In a surprising move, Fox Sports has opted not to broadcast any NCAA Tournament games this season, as the rights to these games are held by CBS and Warner Bros. Discovery. Instead, the network is partnering 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 aims to attract viewers outside of the March Madness craze by providing an alternative postseason event. The tournament 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 three major 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
