
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played in the United States, with the winner taking home a cash prize. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar, and the prize money has since increased from $500,000 to $2 million. The first team to win the $2 million prize was Overseas Elite in 2016, with Arizona alumnus Kyle Fogg named MVP.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2016 |
| Tournament Name | The Basketball Tournament (TBT) |
| Winner | Overseas Elite |
| MVP | Arizona alumnus Kyle Fogg |
| Prize Money | $2 million |
| Runner-up | Team Colorado |
| Final Score | 77-72 |
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What You'll Learn

The Basketball Tournament (TBT) was founded in 2014 by Jonathan Mugar
The Basketball Tournament, commonly known as TBT, is an annual open-invitation, single-elimination basketball tournament played in the United States. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar, alongside his friend Dan Friel. Mugar, a Boston native residing in Los Angeles, is also the CEO of TBT.
The tournament features a cash prize for the winning team, which was originally $500,000 in 2014. The prize money was increased to $1 million in 2015 and then to $2 million from 2016 through 2019. Since 2020, the top prize has been $1 million. The number of teams participating in the tournament has varied, with as many as 97 teams in 2015 and as few as 24 teams in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In recent years, the tournament has typically featured a 64-team field.
The tournament has attracted current and former NBA players, including Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Mike Bibby, Matt Bonner, Jimmer Fredette, and Brian Scalabrine. In 2016, NBA players such as John Wall, Kristaps Porzingis, and Rudy Gay served as boosters for different teams. TBT has also had involvement from WNBA players, with Nikki Teasley participating in the 2014 tournament.
The format of the tournament typically involves a single-elimination bracket, with the winning team advancing to the next round. The tournament has sometimes been divided into regional competitions, with each regional winner advancing to the championship venue. The final games of the tournament are often highly competitive, with teams vying for the substantial cash prize.
In 2022, the final was held in Dayton, Ohio, between Blue Collar U (Buffalo) and Autism Army. Blue Collar U ultimately won the game with a score of 89-67, with the winning points coming from a dunk by Montell McRae. C.J. Massinburg of the winning team was named MVP.
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The 2016 winners, Overseas Elite, were led by Arizona alumnus Kyle Fogg
The 2016 iteration of The Basketball Tournament saw Overseas Elite crowned champions for the second consecutive year. The team, which included the likes of Errick McCollum, Jeremy Pargo, and Kyle Fogg, defeated Team Colorado 77-72 in the final to claim the $2 million prize.
Overseas Elite's victory in 2016 was the culmination of a hard-fought tournament that began with 64 teams, organised into four regions of 16 teams each. The tournament, which started on July 9 and concluded on August 2, featured a mix of fan-selected teams, at-large selections, defending regional winners, and teams that excelled in fundraising for charitable causes.
The semifinals and championship game of the 2016 tournament were broadcast on ESPN and ESPN2, respectively, bringing the intense action to viewers across the country. The championship game, played at Rose Hill Gymnasium at Fordham University in The Bronx, showcased the talent and determination of both Overseas Elite and Team Colorado.
Among the standout players on Overseas Elite was Arizona alumnus Kyle Fogg, who played a pivotal role in the team's success. Fogg, a former Arizona standout, had previously found success in the German League, where he was the top scorer, and in the EuroCup, where he won a championship. His skills and experience undoubtedly contributed to Overseas Elite's dominant performance in the tournament.
The 2016 victory solidified Overseas Elite's status as a force to be reckoned with in The Basketball Tournament, and their success continued in subsequent years, making them three-time defending champions at one point. The team's performance, led by the talented Kyle Fogg, remains a testament to the skill, strategy, and passion that define The Basketball Tournament.
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The tournament has featured NBA players and coaches
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played in the summer across the United States. The tournament features a cash prize for the winners, which was $2 million from 2016 to 2019. Since 2020, the top prize has been $1 million.
TBT has had a number of current and former NBA players participate. The 2015 tournament featured more than 40 former NBA players, including Royce White, Nate Robinson, and Brian Scalabrine. In 2016, the tournament featured more than 50 former NBA players, including Hakim Warrick, Jason Williams, Mike Bibby, and Jimmer Fredette. That year, former NBA players such as John Wall, Kristaps Porzingis, Rudy Gay, and Austin Rivers served as boosters for different teams.
In 2017, Carmelo Anthony, an NBA player, acted as host for the tournament in Baltimore, where he played high school basketball. The 2019 tournament saw even more NBA involvement, with Chris Paul and DeMarcus Cousins entering teams, while Bobby Portis and Andre Drummond coached TBT sides.
The tournament has also featured NBA coaches. In 2017, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard coached Weber State alums in the tournament. In 2019, Wes Matthews, Darren Collison, and twins Markieff and Marcus Morris coached teams in the field.
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The 2022 final was held between Blue Collar U and Autism Army
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played in the United States. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar, and the stakes are a cash prize for the winning team.
The championship prize money has changed over the years. It was originally $500,000 in 2014, then increased to $1 million in 2015, and was $2 million from 2016 through 2019. Since 2020, the top prize has been $1 million.
The 2022 final was held between Blue Collar U (Buffalo) and Autism Army. Blue Collar U dominated the game, outscoring Autism Army in every quarter and ultimately winning 89–67. The winning points came on a dunk by Montell McRae, and C. J. Massinburg of Blue Collar U was named MVP.
The 2022 final showcased the talent and determination of both teams, with Blue Collar U ultimately claiming the victory and taking home the $1 million prize. This game marked the conclusion of a hard-fought tournament, with teams battling it out in previous rounds to advance and secure their place in the final.
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The tournament features a 64-team field
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) is an annual, open-invitation, single-elimination tournament played in the United States. The tournament was founded in 2014 by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar, and it has since aired on TV networks like Fox and ESPN.
The number of teams playing in the tournament has varied since its establishment, ranging from 24 teams in 2020 to as many as 97 teams in 2015. However, in recent years, the tournament has typically featured a 64-team field. This format was introduced in 2016 to create a cleaner bracket and eliminate bye rounds, as stated by Mugar.
The 64 teams are divided into eight regions, with each regional winner advancing to the championship venue. The tournament has attracted players from various backgrounds, including former NBA players, college basketball stars, and international players.
In the 2017 and 2018 editions of the tournament, the $2 million prize was highly anticipated by the participants. The substantial cash reward added excitement and motivation for the teams vying for the championship.
The TBT has seen several successful teams over the years. Overseas Elite, a team composed of former college stars playing overseas, was the two-time defending champion in 2017 and three-time defending champion in 2018. Other notable alumni teams that have won the tournament include Buffalo, Marquette, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Syracuse.
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Frequently asked questions
Overseas Elite won the $2 million prize in 2016, defeating Team Colorado 77-72. Arizona alumnus Kyle Fogg was named MVP.
The tournament was founded by real estate developer and TV producer Jonathan Mugar in 2014.
Sixty teams participated in the 2017 tournament, with the final four coming from the TBT Jamboree.











































