Syracuse men’s basketball: Orange to not participate in 2026 Players Era Tournament

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 25: Kiyan Anthony #7 of the Syracuse Orange drives against Flory Bidunga #40 of the Kansas Jayhawks in the second half of their game during the Players Era Championship basketball tournament at MGM Grand Garden Arena on November 25, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Jayhawks defeated the Orange 71-60. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Syracuse Orange men’s basketball team will not be competing in the 2026 Players Era Festival, a team spokesperson confirmed to TNIAAM on Wednesday.

Syracuse was one of 18 teams who participated in the NIL-based tournament in 2025, which was based out of Las Vegas. It went 0-3 in the Players Era, with losses to Houston, Kansas and Iowa State. The spokesperson also confirmed whether Syracuse was paid for taking part in Players Era last year.

Sportico had previously reported several programs who participated were still awaiting NIL payouts. “Syracuse has received its tournament payout from the 2025 event,” the spokesperson wrote in a statement to TNIAAM. BREAKING NEWS: @Cuse_MBB will not be participating in the 2026 Players Era Festival in Las Vegas, a Syracuse men's basketball spokesperson confirmed to @NunesMagician .

Syracuse was one of 18 teams who competed in the NIL-based tournament this past season. — Dominic Chiappone (@DominicChiappo2) April 1, 2026 Recently, it was unclear whether Syracuse would be competing in the 2026 version of the tournament, which first began in 2024 with eight teams. A social media post by Players Era in mid-February notably included Syracuse guard Kiyan Anthony and said the 2026 field would “be elite, powered by all the returning programs from 2025.