The summer basketball scene in the Heartland is set to ignite as Kansas State University and the University of Kansas meet in a best‑of‑three alumni showdown as part of The Basketball Tournament (TBT). The series, branded as Purple Reign versus JHX Hoops, will unfold across two of the schools’ home arenas and showcase former collegiate stars in a high‑stakes competition.
Series schedule and venues
Game 1 is slated for July 21 at 8 p.m. at Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas, and will air on FS1. Two days later, Game 2 moves to Lawrence’s Lee Arena, tipping off at 7 p.m. on FS2. Should a third game be required, it returns to Bramlage Coliseum on July 24 at 8 p.m., this time streaming on YouTube.
A prize worth chasing
Beyond bragging rights, the tournament offers a winner‑take‑all purse of $2 million, underscoring the growing financial stakes of alumni‑focused basketball. The alumni bracket features eight teams, including Purple Reign and JHX Hoops, while other matchups pit Kentucky against Louisville and Syracuse against Seton Hall.
The championship game of the alumni bracket is scheduled for July 29 at 6 p.m. on FS1, after which the winner will advance to face the victor of the Wichita State versus New Mexico series on July 27. The ultimate showdown of the tournament will take place on August 2 on FOX, pitting the alumni champion against the winner of the Las Vegas bracket.
Broadcast partners and production
All games are produced in collaboration with The Basketball Tournament’s founder Jon Mugar, who expressed excitement about bringing the event to Bramlage Coliseum. The broadcast lineup includes FS1, FS2, YouTube, and FOX, ensuring extensive coverage across cable and streaming platforms.