Amanda Knapp
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played in the summer across the United States. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar, and as of 2024, the tournament is aired on Fox and its sister networks. TBT has a \$1 million winner-take-all prize, and teams are arranged by the general manager, sometimes based on which college basketball program the players competed for. The tournament has seen the participation of current and former NBA and WNBA players, and many teams feature professional players reunited under a former college or university name.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | The Basketball Tournament (TBT) |
| Format | Single-elimination tournament |
| Number of Teams | 64 |
| Prize | $1 million |
| Year founded | 2014 |
| Founder | Real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar |
| Current owner | Co-owned by Mugar and Chris Paul |
| Broadcasters | Fox, FS1, and FS2 |
| Number of games | 27 |
| Notable players | Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, Mike Bibby, Nikki Teasley, Greg Oden |
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What You'll Learn
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) founder and CEO: Jon Mugar
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played in the summer in the United States. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan "Jon" Mugar. Mugar is also the CEO of TBT.
The idea for the tournament came to Mugar while he was working for the TV network Adult Swim in Los Angeles. In a text to a long-time friend, Mugar asked: "What would happen if you put $50 million on the table and invited any basketball team in the world to play for it? Would the Lakers or Duke enter?". This concept became an obsession for Mugar, and over the following months, he fleshed it out into a five-page document and sought feedback from friends and family.
Mugar and his friends and family initially put up $500,000 in prize money for the first tournament in 2014, which featured 32 teams. The tournament has since grown significantly, with 64 teams competing for a $1 million prize in 2019. The tournament has featured current and former NBA and WNBA players, including Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, Mike Bibby, Nikki Teasley, and Greg Oden.
In addition to his role as founder and CEO of TBT, Mugar has also had a career in television. After graduating from Tufts University, he moved to Chicago to study at the Second City training center, where he worked on writing and directing. He then moved to California, where he worked for Adult Swim for about seven years.
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TBT co-owner: Chris Paul
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual open-invitation, single-elimination basketball tournament played in the United States each summer. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar, and as of 2024, it is aired on Fox and its sister network, Fox Sports 1 (FS1).
TBT has had several current and former NBA players participate, including Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, and Mike Bibby. The tournament has also featured former WNBA player Nikki Teasley and the basketball return of Greg Oden in 2018. In 2019, the tournament was expected to feature an active female professional, Megan Gustafson, but she was ultimately unable to participate due to her re-signing with the Dallas Wings.
TBT uses a modified version of NCAA men's basketball rules, with some exceptions. For example, games are played in 9-minute quarters instead of 20-minute halves, and players foul out after their 6th personal foul rather than the 5th. The tournament has also adopted rituals such as the bracket celebration, which was popularized by the movie The Karate Kid.
One notable figure associated with TBT is Chris Paul, who is a co-owner of the tournament. Paul, a well-known NBA player, entered a team in the 2019 tournament called "Team CP3." His involvement, along with that of other NBA players and personalities, has contributed to the growth and success of the tournament.
As TBT continues to evolve, it remains committed to providing a platform for players of all backgrounds, including NBA veterans, college alumni, and up-and-coming athletes, to showcase their talent and compete for a significant cash prize. The tournament has become an anticipated event in the basketball community, attracting participants and fans alike, with the support of owners like Chris Paul.
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TBT rules: modified version of NCAA men's basketball rules
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played every summer in the United States. It was founded by Jonathan Mugar in 2014 and normally features a 64-team field, although this was reduced to 24 in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The rules of TBT are based on the NCAA men's basketball rules, with some modifications.
One of the most significant differences is the game format. TBT games are played in 9-minute quarters instead of 20-minute halves. This is similar to the 10-minute quarters played in the NCAA women's game. Another difference is the foul limit, which is set at 6 personal fouls in TBT, compared to 5 in the NCAA.
Bonus free throws in TBT follow NCAA women's and FIBA rules. Two free throws are awarded on the 5th and subsequent non-shooting fouls by the defence in a quarter. However, during the Elam Ending, any foul that would result in bonus free throws will instead give the non-fouling team one free throw and possession of the ball. This rule was implemented to reduce the number of games ending on free throws.
TBT also adopts the FIBA rule on basket interference, with the exception of free throws. This means that once the ball hits the rim on a field goal attempt, any player from either team can play the ball, regardless of its movement or position. However, players cannot interfere with the basketball if the game clock expires on any quarter and the ball still has a chance to go in.
Replay review in TBT is also governed by NCAA rules, with a slight modification. In the NCAA, a review is only allowed in the last two minutes of a game, while in TBT, a review is permitted if either team is within three points of the Elam Ending target score. Additionally, due to the adoption of the Elam Ending for all games, there is no overtime in TBT.
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TBT 2024: Televised by Fox Sports
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played in the summer across various regions in the United States. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar, and it has since become a highly anticipated event in the basketball community.
In 2024, TBT will be televised by Fox Sports, marking a significant milestone for the tournament. Fox Sports has secured the broadcast rights to TBT, reaching a multiyear agreement to televise the tournament's games across its network, including Fox, FS1, and FS2. This partnership will bring the excitement of TBT to a broader audience and elevate the tournament's profile.
The 2024 tournament will feature a 64-team field, with teams competing for a $1 million winner-take-all prize. The structure of the tournament remains consistent with previous years, with regional events hosted by alumni teams representing prominent college basketball programs. The first team to sell 4,000 tickets will earn Home Court Advantage, a unique feature of TBT that adds to the intensity of the competition.
Fox Sports' involvement in TBT is expected to attract even more top basketball talent to the tournament. Over the years, TBT has seen the participation of current and former NBA and WNBA players, including Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, Mike Bibby, and Nikki Teasley. The tournament has also received support from active NBA players and has become a platform for intense and passionate competition.
With Fox Sports' extensive reach and TBT's growing popularity, the 2024 tournament is poised to be a landmark event, offering basketball fans across the country the opportunity to witness thrilling matchups and celebrate the sport. The partnership between Fox Sports and TBT underscores the tournament's significance and its ability to draw in both competitors and spectators alike.
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TBT 2025: 12th year of TBT
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played in the United States, with a $1 million cash prize for the winners. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar, and as of 2024, it airs in the U.S. on Fox and its sister networks, Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and FS2.
In 2025, TBT will be in its 12th year. The tournament will take place across eight regions from July 18th to August 3rd. Wichita, Kansas City, and Syracuse are among the confirmed host cities, with Wichita State alumni team AfterShocks, Kansas University alumni team JHX Hoops, and Syracuse University alumni team Boeheim's Army all set to feature.
TBT 2025 will once again see 64 teams compete, with the first team to sell 4,000 tickets earning Home Court Advantage. The other seven hosts will be ranked according to the fastest time to sell 4,000 tickets. The tournament will feature a mix of professional players reunited under former college or university teams, as well as current and former NBA and WNBA players.
Since its inception, TBT has grown in popularity, attracting over 75 players with NBA experience in 2024, the most in its history. The tournament has also inspired the creation of The Soccer Tournament (TST), a 7v7, single-elimination soccer tournament launched in 2023, which offers equal prize money for men's and women's teams.
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Frequently asked questions
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) was founded by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar in 2014.
The number of teams has varied since its establishment, ranging from 24 teams in 2020 to 97 teams in 2015. In recent years, the tournament has settled into a 64-team field.
TBT uses a modified version of NCAA men's basketball rules. Games are played in 9-minute quarters, and players foul out on their 6th personal foul. Bonus free-throw rules follow NCAA women's and FIBA rules.
TBT is a winner-take-all tournament, with the winning team receiving a $1 million cash prize. In 2019, there were additional prizes, with each regional winner receiving 25% of their region's ticket proceeds.
TBT has reached a multi-year agreement with Fox Sports to televise the tournament across its network, including Fox, FS1, and FS2.
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