Hoyas Eye $500K in NIL Prizes at Crown Basketball Tourney

Hoya fans, the thrill of March Madness isn’t over yet! The **Georgetown Hoyas** have received an exciting invitation to participate in the inaugural **College Basketball Crown**, a fresh postseason tournament launched by **FOX Sports** and **AEG**. Although our beloved Blue & Gray won’t be seen in the NCAA Tournament bracket this year, the Crown provides an incredible opportunity to compete on the court while vying for a jaw-dropping **$500,000 Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) prize pool**.

This isn’t just another run-of-the-mill consolation tournament. The **College Basketball Crown** aims to become the premier postseason event for teams outside the NCAA’s traditional 68-team field, boasting a riveting **16-team bracket** that will culminate in **Las Vegas** from **March 31st to April 6th**.

Why This Tournament Matters

The stakes have been raised significantly. Through the **Vivid Seats Ambassador Program**, a whopping **$500,000 NIL endorsement pool** is now available to the top finishers in the tournament.

Breaking Down the NIL Prize Money

Here’s how the NIL prize money breaks down:

• Tournament Champion: **$300,000 NIL package**
• Runner-Up: **$100,000 NIL package**
• Semifinalists (Third and Fourth Place): **$50,000 NIL package each**

Impact on College Basketball

This groundbreaking concept injects fresh excitement and motivation into postseason play. As **AEG President & COO of Global Partnerships, Nick Baker**, remarked, “this tournament is enhancing college basketball for student athletes, for fans and for brands.”

Mark Your Calendars: Georgetown’s Road to Glory

Georgetown’s journey begins on **Monday, March 31st, at 11 PM ET** against the **Washington State Cougars** in the tournament’s first round, with the matchup being broadcast live on **FS1**. This is not just any game; it’s a chance for the Hoyas to shine on a national stage.

Should Coach **Ed Cooley’s** squad manage to triumph over the Cougars, they’ll advance to the second round on **Wednesday, April 2nd, at 9:30 PM ET**, where they’ll face the winner of the first-round clash between **Nebraska and Arizona State**. Again, this game will be aired on **FS1**, and winning here would guarantee the Hoyas a slice of the NIL prize money—at minimum **$50,000** to be split amongst team members. The journey continues with the **semifinals on Saturday, April 5th**, at the **T-Mobile Arena**, also featuring live coverage on **FOX**.

The Modern Challenges Ahead

However, as with all things in college basketball today, challenges loom large. Following the opening of the transfer portal on **March 24th**, there are already hints of roster changes on the horizon. Subsequent reports suggest that **Forward/Center Drew Fielder** has entered the transfer portal, impacting the team’s frontline depth. Likewise, **Washington State** is anticipated to experience similar player transitions, heightening the stakes for both teams.

What’s at Stake for the Hoyas?

These potential roster changes raise intriguing considerations around the distribution of the NIL prize money. A smaller team could mean fewer individual shares of the $50,000 secured by reaching the semifinals, but it could also result in heftier payouts for the players who remain. According to The Athletic, participating teams must have a minimum of seven scholarship players available, suggesting that the tournament’s organizers are well aware of this fluid dynamic.

A Unique Opportunity for Georgetown

For the Hoyas, the **College Basketball Crown** represents a unique chance to extend their season, garner valuable experience, and chase a coveted championship. The tangible benefits of the NIL prize pool can serve as a powerful motivator for student-athletes involved, particularly for a program poised in a **rebuilding phase**. As **Chris Holtmann** of **DePaul** put it, this tournament poses an opportunity for teams to capitalize on their efforts as they look to enhance their program’s future prospects.

While the Georgetown faithful will be glued to the action unfolding in Las Vegas, the allure of a significant NIL reward adds a tantalizing layer of excitement to this postseason adventure. With BIG EAST teams not performing particularly well lately, it’s time for Georgetown, alongside their conference mates, to seize the moment and assert their presence on this grand stage.

But remember, the **transfer portal** is always lurking and both **DePaul, Butler, Villanova**, and Georgetown could all benefit from attracting a new player or two to bolster their chances.