
ABOUT TBT
$2 Million. Winner. Takes. All.
The home of the Elam Ending®, The Basketball Tournament (TBT) has grown from a bold idea among friends into one of the most exciting events on the summer sports calendar. With national TV exposure, viral social media moments, and regional championships held across the country, TBT delivers a high-energy single elimination tournament that culminates in a $2 million, winner-take-all championship game.
Since tipping off in 2014, TBT has showcased alumni teams from many of the nation’s top programs, including Kentucky, Kansas, UConn, Louisville, Syracuse, Ohio State, Houston, and 2025 Champions, Wichita State. Year after year, the tournament reunites some of college basketball’s biggest stars and fan favorites, bringing them back to campus to compete in front of the same passionate crowds that cheered them on during their college careers. For TBT 2026 and beyond, we’re officially entering a NEW ERA…

What is The Elam Ending?
Designed to preserve a more natural end of game finish, the Elam Ending® calls for the game clock to be shut off in the fourth quarter. A Target Score is set by adding 8 points to the leading team’s score. The first team to reach the Target Score wins. For example, if the score is 80-72, the Target Score becomes 88. The first team to reach 88 wins. Once the game clock is eliminated, trailing teams are allowed to focus on getting stops, rather than preventing the clock from running out.
After testing the format out in 2017, TBT implemented it for all games beginning in 2018. The results were eye-opening. Not only did players embrace the concept, but it also led to a markedly more electrifying and intense experience for fans.
Past TBT Champions

2025 CHAMPIONS
AFTERSHOCKS (WICHITA STATE ALUMNI)

2024 CHAMPIONS
CARMEN’S CREW (OHIO STATE ALUMNI)

2023 CHAMPIONS
HEARTFIRE

2022 CHAMPIONS
BLUE COLLAR U (BUFFALO ALUMNI)

2021 CHAMPIONS
BOEHEIM’S ARMY (SYRACUSE ALUMNI)

202O CHAMPIONS
GOLDEN EAGLES (MARQUETTE ALUMNI)

2019 CHAMPIONS
CARMEN’S CREW (OHIO STATE ALUMNI)

2015-18 CHAMPIONS
OVERSEAS ELITE (FOUR-PEAT)
