The college basketball season doesn’t just start—it explodes. Between November 21 and 28, 2025, over 120 hours of high-stakes nonconference action will unfold across the U.S., turning Thanksgiving week into a national spectacle. At the heart of it all: the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, where 18 men’s teams—including nine ranked in the AP Top 25—will battle for prestige, profit, and postseason positioning. Each school walks away with a guaranteed $1 million, but the real prize? A signature win to bolster their NCAA tournament résumé before conference play begins in December.
Las Vegas Takes Center Stage
The Players Era Festival isn’t just big—it’s unprecedented. Held across the MGM Grand Garden Arena and Michelob ULTRA Arena, the tournament features a tightly packed schedule: all 18 teams play on Monday, November 24, and Tuesday, November 25. The winners of those games advance to bracketed semifinals on Wednesday, November 26, with the championship and third-place games locked in for Thursday, November 27. Tiebreakers? Point differential first, then total points scored, then points allowed—no coin flips, no luck. Just cold, hard basketball math.
Some of the most anticipated games? Alabama vs. Gonzaga on Monday, a clash of traditional powers with contrasting styles. Houston vs. Tennessee on Tuesday brings two of the nation’s most physical teams into the spotlight. And don’t sleep on St. John’s vs. Iowa State at 4:30 p.m. ET or Auburn vs. Oregon at 8 p.m. ET—both are winnable games for ranked teams looking to prove they belong among the elite.
But here’s the twist: Auburn might be without its leading scorer, Keyshawn Hall, who’s sidelined by an injury suffered in their loss to Houston. That means Tahaad Pettiford, who’s been quiet so far this season, must step up—or the Tigers’ chances of advancing in Vegas could vanish. It’s the kind of narrative that makes Feast Week feel alive.
The Champions Classic Returns to Madison Square Garden
Before Vegas even heats up, the calendar kicks off with the State Farm Champions Classic—its 15th edition—back at Madison Square Garden on November 18. Michigan State (No. 22) and Kentucky (No. 9) open the night at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by Duke (No. 6) vs. Kansas (No. 19) at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a statement. These are programs that define college basketball, and their meeting here signals that the season’s true contenders are already showing themselves.
It’s the first time the Champions Classic has been in New York since 2021, and the energy will be electric. Fans who remember the 2021 game—when Duke’s Zion Williamson dominated—know what’s at stake. This year, it’s about proving depth, not just talent. Kansas, coming off a disappointing Sweet 16 exit, needs this win. Duke, with its freshman-heavy roster, needs to show it can win on the road.
Other Key Tournaments: Destin, Fort Myers, Charleston
While Las Vegas gets the spotlight, other tournaments are quietly shaping the NCAA tournament landscape. The Emerald Coast Classic in Destin, Florida features DePaul, Georgia Tech, Drake, and LSU. Semifinals on November 28: Georgia Tech vs. DePaul at 7 p.m. ET on CBSSN, then LSU vs. Drake at 9:30 p.m. ET. LSU, coming off a strong 2024 campaign, could use a win here to remind voters they’re still a threat.
Then there’s the Fort Myers Tip-Off on November 27, where North Carolina and Michigan State meet at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. This isn’t just a rematch of last year’s NCAA Tournament thriller—it’s a chance for North Carolina to show it’s not just a rebuilding team. And for Michigan State, it’s a chance to validate its top-25 ranking before the big test in New York.
The Charleston Classic in Charleston, South Carolina runs November 21–23. The Palmetto Bracket has Clemson, Georgia, West Virginia, and Xavier. The Lowcountry Bracket includes Utah State, Davidson, Tulane, and Boston College. Don’t overlook Davidson—the Wildcats have been quietly building a tournament-worthy resume under coach Bob McKillop.
The Jimmy V Classic: A Holiday Showdown
Even after Feast Week ends, the drama doesn’t stop. On Tuesday, December 9, the Jimmy V Men’s Classic returns to Madison Square Garden. First up: Clemson vs. BYU (ranked No. 6) at 6:30 p.m. ET. Then the main event: Florida Gators (No. 3, defending national champions) vs. UConn (No. 4). This isn’t just a game—it’s a potential Final Four preview. Florida’s senior Xaivian Lee and sophomore Boogie Fland will face UConn’s balanced, disciplined attack. If the Gators win, they’re not just defending champs—they’re title favorites.
Why This Matters
Feast Week isn’t about exhibition games. It’s about survival. Teams need wins against quality opponents to earn at-large bids. A loss to a mid-major? That’s a resume killer. A win over a top-10 team? That’s a ticket to March. And with the NCAA tournament selection committee placing heavier emphasis on NET rankings and Quadrant 1 wins, every game in this stretch is a referendum on a team’s postseason hopes.
ESPN Events Vice President John Wildhack said it best: "This isn’t just a schedule. It’s a proving ground." And in Las Vegas, Destin, Fort Myers, and Charleston, the best teams in the country are about to find out if they’re ready.
Women’s Tournament Highlights
While men’s basketball dominates headlines, the women’s side of the Players Era Festival is just as compelling. Four teams—three from last year’s Women’s Final Four—will compete. The championship game on Thanksgiving Day features Texas (No. 4) vs. South Carolina (No. 2), while the third-place game pits UCLA (No. 3) against Duke. These aren’t just games—they’re national title predictors. South Carolina, the defending national champion, will look to remind everyone they’re still the standard.
What’s Next?
After November 29, the real grind begins. Conference play starts in December, and the NCAA tournament bubble will start to take shape. But for now, the spotlight stays on these eight days. The games in Vegas, the late-night finishes in Fort Myers, the quiet showdowns in Charleston—they’re not just games. They’re turning points.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Players Era Festival impact NCAA tournament selection?
Winning at the Players Era Festival gives teams high-quality Quadrant 1 wins, which are critical for at-large bids. With nine AP Top 25 teams participating, a 2-0 record here can elevate a team from bubble status to a clear tournament lock. Teams like Auburn and St. John’s need these wins to offset earlier losses or weak nonconference schedules.
Why is the State Farm Champions Classic returning to Madison Square Garden?
Madison Square Garden is college basketball’s most iconic venue, and ESPN Events is leveraging its history to boost viewership. The return marks a strategic shift to anchor major events in high-profile markets. Since 2021, the Champions Classic has been held in neutral sites, but New York’s fanbase and media attention make it ideal for showcasing top programs like Duke, Kentucky, and Kansas.
Which teams are most vulnerable during Feast Week?
Teams like Auburn, without Keyshawn Hall, and Georgia Tech, which has struggled against top-tier competition, are at risk. Even ranked teams like Kansas and Xavier face tough draws. A single loss to a mid-major could derail their tournament hopes, especially if they’re already sitting on the bubble. Depth and coaching adjustments will determine who survives.
How does the Jimmy V Classic differ from Feast Week games?
The Jimmy V Classic occurs after Feast Week and serves as a late-season showcase rather than a resume-builder. It’s more about legacy and national exposure. The Florida-UConn matchup, for example, isn’t just about wins—it’s about cementing a rivalry and proving who’s truly elite after months of conference play.
Are any major players injured during Feast Week 2025?
Yes. Auburn’s leading scorer, Keyshawn Hall, is out for their game against Oregon due to an injury sustained against Houston. LSU’s starting point guard is also questionable after a knee tweak in practice. These absences could swing entire tournaments—especially in tight matchups like LSU vs. Drake or Auburn vs. Oregon.
Where can fans watch the games?
Most games air on ESPN networks, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and the ESPN App. The Players Era Festival men’s games stream exclusively on HBO Max, while the Emerald Coast Classic airs on CBSSN. The Fort Myers Tip-Off is on FOX, and the Jimmy V Classic is on ESPN. Fans should check local listings—some games are only on streaming platforms.
