Everything to know for men’s college basketball Thanksgiving tournaments

Hope there’s room on the plate for men’s college basketball this Thanksgiving, as there’s a full serving of games taking place over the holiday week.

Multi-team events (MTE) bring teams across the country to give them a simulation what happens of March Madness by playing games in consecutive days against quality teams. It’s a great opportunity to gain precious Quad 1 and 2 wins that will come in handy on Selection Sunday.

Some tournaments have already begun and wrapped up, but Thanksgiving week is where the most notable ones are served up, like a loaded field in Las Vegas and a classic from the island of Maui. In total, 13 teams in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll will be in action at MTEs, and there are other that could be ranked after strong showings.

Here is a rundown of the major tournaments to keep watch:

Player’s Era Festival

• When: Nov. 24-27
• Where: MGM Grand Garden Arena and Michelob Ultra Arena, Las Vegas.
• Teams: No. 2 Houston, No. 6 Michigan, No. 11 Alabama, No. 12 Gonzaga, No. 14 Iowa State, No. 16 St. John’s, No. 17 Tennessee, No. 23 Kansas, Auburn, Baylor, Creighton, Maryland, Notre Dame, Oregon, Rutgers, San Diego State, Syracuse, UNLV
• Bracket/schedule: Here
• Why it’s important: It doesn’t get much better than this event. Eighteen teams play in a loaded tournament that feature several national championship contenders. Last season’s runner-up Houston headlines the field with Alabama, Gonzaga, Iowa State and St. John’s all having a chance to prove they’re among the Final Four contenders. Creighton, Baylor and Oregon also have opportunities to make their mark. It will two days of basketball from morning to late night, with quality contests in Alabama vs. Gonzaga and St. John’s vs. Iowa State. After the two days, the championship round is determined by record, followed by point differential − points scored and points allowed. More than likely, every team will play a ranked opponent.

Maui Invitational

• When: Nov. 24-26
• Where: Lahaina Civic Center, Lahaina, Hawaii.
• Teams: Arizona State, Boise State, Chaminade, North Carolina State, Seton Hall, Texas, Southern California, Washington State
• Bracket/schedule: Here
• Why it’s important: One of the most well-known tournament in the sport, the Maui Invitational has lost some luster in 2025 with fewer high-caliber teams. Still, this is a bracket to watch as most of the field are trying to prove they are NCAA Tournament-worthy. The main teams to watch include North Carolina State and Texas, both of which have first-year coaches expected to bring success back to their respective programs. There’s also a strong USC team trying to take the next step under Eric Musselman.

Acrisure Series

• When: Nov. 25-28
• Where: Acrisure Arena, Palm Desert, Calif.
• Teams: Grand Canyon, Iowa, Mississippi and Utah are among 20 teams.
• Bracket/schedule: Here
• Why it’s important: A plethora of games will take place in the desert of California for the Acrisure Series, but the one bracket to watch includes this crop of teams. It starts with new look Iowa under Ben McCollum, who has brought some key players from Drake already making an impact. The Hawkeyes will open against Mississippi, which hopes to stay as player in the SEC. Meanwhile, Utah and Grand Canyon have a shot at picking up two major wins.

Battle 4 Atlantis

• When: Nov. 26-28
• Where: Imperial Arena, Paradise Island, Bahamas.
• Teams: Colorado State, Saint Mary’s, South Florida, Vanderbilt, Virginia Commonwealth, Virginia Tech, Wichita State and Western Kentucky
• Bracket/schedule: Here
• Why it’s important: The Bahamas will be the place to watch for mid-major fans with several participating in the Battle 4 Atlantis. Vanderbilt is one of the two power conference teams and will be the favorite, but it won’t be a cakewalk. Saint Mary’s looks like it will be headed to another tournament, and it will start play against Wichita State. Colorado State lost plenty from last season’s squad but will get a chance to stay in the upper part of the Mountain West, starting against Virginia Tech.

ESPN Events Invitational (Magic Bracket)

• When: Nov. 24-28
• Where: State Farm Field House, Kissimmee, Fla.
• Teams: No. 10 Brigham Young, Dayton, Georgetown and Miami among 16 teams.
• Bracket/schedule: Here
• Why it’s important: BYU will be a team to watch all season, and the Cougars will head to Florida as heavy favorites in the Magic Bracket of this multiple tournament event. AJ Dybantsa and company will start against Miami with new coach Jai Lucas. On the other side are potential dark horse teams not to sleep on; Georgetown has looked impressive early with wins over Maryland and Clemson, while Dayton just beat Marquette on the road.

Rady Children’s Invitational

• When: Nov. 27-28
• Where: Jenny Craig Pavilion, San Diego.
• Teams: No. 9 Florida, No. 21 Wisconsin, Providence, TCU
• Bracket/schedule: Here
• Why it’s important: Defending champion Florida makes a rare trip out West for another test for the Gators against Power conference teams. They will get an enigma in TCU, which has looked in some games and flat in others. In the other matchup, Big Ten hopeful Wisconsin is coming off a tough loss to BYU and will face Providence. It is expect the Gators and the Badgers will meet in the championship round as any other result for the two would be disastrous.

Fort Myers Tip-Off

• When: Nov. 24-27
• Where: Suncoast Credit Union Arena, Fort Myers, Fla.
• Teams: No. 18 Michigan State, No. 19 North Carolina, East Carolina and St. Bonaventure among eight teams.
• Bracket/schedule:Here
• Why it’s important: The first day in the Beach Division of the Fort Myers Tip-Off won’t be as intriguing with Michigan State taking on East Carolina and North Carolina facing St. Bonaventure. But it’s Thanksgiving day when it’ll be a game to watch. The Tar Heels and Spartans will meet in a battle of powerhouses that have looked exceptional so far. North Carolina has a dominant win over Kentucky and Michigan State shot the lights out against those Wildcats in the Champions Classic. A great opportunity for one to post a huge resume win.