The 2026 edition of The Basketball Tournament will open with a highly anticipated clash between Purple Reign and JHX Hoops, the alumni teams representing Kansas State and the University of Kansas. The first game is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at 8 p.m. Central Time in Bramlage Coliseum in Manhattan, Kansas.
A Renewed Rivalry
Michael Beasley, who starred for Kansas State from 2007‑08, will return to Bramlage Coliseum, the arena where he first made his mark in college basketball. Joining him on the Purple Reign roster, Beasley will be accompanied by a group of former Wildcats teammates eager to reclaim the spotlight. Across the court, Frank Mason III, the 2016‑17 Big 12 Player of the Year, will lead the Kansas alumni squad, bringing his championship pedigree and point‑guard poise to the tournament.
Broadcast and Prize
The Basketball Tournament this year offers a $2 million prize that will be divided among the champion’s roster, adding an extra layer of incentive for the alumni squads. The 13th edition of the event features 14 teams, eight of which are alumni programs and six are non‑alumni entries, creating a diverse field of competitors.
The two programs previously met in Kansas City last year, where Purple Reign edged out a 59‑57 victory in a game that went down to the final possession. That narrow win fuels the desire for redemption on both sides, and the upcoming series will be the second encounter between the rivals in the tournament, raising expectations for another tightly contested battle.
Fans can expect a high‑energy atmosphere as the game will be televised on FS1 and streamed on Fubo, ensuring broad exposure for the tournament and its participants. With the prize money, national exposure, and a storied rivalry on the line, the 2026 showdown promises to be a marquee event in the summer basketball calendar.