The Basketball Tournament, a single‑elimination summer series that has become a staple of American amateur basketball, is set to return in 2026 with a series of upgrades that promise to raise its profile even further.
A $2 million prize and best‑of‑three showdown
For the first time, the championship game will carry a $2 million purse, and the opening round will be contested as a best‑of‑three series, giving teams a chance to adjust after each game.
One of the most anticipated matchups will see Isaiah Whitehead’s Hall In, representing Seton Hall, take on Buddy Boeheim’s Boeheim’s Army from Syracuse. The series is scheduled to run from July 21 through July 24, with games alternating between Walsh Gymnasium in South Orange and the Upstate Medical Arena in Syracuse.
The winner of that series will advance to face the victor of the Kentucky‑Louisville matchup in the second round, creating a cascade of high‑stakes contests that will culminate in the Alumni Bracket Championship on July 29.
Meanwhile, a separate Las Vegas Bracket will run from July 22 to July 30, featuring non‑alumni teams competing in a city that has become a hub for the tournament’s expanding reach.
Growth and momentum
The growth of TBT is evident not only in its prize money but also in its audience. In 2025 the championship game attracted a record 9,029 fans in attendance, and overall tournament attendance has risen by more than 136 percent since 2022.
Organizers say the new format reflects feedback from players, fans and broadcasters, and they expect the momentum to continue as the tournament expands its digital footprint and community engagement.