A historic rivalry returns to the hardwood
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is set to make its 2026 comeback with a $2 million prize pool and a fresh format that pits eight alumni squads against eight non‑alumni teams. The competition will culminate in a title game on August 2, with the winner of the alumni bracket earning the right to host the final.
At the center of the action is a best‑of‑three series that pits La Familia, a team composed of former University of Kentucky players, against The Ville, a squad drawn from University of Louisville alumni. The series opens on July 18 in Memorial Coliseum in Lexington, Kentucky, before moving to Freedom Hall in Louisville for Game 2 on July 20.
If a third game becomes necessary, it will be staged on July 22 at the venue whose ticket sales generate the most revenue, adding a competitive edge to the financial stakes. The victor of this alumni showdown will then face the winner of the Syracuse‑Seton Hall matchup, creating a clear path to the championship.
Coaches, front office and historic attendance
Jon Hood, a former Wildcats standout, will serve as head coach of La Familia, guiding a roster that includes Willie Cauley‑Stein, Archie Goodwin and Reid Travis. Across the state line, Russ Smith will lead the Louisville front office and has announced his intention to play in the tournament, joining Edgar Sosa and Malik Williams on The Ville.
The 2024 edition of the event set a record with an announced crowd of 13,506 fans at Freedom Hall, the largest attendance in the tournament’s 12‑year history, underscoring the deep-rooted enthusiasm for these matchups.
Beyond the on‑court drama, the tournament highlights the broader college basketball landscape, featuring alumni teams from institutions such as Kansas University, Kansas State University, New Mexico University and Wichita State University, each bringing their own legacy of former players to the competition.