UPDATE: In a surprising turn of events, Players Era Festival CEO Seth Berger announced just hours ago that the festival will explore a new format for the 2026 tournament, expanding from 18 to 32 teams. This decision follows significant backlash over the current format, which left many fans confused after matchups were not released until after midnight ET today.
Berger’s reversal marks a dramatic shift from his earlier statements. Just yesterday, he insisted that no changes would be made, despite acknowledging fan concerns about the tournament structure. “The reality of this is having the humility to listen,” Berger told ESPN. “We thought we had come up with the right solution… I don’t know that we’re going to a bracket, but all ideas are on the table.”
The controversy erupted after the Iowa State Cyclones, despite a strong performance—defeating St. John’s and Creighton—were unexpectedly matched against Syracuse in the tournament. Syracuse had lost both of its games, yet Iowa State’s overall margin of victory of plus-19 did not qualify them for the championship or third-place games. This mismatch underscores the issues with the current format, which relies heavily on complex metrics such as margin of victory and head-to-head records.
The implications of this announcement are significant. The champion of the Players Era title game, featuring Michigan and Gonzaga, will receive an additional $1 million in NIL compensation, while the runner-up is set to earn $500,000. The third-place game between Tennessee and Kansas promises a prize of $300,000 for the winner, underscoring the financial stakes involved.
As the Players Era Festival prepares for its 2026 iteration, fans can expect a radical overhaul of the competition format, including the introduction of four eight-team pods. Berger’s acknowledgment of the need for change reflects a commitment to improving the tournament experience for players and fans alike.
This developing story highlights the ongoing evolution of competitive formats in sports, emphasizing the importance of fan engagement and understanding. Stay tuned for more updates on how the Players Era Festival adapts and grows in the coming years.
