Players Era Championship has agreed to provide the University of Kansas at least $3.1 million in NIL opportunities, travel support and other expenses in exchange for the Jayhawks men’s basketball team competing in three games during its Las Vegas-based November tournament.
Last month, Players Era announced its “landmark five-year extension” with Kansas, which finished third in last year’s event, previously known as the Players Era Festival.
According to a copy of the “binding term sheet” obtained through a public records request, Players Era will provide $2.75 million to Kansas in NIL money, a $200,000 travel stipend, and $150,000 for lodging, meals and other travel expenses. Additionally, Players Era would provide 150 complimentary tickets and the chance to purchase additional tickets that the school could sell for a profit, minus a 20% commission.
Kansas is among 24 teams slated to participate in two Players Era events in Las Vegas this season—alongside Florida, Houston, Auburn and Notre Dame—an expansion of last year’s 18-team field. The Jayhawks will compete in the Players Era Eight beginning Nov. 17; there will also be a 16-team edition the following week.
Kansas’ new term sheet comes with some important caveats—and at least one significant point of confusion. It allows Players Era to opt out of the agreement each year “if it determines is [sic] unable to operate any of the Championships.”
