Date: Saturday, November 28
- Time: 7:30 PM PST
- Venue: Michelob ULTRA Arena
- Tickets: Starting at $50
The championship is a separate ticketed event.
Players Era 16 Ticket Prices
Tickets are available through AXS and official arena ticketing channels.
| Ticket Option | Published Starting Price |
|---|---|
| Single-Session Tickets | Varies by session |
| All-Tournament Pass | $510 |
| Championship Game | $50 |
| Premium Seating | Varies |
All-tournament passes were announced with access to 12 games.
Check which arena and sessions are included before purchasing. A ticket for one venue does not automatically provide admission to the other.
Ticket prices may increase with demand, seating category, and resale availability.
Where Are the Games Played?
Michelob ULTRA Arena
Located inside Mandalay Bay Resort, Michelob ULTRA Arena hosts Bracket 1 and the November 28 championship.
Address: 3950 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89119.
Nearby hotels include Mandalay Bay, Luxor, and Excalibur.
T-Mobile Arena
T-Mobile Arena hosts Bracket 2, including opening-round and Thanksgiving-week games.
Address: 3780 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109.
The arena sits between Park MGM and New York-New York, making it accessible from several South Strip resorts.
Tips for Attending Players Era 16
- Check your venue: The brackets play at separate arenas.
- Review session times: Multiple games may be included in a single session.
- Book accommodation early: Thanksgiving week can affect hotel prices.
- Use nearby transportation: The free Mandalay Bay–Excalibur tram and Strip walkways can help with local travel.
- Check arena policies: Bag restrictions and reentry rules vary by venue.
Conclusion
Players Era 16 Las Vegas 2026 brings five days of early-season college basketball to Michelob ULTRA Arena and T-Mobile Arena. The tournament features 16 teams, eight opening matchups, Thanksgiving Day games, and a championship on November 28. Review the bracket assignments, confirm game times, and purchase tickets for the correct arena before traveling.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is Players Era 16 Las Vegas 2026?
The tournament takes place November 24–28, 2026.
Which Teams Are Playing?
The field includes Michigan, Gonzaga, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisville, Iowa State, Baylor, St. John’s, and eight other programs.
Where Is the Championship Game?
The championship takes place at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 28 at 7:30 PM.
How Much Are Players Era 16 Tickets?
Championship tickets start at $50, while announced all-tournament passes start at $510. Single-session prices vary.
Is Players Era 8 a Separate Tournament?
Yes. Players Era 8 takes place November 17–19 at Michelob ULTRA Arena, featuring eight different teams.
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