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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Alabama basketball payout from Players Era Festival dropped from $1m to $100K for 2025
Alabama basketball is headed back to Las Vegas to collect the only guaranteed cash in Sin City. The Crimson Tide walked away from the 2024 Players Era Festival tournament with the $1 million it was promised for participating, plus $250k for finishing runner-up to Oregon. Although it was harder to enjoy the payday with the loss of Latrell Wrightsell Jr. to injury against the Ducks, the three-day competition was one of the turning points on Alabama's second straight run to the Elite Eight. As a result, there wasn't a question as to whether UA would try for the title again. This year still offers high-value competition, but the dollar amount banked by Alabama and the 17 other participating teams will be smaller. LOOKING AHEAD! Alabama basketball and USF series is official: Where could 2026 game in Tampa be played? REQUIRED READING: Alabama basketball's Grant Nelson shares story behind viral black-eye with Brooklyn Nets According to contracts obtained by The Tuscaloosa News through an open records request to the University of Alabama, Alabama will receive a "sponsor fee" of $100k − far less from the base $1 million teams received in 2024. ESPN and CBS claimed each team will receive more than $1 million, but that amount wasn't listed anywhere as a guaranteed payout in Alabama's contract, nor were any bonuses for taking the championship or finishing runner-up. Per Jeff Goodman of the Field of 68, only the tournament winner is guaranteed $1 million while the second-, third- and fourth-place teams will receive $500k, $300k and $200k, respectively. The financial difference can be explained by the expansion of the Players Era Festival, which will now host 18 teams after only hosting eight (Alabama, Creighton, Houston, Notre Dame, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego State, Texas A&M) last year, as well as House settlement rules that restrict power-conference schools to a cap of nearly $20 million per year given directly to athletes. Per Alabama's contract, the tournament is making up for the lower take-home amount with the following benefits: a $50k airfare stipend, seven nights of lodging at MGM Grand for up to 35 people − and "up to one suite" at the hotel ‒ three meals per day and a 50-passenger motor coach for each day of the tournament. With the exception of Texas A&M, UA will be joined by all of the inaugural teams at the 2025 tournament, along with new participants Maryland, Auburn, Baylor, Gonzaga, Iowa State, Kansas, Michigan, St. John's, Syracuse, Tennessee and UNLV. Here's a look at the full schedule. When will Alabama basketball play in 2025 Players Era Festival? All times are CT. Monday, Nov. 24 Tennessee vs. Rutgers, 12 p.m. Baylor vs. Creighton, 1 p.m. Kansas vs. Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m. St. John's vs. Iowa State, 3:30 p.m. Houston vs. Syracuse, 5 p.m. Oregon vs. Auburn, 7 p.m. Alabama vs. Gonzaga, 8:30 p.m. Michigan vs. San Diego State, 9:30 p.m. Maryland vs. UNLV, 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25 Rutgers vs. Notre Dame, 12 p.m. Iowa State vs. Creighton, 1:30 p.m. Kansas vs. Syracuse, 2:30 p.m. St. John's vs. Baylor, 4 p.m. Houston vs. Tennessee, 5 p.m. Michigan vs. Auburn, 7:30 p.m. Gonzaga vs. Maryland, 8:30 p.m. Oregon vs. San Diego State, 10 p.m. Alabama vs. UNLV, 11 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26 Consolation/third-place game: 5 p.m. Championship game: 8:30 p.m. Where could Alabama basketball play while in Las Vegas? Michelob Ultra Arena and MGM Grand Garden Arena were listed in the contract as the two possible venues where Alabama could play during its time in Las Vegas. How much will tickets be for Players Era Festival? Alabama's contract with the Players Era Festival required the school to purchase 500 tickets to each of its games and outlined an "average ticket value" of $150, highlighting a 10% discount "applied before purchase." Thereafter, the participant is allowed to resell the tickets "for any price it wishes." Expect for the ticket package to be valued at over $150 once they're available for sale through UA. Emilee Smarr covers Alabama basketball and Crimson Tide athletics for the Tuscaloosa News. She can be reached via email at esmarr@ This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Why Alabama basketball payout from Players Era dropped from $1m to $100K
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ranking the Top 10 Alabama moments from 2024-25 school year
Throughout the 2024-25 school year, there were countless memorable moments from the Alabama Crimson Tide athletic program between the months of August and May. For example, who can forget some of the moments during football games back in the fall against the likes of Georgia and LSU, as well as numerous others within the winter and spring months as each of Alabama's men's and women's basketball, baseball, and softball teams made runs to the NCAA Tournament? Having already taken a look at Alabama's top individual athletes from this past year as well, why not continue that same trend by now looking at some of the Crimson Tide's best moments, or plays, in particular? Here is a ranking of Alabama's best individual moments from the 2024-25 school year, starting with No. 10. 10. Doris Lemngole, Samuel Ogazi win outdoor national championships One of Alabama's final moments of the 2024-25 year came at the outdoor track and field championships when the duo of Doris Lemngole and Samuel Ogazi both took home national titles. Lemngole broke the collegiate record while winning the women's 3,000m steeplechase national title, while Ogazi took home men's 400m honors. 9. Grant Nelson blocks Duke's Cooper Flagg in Elite Eight A moment that captured national attention, Alabama forward Grant Nelson denied Duke's Cooper Flagg at the rim during the Crimson Tide's Elite Eight loss at the hands of the Blue Devils, something few, if any, did throughout the 2024-25 college basketball season to the future No. 1 overall pick. Yes, there were not many memorable moments from an Alabama standpoint in this season-ending loss, but this block from Nelson was certainly one that could be talked about for years to come as both enter the NBA. 8. Jalen Milroe's touchdown seals dominant win at LSU Alabama's 42-13 victory over LSU was one of the more dominant showings we have seen from the Crimson Tide in Baton Rouge recently, with the long touchdown run from quarterback Jalen Milroe likely the memorable moment to take away. Already owning a multi-score lead late, Milroe opened the fourth quarter with a 72-yard touchdown run where the Alabama quarterback was untouched on his way to the end zone, sending the remaining fans within Tiger Stadium heading for the exits, as well as capping a two-year span in which he owned LSU's defense on the ground. 7. Grant Nelson posterizes Auburn's Dylan Cardwell, hits 'Crimson Crane' This moment from Nelson inside Neville Arena when he put Auburn center Dylan Cardwell on a poster will be one played on repeat for years to come when talked about the greatest "I.B.O.B." (Iron Bowl of Basketball) moments from recent seasons. Following the dunk, Nelson also hit the "Crimson Crane" pose in the middle of the court as well, becoming one of the more memorable moments of a massive Alabama road win in Auburn. 6. Alabama's late inning comeback, Will Hodo walk-off vs. Ohio State Few of Alabama baseball's moments were bigger this year than this early season comeback against Ohio State in Jacksonville, one in which the Crimson Tide erased a 10-run fourth inning deficit to eventually win 12-10. Capping the comeback was a walk-off three-run home run by Alabama first baseman Will Hodo in the bottom of the ninth inning. 5. Alabama breaks 35-year-old NCAA Tournament record No team in NCAA Tournament history made more three-pointers than Alabama did in their Sweet 16 win over BYU, and this was a big reason as to why the Crimson Tide routed the Cougars, 113-88. Overall, Alabama made 25-of-51 three-point attempts (49%), headlined by a 10-for-16 showing from Mark Sears, breaking a 35-year-old NCAA Tournament record that had stood since 1990. 4. Sarah Ashlee Barker forces double overtime, breaks program record There were few individual performances better than what Sarah Ashlee Barker did in a second round loss against Maryland in the NCAA Tournament, breaking the Alabama program record for points in a game with 45. As part of this performance, Barker also delivered one of the more memorable individual moments of the year, making three consecutive free throws with 0.7 seconds remaining to force double overtime. 3. Zabien Brown's game-sealing interception vs. Georgia Likely the Crimson Tide's biggest win on the football field last fall, Alabama's victory over Georgia produced many memorable moments, the first of which was this huge game-sealing interception in the end zone by true freshman cornerback Zabien Brown. With the Crimson Tide owning a lead late with Georgia driving to potentially take a lead, Brown intercepted a pass by Georgia quarterback Carson Beck with under a minute remaining to seal the victory, sending Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium into an absolute uproar for the second time in the fourth quarter. 2. Mark Sears' game-winning overtime buzzer-beater at Auburn An overtime game at in-state rival Auburn, Alabama's Mark Sears delivered one the most memorable moments of the 2024-25 year back on March 8, beating the No. 1 ranked Tigers in a Top 10 road matchup on a buzzer-beater, 93-91. With the score tied at 91, Sears drove down the middle to the lane to shoot a floater over Auburn's Denver Jones as the buzzer sounded, sending a packed Neville Arena into a stunned silence while the Crimson Tide team celebrated in the jungle. 1. Ryan Williams' game-winning touchdown vs. Georgia Speaking of that aforementioned fourth quarter against Georgia, the Bulldogs erased a multi-score deficit in order to take the lead late, but Alabama immediately responded after with a score of their own on the very next play from scrimmage, as Milroe hit wide receiver Ryan Williams for a 75-yard touchdown pass that ultimately won the game for the Crimson Tide, 41-34. Happening with a little over two minutes remaining, Williams jumped in the air to catch the pass, spun away from defenders, and sped toward the end zone, while also catapulting himself into college football stardom in the process. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. This article originally appeared on Roll Tide Wire: Ryan Williams, Mark Sears top Alabama Crimson Tide 2024-25 moments
USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Every former Alabama basketball player on a 2025 NBA Summer League roster
With the start of the 2025 NBA Summer League set to begin Saturday with events in San Francisco and Salt Lake City, rosters for the league's annual showcase are officially set. Alabama basketball has several former players that will suit up for Summer League action. From recent undrafted free agents Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Clifford Omoruyi and Chris Youngblood, to former Alabama players Kira Lewis Jr., Alex Reese and others, a total of nine former Crimson Tide players will occupy Summer League rosters. Game will be played primarily in Las Vegas, July 10-20. The Summer League provides an opportunity for rookies and players on two-way or Exhibit-10 contracts to compete for NBA roster spots. Since games are televised/streamed on NBA TV and ESPN, fans can also tune in to see which players are making a name for themselves. Here's a look at every former Alabama player competing in the 2025 NBA Summer League. Alex Reese Years at Alabama: 2017-18 through 2020-21 Summer League Team: Philadelphia 76ers 2024-25 teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, Philadelphia 76ers, Delaware Blue Coats (G League), Rip City Remix (G League) 2024-25 stats G League: 21 games, 17.4 PPG, 7.0 REB, 1.3 assists, 1.3 steals, 1.8 blocks, 44.4 FG% NBA: 15 games, 5.1 PPG, 3.1 REB, 48.1 FG% Kira Lewis Jr. Years at Alabama: 2018-19 through 2019-20 Summer League Team: Miami Heat 2024-25 team: Capital City Go-Go (G League) 2024-25 stats: 31 games/starts, 13.1 PPG, 4.0 REB, 4.9 assists, 1.4 steals, 41.7 FG% Jaden Shackelford Years at Alabama: 2019-20 through 2021-22 Summer League Team: Golden State Warriors 2024-25 NBA team: Valley Suns (G League) 2024-25 stats: 34 games, 17.5 PPG, 3.5 REB, 3.0 assists, 1.2 steals, 37.5 FG% Josh Primo Years at Alabama: 2019-20 through 2021-22 Summer League Team: Chicago Bulls 2024-25 stats: None Aaron Estrada Years at Alabama: 2023-24 season Summer League Team: Memphis Grizzlies 2024-25 NBA team: Motor City Cruise (G League) 2024-25 stats: 17 games, 9.2 PPG, 3.2 REB, 3.5 assists, 45.0 FG% Mark Sears Years at Alabama: 2022-23 through 2024-25 Summer League Team: Milwaukee Bucks 2024-25 Alabama stats: 37 games/starts, 18.6 PPG, 2.9 REB, 5.1 assists, 1.0 steals, 40.3 FG% Sears signed a two-way contract with the Bucks after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft. Grant Nelson Years at Alabama: 2023-24 through 2024-25 Summer League Team: Brooklyn Nets 2024-25 Alabama stats: 37 games, 11.5 PPG, 7.6 REB, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, 52.2 FG% Nelson signed an Exhibit-10 deal with the Nets after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft. Clifford Omoruyi Years at Alabama: 2024-25 season Summer League Team: Toronto Raptors 2024-25 Alabama stats: 37 games, 7.9 PPG, 6.5 REB, 1.0 assists, 1.1 blocks, 73.4 FG% Omoruyi signed an Exhibit-10 deal with the Raptors after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft. Chris Youngblood Years at Alabama: 22024-25 Summer League Team: Oklahoma City Thunder 2024-25 Alabama stats: 28 games, 10.3 PPG, 2.3 REB, 0.9 assists, 44.7 FG% Youngblood signed an Exhibit-10 deal with the Thunder after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA draft. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama Crimson Tide news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Champions Sign Former Alabama Star Guard
NBA Champions Sign Former Alabama Star Guard originally appeared on Athlon Sports. For the second straight year, the Alabama Crimson Tide did not have a player selected in the NBA Draft. However, Alabama is fresh off another Elite Elite finish, making it to the second weekend of the March Madness Tournament for the third straight season, indicating no shortage of star power. Advertisement Following the conclusion of the second round of the 2025 NBA Draft, a quartet of former Crimson Tide stars signed with NBA franchises. On Friday, following in the footsteps of guard Mark Sears (Milwaukee Bucks), forward Grant Nelson (Brooklyn Nets), and center Clifford Omoruyi (Toronto Raptors), sharpshooter Chris Youngblood inked a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. South Florida Bulls guard Chris Youngblood (3).Chris Jones-Imagn Images Youngblood joined head coach Nate Oats and the Tide last season after a one-year stop with the South Florida Bulls, winning AAC Player of the Year. Before USF, Youngblood spent three seasons with the Kennesaw State Owls. Advertisement The fifth-year senior battled injuries last year but produced 10.3 points per game on a .45/.39/.80 shooting slash line. In a late-season SEC tilt against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, Youngblood dropped 27 points on 7-of-11 from deep. He also had a 19-point outing on five made treys against the BYU Cougars in the Sweet Sixteen. Youngblood will join the league champions after the Thunder vanquished the Indiana Pacers in seven games during the NBA Finals. It will be tough sledding for Youngblood to break the rotation, with Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, Alex Caruso, Alex Ducas, Jalen Williams, Aaron Wiggins, Ajay Mitchell, Adam Flagler, and Isaiah Jay all able to contribute as off-ball scoring guards. Related: ACC Star QB Tabs Ty Simpson as one of the 'Best' QBs in College Football This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
28-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Social media reacts to Alabama players signing undrafted NBA free agent deals
Over the course of this past Wednesday and Thursday night, the Alabama Crimson Tide did not see any of their four draft-eligible players selected in the two rounds of the 2025 NBA draft. Yes, throughout both the first-and-second rounds, none of Alabama's four draft-eligible prospects - Mark Sears, Grant Nelson, Clifford Omoruyi, and Chris Youngblood - heard their names called, and instead entered undrafted free agency late Friday night. Since, it has not taken those four Alabama players long to find a new home at the professional level either, as all have signed an undrafted free agent deal as of Friday, June 27. Let's take a look at some reactions on social media to Alabama's draft prospects landing with NBA teams on free agent deals. Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
