Players Era CEO Reverses Course on 2026 Tournament Format

BREAKING: In a stunning turnaround, Players Era Festival CEO Seth Berger announced today that the tournament’s format is under reconsideration for the upcoming 2026 event, just 24 hours after affirming the current structure. This decision follows widespread criticism from fans after the matchups for Wednesday’s games were revealed just after midnight ET.

Berger confirmed to ESPN that the tournament will expand to 32 teams next year, prompting a reevaluation of the existing format, which currently struggles to accommodate this growth. “The reality of this is having the humility to listen,” Berger stated, acknowledging that the existing format may not suit the larger field.

Concerns arose primarily from fans in Las Vegas who expressed confusion about the current system, which determines game matchups based on a combination of criteria including margin of victory, record, and AP rankings. On Tuesday, Berger had firmly stated that no changes would be made, yet the backlash prompted an urgent reassessment.

Under the current format, Iowa State’s impressive performance—defeating reigning Big East champion St. John’s and dominating Creighton by 18 points—did not secure them a place in the championship games due to their overall margin of victory being insufficient. Consequently, they found themselves matched against Syracuse, a team that had lost both of its games in Las Vegas, raising eyebrows among fans and officials alike.

The stakes are high for this tournament, as the Players Era title game winner between Michigan and Gonzaga will secure an additional $1 million in NIL compensation, alongside the $1 million guaranteed for all participants. The runner-up will receive $500,000, while the winner of the third-place game between Tennessee and Kansas will take home $300,000.

With the mounting pressure from fans and the realization that the current format is ill-suited for a larger tournament, Berger’s swift change of heart reflects the growing importance of fan engagement in sports. The upcoming 2026 tournament is expected to feature a revamped structure with four eight-team pods, setting the stage for a significant transformation in how teams compete.

As the Players Era Festival approaches its pivotal moments, all eyes will be on how organizers implement these changes. Fans are eager to see whether the new format will enhance clarity and excitement in this evolving sports landscape. The urgency for reform highlights the critical intersection of fan satisfaction and tournament integrity, ensuring that the Players Era remains a marquee event in collegiate sports.

Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops!