The Basketball Tournament, commonly known as TBT, has confirmed that Louisville’s alumni basketball team, The Ville, will once again compete in the 2026 edition, marking the fourth straight year the squad has earned a spot in the event.
A New Format for a Shrinking Field
This year’s tournament will feature only sixteen teams, a dramatic reduction from the sixty‑four that have traditionally participated. The prize pool has been doubled to two million dollars, underscoring the organizers’ intent to reward alumni programs that draw on deep‑rooted college connections.
The first round will be played as a best‑of‑three series, and games will conclude with the Elam Ending, which adds eight points to the leading team’s score when the clock falls below four minutes in the fourth quarter.
A Familiar Rivalry Rekindled
The Ville’s opening match will pit them against Kentucky’s alumni team, La Familia, in a best‑of‑three showdown. The series will be overseen by former Louisville All‑American Russ Smith, who has taken on the dual responsibilities of general manager and player for The Ville.
Smith, celebrated for his tenure as a standout guard for the Cardinals, now assembles a roster that he hopes will consist exclusively of former Louisville players. Assisting him as assistant general manager is Wayne Blackshear, while Michael Baffour takes the helm as head coach.
A Tradition Reimagined
Since its inception in 2014, TBT has grown from a modest concept into a platform that showcases former collegiate and professional talent across the country. The tournament’s use of the Elam Ending has become a signature feature, adding a strategic twist that keeps games competitive until the final seconds.
With the field narrowed and the stakes higher, the 2026 edition promises to blend nostalgia with fresh competition, as alumni teams vie for a larger prize and a chance to cement their legacy on a national stage.