March Madness has long been the pinnacle of college basketball, captivating fans. But in 2025, a new tournament is set to elevate the postseason excitement even further: the College Basketball Crown.
This brand-new competition promises to showcase top-tier talent, heated rivalries, and an extra dose of basketball magic. What makes this tournament different, and why should fans be paying attention? Let’s dive into all the details!
Introducing the College Basketball Crown
The College Basketball Crown is an innovative postseason tournament debuting in 2025. Spearheaded by Fox Sports and the Anschutz Entertainment Group, this event aims to provide another high-stakes stage for elite college basketball programs beyond the traditional NCAA Tournament. While March Madness remains the gold standard, the College Basketball Crown is poised to carve out its legacy.
Coming this March live from Vegas. Who will take home the Crown? 👑 pic.twitter.com/Iots3CRE8i
— College Basketball Crown (@CBBCrown) February 1, 2025
Scheduled to take place from March 31 to April 6, 2025, this tournament will feature 16 top-tier men’s teams, including powerhouses from the Big Ten, Big 12, and Big East, and select at-large invitations. The goal?
Allow teams to prove themselves and fans a reason to keep the excitement going after the NCAA Tournament field is set.
Unlike traditional postseason events, this tournament does not offer automatic bids. Teams are invited based on their regular-season performances, ensuring a competitive lineup of programs ready to battle it out for a title.
Tournament Format and Venues
The College Basketball Crown will follow a single-elimination format, creating an intense win-or-go-home environment. The bracket will feature four rounds leading up to the championship game. Teams will be seeded 1-16, ensuring top-performing teams have a theoretical advantage. Though, as we all know, seeding rarely guarantees success in the unpredictable world of college hoops.
One of the tournament’s biggest draws? Las Vegas. Games will be split between two iconic venues:
- MGM Grand Garden Arena for the early rounds
- T-Mobile Arena for the semifinals and championship game
Key Dates and Game Times
First Round (March 31 – April 1)
- Game Times: 12:00 p.m. PT, 2:30 p.m. PT, 5:30 p.m. PT, 8:00 p.m. PT
- Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena
Quarterfinals (April 2–April 3)
- Game Times: 4:00 p.m. PT, 6:30 p.m. PT
- Venue: MGM Grand Garden Arena
Semifinals (April 5):
- Game Times: 10:30 a.m. PT, 1:00 p.m. PT
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena
Championship Game (April 6):
- Game Time: 2:30 p.m. PT
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena
Las Vegas has quickly become a hotbed for basketball, with the NBA Summer League, the Pac-12 Tournament, and now the College Basketball Crown adding to the city’s growing hoops culture. The combination of top-level competition and an electrifying atmosphere should make this event an instant success.
Selection and Seeding Process
How do teams secure a spot in the College Basketball Crown? Unlike the NCAA Tournament, there are no automatic bids based on conference championships. Instead, teams will be hand-selected by a committee based on the following criteria:
- Overall record
- Strength of schedule
- Performance against ranked opponents
- Net efficiency ratings
Once selected, teams will be seeded 1-16, with higher seeds facing lower-seeded opponents in the first round. However, given how unpredictable postseason play can be, upsets and surprises are almost guaranteed.
Broadcasting and Media Coverage
For fans eager to watch every dunk, three-pointer, and game-winning shot, Fox Sports has exclusive broadcasting rights. Coverage will span multiple platforms:
- Early rounds on FS1
- The semifinals and championship game are on FOX
- Streaming options are available on Fox Sports App and FoxSports.com
With in-depth analysis, expert commentary, and behind-the-scenes access, this tournament will have the full media backing of a major sports network, ensuring fans don’t miss a second of the action.
What the College Basketball Crown Means for the Sport
The introduction of the College Basketball Crown could shake up the college basketball landscape. While March Madness remains king, this tournament offers additional postseason opportunities for teams looking to cap off their seasons in style.
For the players, it’s another chance to showcase their skills on a national stage—especially for those looking to impress NBA scouts. For the coaches, it’s an opportunity to build momentum for the next season while competing against other elite programs.
For the fans, it means more high-quality college basketball—and who wouldn’t want that?
Could this tournament rival the NIT or even create a shift in how teams approach postseason play? Only time will tell.
KEEP READING: When Does March Madness Start?
With a Las Vegas backdrop, a highly competitive field, and national TV coverage, the College Basketball Crown is set to become a must-watch event in the college basketball calendar. As teams gear up for this exciting new tournament, fans can expect intensity, drama, and unforgettable moments.
The only question that remains is: Which team will make history by becoming the first-ever College Basketball Crown champion?
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