The Basketball Tournament has entered its knockout phase, with eight teams still in contention for the $2 million winner‑take‑all prize.
Live Coverage and Broadcast Details
Games will be streamed live on FOX and FS1 through August 2, giving fans a clear window to follow the action as the field narrows.
Viewers can watch every matchup for free by signing up for a five‑day trial of DIRECTV, which provides both live and on‑demand access without additional cost.
A New Format for 2026
The tournament’s structure has been reshaped to include a best‑of‑three series in the opening round, splitting the field into an Alumni Bracket and a non‑alumni Vegas Bracket. Each game now employs the Elam Ending, a rule that replaces the traditional clock with a target score eight points higher than the leader’s total, creating a decisive finish.
Fox Sports has secured a two‑year extension to remain the exclusive broadcast home, a move that underscores the league’s confidence in the event’s growing audience.
The 2025 season delivered a 67 percent jump in viewership for the championship finale and set a record attendance of 85,395 fans across the summer, highlighting the tournament’s rising popularity.