Andrew Pace
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination basketball tournament played each summer in the United States. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar, and as of 2024, it airs on Fox and its sister network Fox Sports 1 (FS1). TBT has featured several current and former NBA and WNBA players, including Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, and Nikki Teasley. The tournament has a cash prize for the winning team, which was $1 million for the 2024 edition.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founder | Real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar |
| Year of founding | 2014 |
| Number of teams | Varied over the years, from 24 to 97 teams, but has settled in recent years to a 64-team field |
| Format | Open-invitation, single-elimination tournament |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Location | United States |
| Prize | Cash prize, with the most recent tournament in 2024 awarding $1 million to the winners |
| Rules | Modified version of NCAA men's basketball rules, including 9-minute quarters |
| Notable participants | Current and former NBA and WNBA players, such as Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, and Nikki Teasley |
| Alumni teams | Buffalo, Marquette, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Syracuse |
| COVID-19 protocols | Any team with a player testing positive was immediately disqualified |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
TBT founded in 2014 by Jonathan Mugar
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual open-invitation, single-elimination basketball tournament founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar. The tournament is played during the summer in the United States, with teams competing for a cash prize. In its inaugural year, the championship prize money was $500,000, which increased to $1 million the following year. Since 2016, the top prize has been $2 million, except in 2020 when it reverted to $1 million.
TBT has become a highly anticipated event, with the number of participating teams varying over the years, from as many as 97 teams in 2015 to as few as 24 teams in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament usually features a 64-team field, divided into eight regions, with each regional winner advancing to the championship venue. The tournament has attracted current and former NBA and WNBA players, including Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, and Nikki Teasley.
TBT 2020 was particularly notable as the first televised basketball event in the US since the suspension of professional sports due to the pandemic. The organizers implemented strict quarantine and testing protocols, immediately disqualifying any team with a positive COVID-19 case. The event was broadcast on ESPN networks but closed to the public.
As TBT enters its 12th year in 2025, it continues to grow in popularity, with competitive teams and exciting host sites. The tournament has become a staple of summer basketball, providing an opportunity for players and fans to come together and compete for lucrative prizes. With its unique format and high stakes, TBT has firmly established itself as a significant event in the basketball world.
Vanderbilt Basketball TV Schedule: Tonight's Game?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TBT's prize money
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played each summer in the United States. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar.
Since its inception, TBT has awarded prize money to the winning team. The prize money has varied over the years:
- 2014: $500,000
- 2015: $1,000,000
- 2016-2019: $2,000,000
- 2020-present: $1,000,000
The prize money goes to the winning team's personnel to divide up at their discretion. The winning team takes home the entire purse, while the losing teams do not receive any money. In addition to the prize money for the winning team, there are also prizes for fans who submit bracket entries. The top 1,000 bracket entries that score the most points through their picks receive prizes on a de-escalating scale, with the winner receiving $4,000.
Illinois Basketball: Scores and Their Impact
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TBT's format and rules
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played over the summer in the United States. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar.
The number of teams participating in the tournament has varied over the years, ranging from 24 teams in 2020 to a high of 97 teams in 2015. However, in recent years, the tournament has typically featured a 64-team field. The teams are arranged by the general manager, sometimes based on the college basketball program the players competed for. Many teams feature professional players reuniting under a former college or university name.
The tournament format includes a group stage, with the teams divided into eight regions. Each regional winner then advances to the championship venue. The games are played in 9-minute quarters instead of 20-minute halves or 10-minute quarters in the NCAA women's game.
The winning team receives a cash prize, which has varied over the years. The prize money was $500,000 in 2014, increasing to $1 million in 2015, and $2 million from 2016 to 2019. Since 2020, the top prize has returned to $1 million. The prize money is awarded to the winning team's personnel. There are also prizes for the top 1,000 bracket entries submitted by fans, starting at $4,000 for the winner.
Fractions in Basketball: Strategies and Performance Enhancement
You may want to see also
Explore related products
NBA players' involvement in TBT
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played in the summer in the United States. It was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar. The tournament features a cash prize for the winning team, which was $1 million for the 2024 tournament.
TBT has seen the participation and involvement of several current and former NBA players. The tournament has had NBA players participate as players, coaches, GMs, and boosters for different teams. Here is a detailed look at the NBA players' involvement in TBT:
NBA Players as Participants:
NBA players have actively participated in TBT over the years. Some notable current and former NBA players who have played in TBT include Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Dahntay Jones, Mike Bibby, Royal Ivey, Matt Bonner, Jimmer Fredette, and Brian Scalabrine. The 2018 tournament marked the return of Greg Oden to the basketball court, who last played in the Chinese Basketball Association during the 2015-16 season. Former WNBA player Nikki Teasley also participated in the 2014 tournament.
NBA Players as Boosters and Supporters:
Active NBA players have shown their support for TBT teams. Kyle Lowry and Obi Toppin are known for their fan support for various teams. In 2016, NBA players John Wall, Kristaps Porzingis, Rudy Gay, Shaun Livingston, Chandler Parsons, and Austin Rivers served as boosters for different teams.
NBA Players as Coaches:
TBT has also witnessed NBA players transitioning into coaching roles. In 2019, Bobby Portis and Andre Drummond coached TBT sides, showcasing their leadership skills off the court. Jared Sullinger is another example of an NBA player who coached the 2019 TBT title-winning team, Carmen's Crew.
NBA Players in Hosting Roles:
Carmelo Anthony, a well-known NBA player, took on the role of host for the 2017 TBT in Baltimore, where he played high school basketball. His involvement added a special touch to the tournament.
NBA Players Entering Teams:
In 2019, TBT saw increased NBA participation with Chris Paul (Team CP3) and DeMarcus Cousins (Loyalty Is Love) entering teams. This marked a significant crossover between the NBA and TBT, bringing additional attention to the tournament.
As TBT continues to grow and evolve, it is likely that the tournament will continue to attract the involvement of current and former NBA players, further bridging the gap between professional and amateur basketball circuits.
The Year LeBron James Became Mr. Basketball
You may want to see also
Explore related products
TBT 2020 during the pandemic
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual winner-take-all summer event founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar. The 2020 TBT tournament was held during the COVID-19 pandemic, which posed unique challenges for the organisers.
To ensure the safety of all participants, Mugar and his colleagues developed a comprehensive health and safety plan in collaboration with a Johns Hopkins public health expert. This plan included quarantining all players, coaches, GMs, staff, camera crews, and game officials in a hotel until they received negative on-site test results. Even after testing negative, individuals could only leave the hotel for practices, games, or designated team rooms.
The 2020 TBT tournament featured a reduced number of teams compared to previous years, with only 24 teams participating. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the tournament was a success, with the Golden Eagles, a Marquette alumni team, defeating Sideline Cancer to claim the $1 million prize.
Mugar acknowledged that TBT 2020 was not easy, but he found satisfaction in seeing the players enjoy themselves and celebrate their victories. He also recognised the importance of following health and safety protocols to ensure a glitch-free tournament during a challenging time for sports. The 2020 TBT demonstrated the resilience and adaptability of the organisers and participants, showcasing their commitment to continuing the tournament tradition despite the pandemic's obstacles.
The Quest for the Ultimate Basketball Record: Most Shots Made
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar.
The number of teams has varied since the tournament's establishment. In 2020, the tournament had 24 teams, while in 2015, it had 97 teams. In recent years, the tournament has settled into a 64-team field.
TBT is an open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played each summer in the United States. The winning team receives a cash prize, which has ranged from $500,000 to $2 million. The tournament has featured current and former NBA and WNBA players. Teams are often arranged by the general manager based on the college basketball program the players competed for.
The TBT 2020 tournament was the first televised basketball event held in the United States after the suspension of professional sports due to the pandemic. Organizers implemented quarantine and testing protocols, and any team with a player testing positive was immediately disqualified. The tournament was closed to the public, and games were broadcast via ESPN networks.
