South Carolina, UCLA, Duke, Texas selected to compete in Players Era Women’s Championship in 2025

The tournament will take place over three days during the Thanksgiving week and coincide with next year’s men’s championship. Each of the teams will play the other three teams in a round-robin style. The champion will be determined by head-to-head record, then a series of tiebreakers including point differential, points scored and points allowed.

“Players Era is creating the first-ever tentpole women’s college basketball MTE with an unbelievably loaded field and fascinating storylines, early season matchups that are sure to set the tone for the rest of the season,” said Players Era CEO Seth Berger, as reported by UCLA Bruins news. “Our women’s championship includes the same level of guaranteed NIL opportunities for the players as the men’s championship. Women’s college basketball continues to drive an unprecedented level of excitement and engagement, and this incredible lineup with four national championship contenders is going to transform what’s possible for women’s college basketball early-season competition and is going to be one of the most anticipated sports events of the year.”

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So far in the 2024-25 season, these four teams are sitting in the top 10 of the poll, with UCLA in the No. 1 spot spot and South Carolina just behind at No. 2.. Texas is ranked sixth currently, while Duke is ninth. UCLA is currently undefeated this season.

“We’re excited to be among the first women’s teams invited to play in the Players Era Women’s Championship,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said, as reported in an ABC article. “This innovative event brings together everything we’re looking for — quality games early in the season, a great location for fans to come and enjoy, and NIL opportunities for our players.”

South Carolina has already faced Duke and UCLA this season — with the Bruins beating the Gamecocks, ending their 43-game winning streak. Since Texas moved to the SEC this year, they will be playing against South Carolina as well this season.

“As a program striving to consistently compete at a championship level, it’s essential to measure ourselves against the best,” UCLA coach Cori Close said in the UCLA Bruins article. “We’re excited for a rematch with South Carolina and the opportunity to compete against other exceptional programs at the Player’s Era Women’s Championship. This will be the premier out of conference tournament with a national audience to boot. It is a great honor to be included in this elite event.“

The first-of-its-kind college basketball event began in 2024 and will be integrating women into the event in 2025. The event debuted just last month at MGM Grand Garden Arena, with Oregon winning the men’s championship against Alabama 83-81. At the event, players engaged in $9 million of NIL activities.

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