Michigan and Gonzaga Meet for Players Era Championship in Vegas

Las Vegas, NV – The seventh-ranked University of Michigan men’s basketball team takes on No. 12 Gonzaga in the Players Era Festival championship on November 26, 2025. The game is set to tip off at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will be broadcast on TNT.

This matchup marks only the second meeting between the two programs, with Michigan emerging victorious in their previous encounter during the 2019 Battle 4 Atlantis championship.

Heading into the finals, Michigan holds a perfect record of 6-0 and is fresh off a commanding 102-72 victory over No. 21 Auburn in the semifinals. The Wolverines displayed a strong offense with six players scoring in double figures. They dominated the paint with a scoring margin of 56-32.

Gonzaga also boasts an undefeated record of 7-0 and features a balanced attack, scoring an average of 95 points per game. The Bulldogs advanced to the championship with significant wins over No. 8 Alabama and Maryland. They have averaged a +32.9 scoring margin throughout the season.

Michigan’s performance in the tournament so far, including a 94-54 win over San Diego State, demonstrated their strong defense and fast-paced play. In that game, they recorded 11 steals and capitalized on second-chance points, highlighting their effectiveness on both ends of the court.

Gonzaga’s standout players include Graham Ike, who averages 17 points and 9 rebounds, and Braden Huff, shooting an impressive 67.5% from the field. The matchup could showcase a high-scoring affair given both teams’ offensive efficiencies.

As part of this multi-day college basketball showcase, the Players Era Festival not only highlights the skills on the court but also emphasizes the importance of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities for student-athletes. It will be an exciting event for fans, teams, and future athletes.

The championship promises to deliver an exhilarating game for both teams, as they vie for early-season bragging rights and a coveted title.