The College Basketball Crown returns to Las Vegas for its second year, featuring a $500,000 NIL prize pool and top-tier collegiate teams.
Oklahoma, Colorado, Baylor, Minnesota, Stanford, West Virginia, Rutgers, and Creighton will compete in the postseason tournament.
Former Notre Dame star and FOX Sports analyst LaPhonso Ellis highlighted Oklahoma as a breakout contender, citing recent momentum and motivation after missing the NCAA Tournament.
Ellis also expects West Virginia to reach the finals but sees Oklahoma’s offense overcoming the Mountaineers’ elite defense.
The NIL incentives provide crucial motivation for players coming off a two-week break following their seasons.
Defending champions Nebraska leveraged last year’s title into a successful 2025-26 campaign, finishing 28-7 and reaching the Sweet 16.
The tournament runs April 1-7, with early rounds at MGM Grand Garden Arena and finals at T-Mobile Arena. Games air on FS1 and FOX.
Opening matchups:
- Oklahoma vs. Colorado (April 1, 8 p.m. ET)
- Baylor vs. Minnesota (April 1, 10:30 p.m. ET)
- Stanford vs. West Virginia (April 2, 8 p.m. ET)
- Rutgers vs. Creighton (April 2, 10:30 p.m. ET)