Kansas and Kansas State are both expected to be part of the field for the expanded 2026 Players Era Men’s Championship in Las Vegas, according to reports.
Kansas State has received an invitation to the tournament, which will be played during Thanksgiving week in 2026 at MGM Grand Arena and Michelob Ultra Arena. Kansas is also listed among the Big 12 teams slated to compete.
The Wildcats and Jayhawks will be part of a Big 12 contingent that includes Baylor, Houston, Iowa State, TCU, Texas Tech and West Virginia. The Big 12 and Players Era recently announced a partnership that guarantees the league eight teams in the expanded 32-team field.
The Players Era Men’s Championship debuted in 2024 with eight teams and expanded to 18 teams in 2025. Oregon won the inaugural title in 2024, while Michigan claimed the championship this past season.
Additional details on the 2026 tournament field and format are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.