Creighton Gets Postseason Shot in Las Vegas Crown Tournament

The Bluejays will compete in the eight-team College Basketball Crown tournament after missing the NCAA Tournament.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 11:37pm

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When the NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed, the Creighton Bluejays were left out. However, the team will still get a chance to play in April as they have been invited to compete in the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas. The eight-team single-elimination tournament features teams that did not make the NCAA Tournament, with players able to earn NIL money based on their team's performance.

Why it matters

The Crown tournament provides an opportunity for Creighton to end their season on a high note after a disappointing 15-17 overall record and 9-11 conference mark. The chance to compete for a postseason title and earn NIL money is significant for the program and its players.

The details

The College Basketball Crown tournament was founded by AEG and Fox Sports in 2025. This year's eight-team field includes Creighton, Baylor, Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Rutgers, Stanford, and West Virginia. Games will be played at MGM Grand Garden Arena and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Creighton will open against Rutgers on April 2, with the winner advancing to face either Stanford or West Virginia in the semifinals on April 4. The championship game is on April 5.

  • The NCAA Tournament bracket was revealed on Sunday night.
  • The College Basketball Crown field was announced on Monday.
  • Creighton will play Rutgers in the first round on Thursday, April 2 at 9:30 p.m. CT.
  • The semifinals are on Saturday, April 4 at 3 p.m. CT.
  • The championship game is on Sunday, April 5.

The players

Creighton Bluejays

The men's basketball team from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska that finished the regular season with a 15-17 overall record and 9-11 mark in Big East play, missing the NCAA Tournament.

Rutgers

One of the eight teams invited to compete in the College Basketball Crown tournament, joining Creighton, Baylor, Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Stanford, and West Virginia.

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What’s next

Creighton will face Rutgers in the first round of the College Basketball Crown tournament on Thursday, April 2. The winner will advance to the semifinals on Saturday, April 4.

The takeaway

The College Basketball Crown tournament provides a unique postseason opportunity for teams that missed the NCAA Tournament, allowing them to compete for a championship and earn NIL money. For Creighton, it's a chance to end their season on a high note after a disappointing regular season.