CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery have retained the rights to broadcast NCAA Tournament games this season, while Fox Sports has partnered with live event promoter AEG to launch their own postseason college basketball tournament called the College Basketball Crown. The tournament will take place in Las Vegas from March 31 to April 6, 2025, leading up to the NCAA Final Four scheduled for April 5 and 7 next year.
The College Basketball Crown will consist of at least two teams from the Big East, Big 12, and Big Ten conferences, as these conferences have media rights deals with Fox Sports. The remaining teams in the 16-team field will be selected by a committee. Schools that did not qualify for the NCAA Tournament will also be eligible to participate.
Fox Sports executive vice president Jordan Bazant expressed excitement about the tournament, stating that it showcases the network’s commitment to evolving and enhancing the sport of college basketball. The collaboration with AEG and the Big East, Big 12, and Big Ten conferences will provide more opportunities for student-athletes to compete in high-quality postseason games, creating a thrilling pursuit for the College Basketball Crown.
AEG’s chief revenue officer Todd Goldstein emphasized the unique and beneficial experience that the College Basketball Crown will bring to fans and the global sports landscape. With the support of Fox Sports and the three major conferences, AEG believes that Las Vegas is
