Gophers Accept Bid to Crown Men's Basketball Tournament

Minnesota to compete in second-year event with $500,000 NIL purse

Mar. 31, 2026 at 10:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The University of Minnesota men's basketball team has accepted an invitation to play in the College Basketball Crown tournament in Las Vegas, despite a short-handed roster and season-ending injuries to three starters. The decision was influenced by a $500,000 name, image and likeness (NIL) purse for the event, which will allow the Gophers to continue their season under first-year head coach Niko Medved.

Why it matters

The Crown tournament provides the Gophers an opportunity to build momentum heading into next season, despite a challenging year marked by injuries. The significant NIL payout also gives Minnesota's players a chance to capitalize on their brand and performance. As the college sports landscape continues to evolve with NIL rights, events like the Crown highlight how money can influence team and player decisions.

The details

Minnesota is one of eight high-major programs participating in the second-year Crown tournament. The Gophers (15-17) will face Baylor (16-16) in the opening round on Wednesday. Minnesota will continue to use a six-player rotation that emerged late in the regular season due to injuries. The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, with the championship game on Sunday. Last year's winner, Nebraska, took home $300,000 in NIL earnings.

  • The Gophers were invited to the Crown tournament a few weeks ago.
  • The opening-round game against Baylor is scheduled for Wednesday, March 31 at 9:30 p.m.
  • The semifinals are on Saturday, April 2, and the championship game is on Sunday, April 3.

The players

Niko Medved

The head coach of the University of Minnesota men's basketball team.

Isaac Asuma

The Gophers' starting point guard, who will return for the 2026-27 season.

Bobby Durkin

A wing player for the Gophers who will also return next season.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'They wanted to play. And if they wanted to play, then I'm all in.'”

— Niko Medved, Head Coach, University of Minnesota

“'I knew going down the wire; we were right there. We finished 11th in the Big Ten (and nine made March Madness). I think, obviously, they look at NET rankings and stuff. Maybe for some of the teams, with a different situation where they were, it didn't make sense.'”

— Niko Medved, Head Coach, University of Minnesota

What’s next

The Gophers will face Baylor in the opening round of the Crown tournament on Wednesday, March 31. If they win, they will advance to the semifinals on Saturday, April 2, and potentially the championship game on Sunday, April 3.

The takeaway

The Gophers' decision to participate in the Crown tournament, despite a challenging season, highlights the growing influence of name, image and likeness (NIL) rights in college sports. The significant NIL payout provides an incentive for Minnesota's players to continue their season, even with a short-handed roster, as they look to build momentum heading into the 2026-27 campaign.