More Details Emerge About South Carolina’s Thanksgiving Trip to the Players Era Championship
Plans for the Players Era Championship, where South Carolina women’s basketball will compete this Thanksgiving, are coming into sharper focus.
The event debuted last year as a men’s tournament, but 2025 marks the introduction of the women’s edition — featuring South Carolina, Duke, Texas, and UCLA squaring off in Las Vegas.
What makes the Players Era Championship stand out isn’t just the chance to play back-to-back games against top-10 competition, but also its strong NIL incentives.
According to event organizers, “the Players Era Men’s and Women’s Championships will feature over $20 million in guaranteed sponsor NIL activities for participating teams. These NIL activities will take place during ancillary events that are separate from the players’ participation in the Players Era games.”
While some specifics remain under wraps, new developments were revealed Friday, including a high-profile media partnership.
A collaboration between the Players Era Championships and the popular “All the Smoke” podcast, hosted by former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, will bring fans unique content from Las Vegas. The deal promises “behind-the-scenes access, exclusive interviews, player profiles, game-day features, social media drops, and live tournament storytelling.” Content featuring Dawn Staley is expected to be a highlight of the coverage.
Players Era CEO Seth Berger emphasized the mission behind the partnership: “supporting college athletes’ rights to monetize their NILs.”
For South Carolina, the action tips off November 26 against Duke, followed by a matchup with either Texas or UCLA on November 27. Both games will be played at Michelob Ultra Arena at Mandalay Bay and broadcast nationally by TNT Sports.
