A Renewed Rivalry
The 2026 edition of The Basketball Tournament will open on July 21 at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas, where the alumni squads Purple Reign and JHX Hoops are slated to clash at 8 p.m. Central Time. The contest will be carried nationally on FS1 and made available through the streaming platform Fubo, giving fans across the country a chance to watch the showdown live.
Beyond the spectacle, the tournament carries a $2 million prize for the champion, underscoring its growing financial clout. This year’s field features 14 teams — eight composed of alumni and six made up of non‑alumni players — continuing a format that has become a hallmark of the event’s 13th season.
History in the Making
The two programs previously met in Kansas City, where Purple Reign edged out a 59‑57 victory, a result that added a layer of intrigue to the upcoming rematch. The stakes are heightened by the $2 million prize and the chance to claim bragging rights in a rivalry that has already produced a nail‑biter.
Adding star power, Kansas State will field Michael Beasley while Kansas will showcase Frank Mason III, two former college standouts who bring professional experience to the alumni rosters. Their presence is expected to raise the competitive intensity and draw additional attention from basketball enthusiasts.